Almost every modern vehicle has built-in GPS navigation through its center console but not every car has GPS tracking. For companies that have fleets or revolve around logistics, this powerful technology can give you an edge, but how does GPS vehicle trackers work?
GPS is a powerful technology that changed how we do business, travel, and do fleet management. Here’s how it works in cars, including some technical details and use cases that you may want to add to your business.
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a tracking system that allows us to pinpoint where we are on Earth, where we’re going, and how far we are from our destination. How it works is as simple as our traditional maps but provides real-time information.
The GPS satellites communicate their position with other satellites orbiting, in a process called trilateration. They measure their relative distance to GPS vehicle trackers, which is shared between all three satellites. The measure was originally part of an initiative by the Department of Defense for military applications.
Once the location of the point, in this case, the vehicle, is determined, all three satellites deliver the data to the receiver on the vehicle. The GPS processes the information and extrapolates the satellites’ position relative to the system’s map.
Though GPS satellite navigation are up in space, they are not above the geostationary orbit. They are constantly moving to provide information to everyone around the world. There are different orbits, but typically there are 24 active satellites at any given time.
When new GPS satellites are launched, they travel at the same orbital velocity as the other satellites. Several satellites will have already moved out of their orbital velocity as each new satellite is launched.
How Does GPS Work In Cars?
Now that we know what GPS tracking is and how it works, let’s put it into one of its most valuable use cases: automobiles. As vehicles get more intelligent, they start adding GPS trackers to them by default.
The GPS tracker in a car records its exact location and tracks the speed of the vehicle. The speed and location information is then sent to the GPS system that calculates the vehicle’s position.
The car navigation uses that information to determine where it’s located and how fast it moves. The vehicle’s speed is calculated using the Doppler Effect, which measures the change in frequency of radio waves as they pass through different mediums.
As the vehicle travels, the GPS is able to calculate the distance it travels. This space is calculated by comparing the distance between the GPS tracker and the nearest GPS satellite.
GPS Tracking Applications
Fleets track employees using GPS for a variety of uses. Warehouses use GPS systems to know where inventory is located, where it is going, and how long it has been there.
GPS tracking is only helpful for many companies if employees are equipped with it. GPS technology can speed up deliveries, track shipments, and boost customer service for companies that rely heavily on transportation and logistics.
GPS tracking is beneficial for delivery services, valuable when tracking time, deadlines, and routes, also known as fleet tracking. When deliveries are late, the customer gets angry, which lowers customer satisfaction and leads to lost sales. GPS tracking can also track package delivery, highlighting the most efficient routes.
Businesses can perform GPS data visualization using Python programming to follow their fleet. They can use the analytics data from the places they visit, together with gas mileage, to extrapolate information that can help them save money and cut down on costs.
GPS In Logistics
For businesses that need reliable, timed deliveries, GPS tracking is indispensable. If deliveries are late or missing, it impacts both the customer and the delivery company. GPS technology can pinpoint the location of vehicles, allowing companies to know their exact position at all times through fleet tracking.
GPS trackers on vehicles, trucks, and trailers can also track exact stops and routes, making deliveries more efficient. Logistics companies can use GPS systems to calculate the cost of delivery. They can pinpoint the most efficient ways, find the most direct paths, and calculate delivery time.
A GPS car tracker is especially useful in the freight industry. The transport industry relies on GPS to efficiently move goods from one point to another. Delivery times can be tracked, and freight can be located.
Companies that require deliveries to be made as soon as possible can send drivers to the closest location. GPS trackers can update the customer on where their package is, whether it is on its way, and when it will arrive.
Advantages of GPS in Vehicles
GPS tracking in cars provides many advantages, especially if you’re using it with a fleet. Different businesses provide a variety of advantages that can save you time, money, and efficiency.
- Saves Time On Deliveries
For starters, GPS can help your team save time on deliveries. When customers receive late deliveries, they are less likely to reorder, so GPS tracking can give customers information about where their package is, when it will arrive, and how long it will take.
GPS car trackers in vehicles save time on deliveries by locating packages and drivers. They can deliver products more quickly, shortening delivery times for customers. If drivers know where their packages are, they can drop them off at the correct location. GPS tracking in cars allows drivers to drop packages off faster, which saves them time.
- Improves Employee Efficiency
GPS trackers in vehicles allow businesses to improve employee efficiency. They can know where drivers are located, which routes they are taking, and how long their routes take. They can use the GPS data to determine which drivers take the most efficient routes, which can save time on deliveries and help the company save money.
GPS systems can also improve employee efficiency, making employees more efficient when they know where their next stop is. It can also provide real-time traffic information that can cut down transport time.
- Improves Vehicle Efficiency
These trackers can also improve vehicle efficiency, as the logistics industry relies on GPS trackers to find efficient routes, fast deliveries, and constant movement of goods. Passive GPS, for example, can provide information on the vehicles’ speed, mileage, and course.
GPS tracking systems in vehicles allow businesses to find the best routes. If employees know where the recipients are without needing to look for a route, they can optimize delivery times and save more on gas while reducing vehicular wear and tear.
- Improves Fuel Economy
GPS trackers also improve fuel efficiency, calculating mileage, fuel usage, and route tracking. It can also create system models that estimate which routes are the most efficient, helping companies save more money. This can help fleets save money over time.
GPS tracking in cars can increase the efficiency of drivers, improving fuel economy and decreasing the amount of gas used. Drivers can avoid congested routes, which saves on gasoline and increases fuel efficiency.
- Improves Customer Satisfaction
GPS trackers in fleet management also improve customer satisfaction. When customers know when their package will arrive, they can see that your company is efficient and can make orders. When deliveries are late, customers can become impatient, unhappy with the service, and more likely to call a competitor.
GPS trackers in vehicles provide real-time information on deliveries. Customers can see where their packages are and plan their schedules accordingly. When customers know when their packages will arrive, it increases customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
GPS is a technology that’s constantly evolving. It provides many useful services, from tracking shipments to finding the most efficient routes. Tracking devices in vehicles give businesses the information to make more efficient deliveries and with less downtime.
GPS technology allows businesses to know exactly where their vehicles are, how long they take, and where they’re going.
In today’s fast-moving world, GPS technology is helping companies stay competitive, offering them an edge over businesses without this technology. It may cost more than traditional maps, but it is an investment that will help businesses flourish.
