The Global Positioning System was developed in the nineteen seventies to vastly improve upon the accuracy of previous navigation systems.  The success of GPS resulted in it almost completely replacing these now obsolete systems.

The GPS devices operate by receiving a constant stream of information from a network of satellites which are orbiting the earth.  The devices use this information to accurately determine its position.  In order to determine its correct position, the device has to be in contact with at least four satellites.

Essentially, the four essential components are : the precise time that the signal was sent, pin-point accuracy for the satellite’s orbit position, the overall ‘health’ of the satellite as well as a guide to the position of all GPS satellites.  The GPS tracking device will measure the transit time of the multiple signals it receives.  It then calculates the distance to each of the satellites and uses that information to work out its exact position.

Many gps trackers do more than just positioning.  Other useful information such as direction and speed can be worked out.

Originally intended for exclusive military use, it was not long before the private sector began to realise the many benefits of this accurate and global positioning system.

These days, global positioning systems are everywhere.   From taxi drivers to tourists, couriers to fleet management specialists – almost anyone can benefit.

One area where gps technology has had a significant influence is that of fleet management and vehicle tracking.  Historically, fleet managers had to rely on drivers and supervisors for information on how the vehicles were performing and how efficiently the drivers were executing their responsibilities.  And because that relied on the ‘human’ factor – there was always significant margin for error, interpretation and subjectivity.   Now, with accurate gps tracker devices integrated with fleet management software, a fleet manager’s function is now almost fully automated.  With the satellite technology, fleet management has become a much more sophisticated and efficient corporate function, with resultant improvements in customer service, operating efficiencies and asset management .