Frequently Asked Questions
Can the GPS be used any where in the world?
Yes
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a group of 27 Earth-orbiting satellites (24 in operation and three extras in case one fails). When people talk about a "GPS," they usually mean a GPS receiver. The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system but now lets everyone use the signals.
How does GPS work?
A common misconception among most people is how GPS works. GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites should not be confused with communication satellites used for wireless communications. They are two completely separate satellite networks. All of our systems use GPS satellites for location purposes. Our real-time systems then use various wireless networks (including satellite wireless) to communicate the location data so our customers can use the vehicle tracking GPS to locate the vehicles/assets in real-time.
How does GPS vehicle tracking system work?
A GPS antenna is tethered to the unit with a lead wire (typically 10-15 feet). The GPS antenna collects the GPS data and feeds it to the unit. The unit does some processing of events and speeds. Additionally, the GPS vehicle tracking unit has a wireless modem inside, similar to ones found in cell phones. This modem is used to communicate with Global Tracking's systems. The GPS data is sent directly from the vehicle's unit to our servers, where we process the information for the user. All of this happens in real-time.
Why GSM?
Because GSM is the European standard and is being used in many other countries. Even more, it's very reliable and has a very high coverage rate compared to other communication networks.
Are there any places the Vehicle Tracking Unit cannot be used?
The GPS satellite system covers the whole world. There are more then 170 countries with GSM coverage worldwide. More about the coverage you will found at http://www.gsmworld.com .
Is the data send as voice, SMS or GSM data channel?
The VTU only uses SMS and GSM data. It takes only a very short period of time to send a SMS data package, and it only needs a very weak GSM signal (field strenght). However, transmission of a data message using the GSM modem call is still the cheapest solution at this moment.
What if the vehicle is outside the GSM coverage?
The memory of the VTU stores all the messages, and sends a message immediately when it's in reach of a GSM bas station.
What is GPS and how does it work?
GPS was developed by the U.S. military to enable accurate navigation. 24 satellites have been placed in orbit some 20.000 km from the earth's centre. GPS satellites are continuously transmitting a radio message containing information including when the data was sent, which satellite sent it and the current reliability of the system. More about that topic at link GPS tracking.
When is the vehicle invisible for the GPS?
When the GPS antenna doesn't have a clear sight off the sky, and therefore cannot see the satellites. For instance if the car is in a deep underground garage or under a metal roof. More about that at link GPS antenna installation .
Does this mean that no more tracking and tracing can be done?
No, the VTU can still send a message by GSM, and transmit the latest known position (for instance the entrance of the garage).