GPS tracking devices are becoming more and more popular and being used for a wider variety of applications. A GPS device can guide you out of the woods, chart your way across the open sea, locate the nearest gas station on the interstate, and monitor the location of Alzheimer’s patients.

Probably you know that the term “GPS” stands for Global Positioning System, a satellite-based radio navigation system run by the United States Department of Defense. On its most basic, GPS was designed in order for the signals from at least four satellites to be available anywhere one earth. These satellites are sufficient enough to compute the current location, either in latitude and longitude, as well as the elevation to within 20 meters.

Well, one of the most well-known and widely used applications in the field of global positioning is the GPS tracking. In the first place, a GPS tracking system uses GPS to identify the location of a person, vehicle or pet. It also records the position at regular intervals in order to create a track file or log of activities. The recorded information can then be stored within the GPS tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location or internet connection computer. This transfer can be done through the use of a cellular modem, two-way radio, or satellite.

A GPS tracking system actually has a number of uses. In this article I will discuss a few of the well-known uses of this GPS application. Please read on.

GPS for Theft Prevention

Most GPS tracking systems function by creating a geofence around a company’s assets like construction equipment. The systems can be activated over the telephone or by computer. When the asset travels outside the perimeter, an alarm is then immediately sent to a dispatch center. The police are then notified and able to track down the missing equipment, often within an hour.

GPS for Pets

As mentioned earlier, a GPS tracking system is used to track pets. Well, this idea is relatively new, so there are not a lot of choices and the technology can be pricey. But, I have a few samples of GPS tracking devices used to track pets:

GPS Pet Tracker X5000 by Micro Tech – This device is now marketed to the owners of dogs and cats, not only in the US but in many other parts of the world. According to its proponents, this unit sends its location information over the GSM cellular network and will send SMS messages to three phone numbers at intervals of two to 120 minutes. Also, the user can call the tracker to obtain the information.

Pointer Dog-GPS by Pointer Positioning Solutions – This device is made primarily for hunting. It consists of two devices, the sender and the hunter’s map. The Sender is placed on the dog’s harness, while the hunter’s map is for the dog owner. The hunter’s map has a GPS so the hunter can see his or her position on the map screen, as well as the position of the dog. The hunter can even listen to what’s going on at the dog’s location.

GPS for Kids and the Elderly

Some GPS devices are designed in the shape of watches or bracelets to be worn by kids. This can give parents peace of mind knowing where their children are at all times, especially if they walk to school. If a child ever does come up missing, the parent or police can log onto a computer with the software provided and determine the exact location of the child.

A similar device has been in use for Alzheimer’s patients who are prone to wandering off. By wearing the GPS device on the wrist or ankle, their location can be quickly determined by pulling up a computer screen.

GPS for Wildlife

Today, a number of GPS tracking systems intended for most mammals and larger birds are highly available. Perhaps the reason for this development is that wildlife researchers need to determine the travel patterns of the wild animals as this is very critical to study and preservation. Well, some of the available system intended for this purpose have two-way communication which permits the user to gather information on demand or re-program the device while it is still on the animal.

GPS tracking devices are becoming a part of our everyday lives, making our lives easier and safer.