Since its introduction, Global Positioning System-GPS has become an integral part of our everyday lives and transformed it beyond imagination. The initial idea behind these trackers was to be used by the armed forces for accurately pointing out locations globally. The vision was transformed into a pathbreaking technology by the U.S Department of Defense (DOD) in the 1970s.
There are 7 major applications of GPS tracking devices and we are going to cover them all in our article today.
Civilians first got access to it in the 1980s, and the NAV 1000 manufactured by Magellan was the first portable GPS device. The device was bulky and could not hold a charge for more than a few hours. Thus began the foray of GPS devices into our daily lives. With subsequent advancements in technology, various such trackers & similar tracking solutions started being manufactured and made available for the masses and their personal tracking needs.
One question that is always on the mind of an average person is, how do GPS Devices Work? How useful will it be in improving their daily lives? GPS meant for everyday use are small devices that can be carried in a pocket or strapped to the body. This article will give an insight into how employing GPS-tracking devices offer convenience, comfort, and safety in everyday life.
Table of Contents
7 Applications Of GPS Tracking Devices In Your Life
Mobile Devices
The most easily accessible and affordable GPS tracker is the smartphone. The basic functionality of these GPS trackers is finding out the exact location, and the smartphone performs this function with precision. As a satellite-based positioning system, a GPS device can calculate the position based on information received from satellites. However, GPS with internet support from a cellular network can expedite delivering the satellite data to the smartphone.
Google maps are the most widely used platform globally for location solutions. Thus, a smartphone or a mobile device works as the easiest, cheapest, and the best medium for GPS tracking.
Car Trackers
GPS trackers installed in automobiles give the real-time location of the vehicle. These can be extremely useful in thefts, as the asset can be located instantly. These GPS devices also can help concerned parents monitor the speeds and get the whereabouts of where their teenage children had been. In addition, GPS devices also provide details like fuelling history, detailed tracking history, and customization options.
Car GPS trackers can be either portable or hardwired. Mobile trackers are easy to carry and installed at any place inside the car. A hardwired tracker can be installed outside the vehicle to keep the tracker hidden or out of view. Best in performance and rated very highly are the portable trackers by Family1st GPS Tracker with 4G connectivity. These devices provide accurate and reliable location data.
Devices for Elders
The safety of our elders is of paramount importance. Most senior citizens are fiercely independent and want to live life on their terms. In such situations, their children must ensure their safety. In the case of senior citizens who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or any such condition where there are memory lapses, the GPS tracker is a life-saving device. The presence of a tracking device on the seniors provides a huge relief, knowing that their loved ones are within reach and can easily be located.
Most GPS trackers for elders are small in size and lightweight. These are tiny devices that can be either inserted into the footwear or clothes of the elderly member. You can customize these trackers to suit various types of requirements. Then some devices have an emergency button for making emergency calls to their relatives in case of any accidents.
Rated highly in the space of GPS trackers for the elderly is the Family1st Portable GPS Tracker. It is an affordable and user-friendly device and delivers superbly concerning performance and safety.
Trackers for Children
The safety of their children is of paramount importance to all parents. A good GPS tracker is the one that gives a piece of accurate information whether the child is on their way to or returning from school, playing at a park, or out with friends. These GPS tracking devices have a personal tracking system, whereby the parents can monitor the location of their children through an application either on their smartphone or tab.
Features like geofencing allow parents to pre-set a territory for their children. When a child moves out of the marked zones, an alert is sent immediately to the parents’ smartphone. There are many multi-featured GPS tracking devices available in the market for children. The
Family1st Portable Tracker stands out as a comprehensive device designed for special children. This device ticks all the checkboxes and is very user-friendly. The product is low on cost and subscription plan.
Devices for Trekking or Solo trips
For the adventurous who answer the call of the wild, GPS tracking devices are of utmost importance. Especially while exploring unchartered territories, anything unexpected can happen. There can be many kinds of dangers like natural disasters, animal attacks, health hazards, etc. Having a personal GPS tracker can be the difference between life and death. There are various trackers available which give the option of sharing the coordinates with multiple contacts who will be able to get in touch in case of any emergency.
You can also opt for tracking devices that give the option of an SOS button that can be of great help in emergencies. On pressing it during an accident, the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center will send local response teams to the relayed coordinates. The gadget is very compact, portable, and comfortable to carry.
Trackers for Sports & Health
These devices have become an integral part of sports activities and health management. Smartwatches with built-in GPS help enhance performance and safety. Smartwatches are of 2 types -Connected GPS and built-in GPS. Connected GPS means the watch relies on the smartphone’s location for tracking. Watches with built-in GPS have their receivers and do not require smartphone support.
As they measure speeds at specific points, maximum speed, and average speeds, these trackers help prepare for long-distance activities like running, swimming, or cycling. With health monitoring technology like heartbeats and pulse per minute, GPS trackers help maintain a daily exercise routine and give a much-needed psychological boost. The feel-good factor of consistently achieving measurable daily goals will result in desired mental stability and satisfaction.
Pet Trackers
GPS tracking solutions have brought about a revolution in pet care. Gone are the days when one had to hold a pet on a leash while taking them for a walk. Advanced GPS trackers have changed the traditional ways of handling pets, and you can choose from the many types of trackers on the market. These are either directly manufactured collar belts with an integrated GPS tracker or others where a tracker can be strapped or clipped to the collar belt.
These GPS devices can integrate with a smartphone and allow you to monitor through a companion app. While the objective of most trackers is knowing about the pet’s location, there are trackers which monitor their health, distance traveled, and behavior. There are trackers available with a camera that gives a clear picture of what mischief your pet is up to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a GPS device work?
A GPS device works by receiving signals from GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. The device uses the information from these signals to determine its location and display it on a map.
What are the applications of GPS devices?
GPS devices are used in a variety of applications, including navigation, tracking, surveying, mapping, and geocaching. They are also used in industries such as transportation, logistics, and agriculture.
What are the types of GPS devices?
There are several types of GPS devices, including handheld GPS units, vehicle GPS units, marine GPS units, and aviation GPS units. Each type of device is designed for a specific purpose.
Can GPS devices be used without an internet connection?
Yes, GPS devices can be used without an internet connection. They rely on GPS satellite signals, which are available globally and do not require an internet connection.
How accurate are GPS devices?
GPS devices can be very accurate, with some devices able to determine a location within a few meters. However, accuracy can be affected by factors such as atmospheric conditions and the quality of the GPS device.
Can GPS devices be used for tracking people or vehicles?
Yes, GPS devices can be used for tracking people or vehicles. However, it is important to ensure that the use of such devices is legal and ethical.
Are GPS devices easy to use?
GPS devices can be easy to use, with many devices featuring user-friendly interfaces and touchscreens. However, some devices may require more technical knowledge and training to use effectively.
How much do GPS devices cost?
The cost of GPS devices can vary widely depending on the type of device and its features. Handheld GPS units can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, while vehicle GPS units can cost between $100 and $500. Marine and aviation GPS units can cost upwards of $1,000.
Conclusion
GPS has phenomenally changed the way we view the world. Traditional activities which were cumbersome and time-consuming have undergone rapid changes because of this technology.
Communication has become faster, and distances have become shorter through GPS technology. These are low-cost affordable navigation systems compared to others, and it covers almost the entire earth. These devices work in all weather conditions. They seamlessly integrate with compatible devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.
These are tracking solutions that have made inroads into industries like education, farming, mining, hunting & fishing, law enforcement, mapping & surveying. The scope of expansion of this technology will only broaden and continue growing in the coming years. It can be correct to say that GPS technology has given us the convenience and a net of protection for everyone in our daily lives.
Conclusively, we can say that GPS has given the world a technology of unlimited promise and a bright future to look forward to.
Carson Rogers is a technology writer and reviewer. With over 5 years of experience in the industry, he has established himself as an expert in the technology niche. His passion for all things tech and his keen eye for detail enable him to provide thorough and insightful product reviews that help readers make informed decisions. Carson enjoys hiking in his free time when he's not busy reviewing the latest gadgets. His love for the outdoors also inspires him to write about tech gadgets that are useful and make life convenient.