What Is GPS Vehicle Tracking and How Does It Work?
The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is powered by a global radio navigation system made up of a minimum of 24 operational satellites that continually orbit Earth. All GPS trackers rely on the same data from this satellite network to track and calculate the vehicle’s location.
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network emits radio signals from medium Earth orbit to communicate with your GPS device. Receivers process the data contained within these signals to compute the exact position of the GPS device as well as their time and the velocity of travel. The data is then sent to your computer or smartphone using the cellular network.
GPS operation is based on trilateration, which uses the position of three or more satellites and their distance from the GPS device to determine latitude, longitude, elevation and time. Information about the satellite location and signal travel time of at least four satellites will quickly and accurately calculate your vehicle’s travel route, speed and more.
Here’s how a GPS vehicle tracking system works in your fleet:
Install a GPS tracking device in each vehicle or asset you want to track.
Signals are transmitted from the satellite to the receiver.
The receiver calculates the distance between itself and the satellites in real time.
A report is created showing your vehicle’s travel distance or movement, coordinates and speed.
The data is transmitted to the GPS server using a wireless or cellular network.
GPS servers allow end-users to access reports in real-time from their computer, smartphone or tablet.
End-users can set up automated alerts for the information that is most relevant to their needs.
Tracking a vehicle with GPS can help provide real-time or historic navigation data no matter the journey. Even if the satellite signals get blocked, the GPS tracker can use cell tower signals to estimate the vehicle’s location instead. The primary purpose of this GPS technology is to track and report your vehicle’s real-time location. The data can be utilized in various ways, reporting information such as speed, direction, idle time, diagnostics and breadcrumb trails of where the vehicle has traveled.
How to Use Track Your Truck’s GPS Vehicle Tracking System
Once the tracker obtains a fix, the GPS vehicle tracking device will deliver the data to WanwayTech’s application, WanwayTrack, which you can access through the web at any time from your PC or mobile device. You receive real-time vehicle tracking updates, including location, direction, speed, idle time, start/stop and more — allowing you to manage a tighter schedule and a more efficient fleet. Get the most out of your GPS vehicle tracking system with these features:
Our vehicle tracking devices send a new GPS location update a minimum of every two minutes and typically more frequently as the device changes status or direction.
WanwayTech's tracker utilizes satellite coverage to send its GPS messages, allowing you to track your assets in the most remote of areas.
Track your vehicles with GPS for real-time mapping with automatic refresh, live tracking from your cellphone and detailed truck activity reports.
Fleet managers use GPS trackers every day to keep track of their vehicles, drivers, equipment and other assets. You can install a GPS tracker in any vehicle or asset, gathering more than just its current location. Tracking your vehicles with GPS provides valuable information for many scenarios to help you improve your fleet’s compliance, efficiency and safety.
Customized Tracking Solutions
Whether you manage a fleet of school buses or manage delivery and pickup vehicles, we can provide a tracking solution customized to meet your specific needs.