How does GPS tracking work?

Whether navigating rush hour or driving to a new destination, global positioning systems (GPS) are a constant companion in our daily lives. Beyond the convenience of getting directions, GPS technology unlocks a powerful tool for fleets.

What is a GPS tracking system? And how does GPS tracking work? There are many specifics around GPS functionality that are beneficial for those with fleets to know. 

The three parts of GPS tracking and their roles

According to NASA, GPS tracking system usage goes back to the Sputnik era, when tracking radio signals via the “Doppler Effect” was all the rage¹  Today, many types of GPS tracking have become common, entrenched parts of everyday life and are no longer used solely by governments and the military. 

However, the technology itself isn’t just one thing. GPS tracking technology is comprised of three parts that work in concert to create a system that functions as we know it today.

The three parts of GPS tracking system technology are:² 

GPS satellites in space.

The first component of the GPS technology network takes us all the way into Earth’s orbit. A nominal constellation of 24 satellites that transmit one-way micro-wave signals give current time and position to all GPS systems. This is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

The satellites are arranged into six planes orbiting the Earth, each containing four "slots" occupied by baseline satellites. This 24-slot arrangement makes it possible for at least four satellites to be  accessible from virtually any point on the globe.

Ground control and monitoring

Worldwide monitoring and ground control stations keep satellites in the correct orbit, track the satellites, upload navigational data and maintain constellation health. There are three core parts to these ground control systems:²

Monitor stations

• Track satellites as they pass 
• Collect navigation signals and data
• Feed these observations to the master control station

Master control station

• Controls and commands the GPS constellation
• Uses station data to compute the precise locations of the satellites
• Generates navigation messages for the satellites
• Monitors satellite broadcasts to maintain constellation health 
• Performs satellite maintenance

Ground antennas

• Send commands, upload navigation data and load to the satellites
• Collect telemetry
• Communicate via S-band to provide anomaly resolution and support

User position and location

A GPS receiver equipment receives GPS satellite signals and uses this information to calculate a user’s 3D position and time.  

In vehicles, GPS tracking devices are often overlaid onto map navigation systems to use position and location to guide drivers along their routes and help them reach their desired destination. While this is the most widespread use of GPS tracking, vehicle tracking devices have also become commonplace in commercial vehicles and within transportation fleets.  

Where are GPS trackers used? 

GPS is an essential element of our global infrastructure. Here are just a few examples of things that use GPS tracking:

• Cell phones
• Computers
• Wearable technology and smart watches
• Shipping containers

Major communications networks, banking systems, financial markets, ATMs and power grids depend on GPS, and some wireless services also require it. GPS also helps prevent transportation accidents, aids emergency and search and rescue efforts and speeds the delivery of disaster relief.

How is GPS tracking used in telematics? Telematics technology takes near real-time GPS data from vehicle tracking devices, combined with additional vehicle-specific data gleaned from a vehicle's on-board diagnostics (OBD) port and transmits it back to centralized servers via cell phone or satellite networks

How does a tracking system like this work in a vehicle?

GPS fleet tracking software combines the location data from the vehicle with performance data from the equipment in order to analyze daily operations and improve essential areas such as safety, energy efficiency and productivity.  

Using telematics in tandem with GPS tracking allows businesses to access the location and status of vehicles on a live map, in near real-time. The software interprets all telematics data and automatically updates vehicle tracking information via desktop or mobile application to provide complete visibility into a fleet.  

This helps companies see the overall impact of their vehicles on daily business operations and can help them respond quickly in the event of an emergency. Geofences can help monitor vehicle or asset security and location, even after hours, to help prevent vehicle or equipment theft or unauthorized use.  

Additional benefits of GPS and telematics

In addition to helping managers pinpoint fleet vehicle locations, using telematics in conjunction with GPS tracking provides valuable information around a fleet's performance, including vehicle condition, driving habits, fuel consumption and idling.  

This data can then be analyzed to identify areas of improvement to help fleets bolster day-to-day operations, create a safer work environment and achieve enhanced daily efficiency.  

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The benefits of smart mobility using GPS tracking

What are some of the benefits of GPS tracking for fleets? Today, fleet managers are focused on improving safety, efficiency and productivity in daily commercial operations.  

With consumers expecting same-day delivery and updates en route, this new normal in transportation is over-communication, transparency and complete visibility. Smart mobility rethinks transportation using technology to achieve safer and more efficient networks. 

Companies that have already implemented GPS fleet management systems have managed to improve their productivity and customer service while cutting back on fuel consumption. That’s because telematics technology used in tandem with GPS fleet tracking can help improve delivery times and streamline customer communication. 

Sources:

• ¹https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/communications/policy/GPS_History.html
• ²https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/