A GPS tracking unit is a device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person, or other asset to which it is attached and to record the position of the asset at regular intervals. The recorded location data can be stored within the tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location data base, or internet-connected computer, using a cellular (GPRS), radio, or satellite modem embedded in the unit. This allows the asset's location to be displayed against a map backdrop either in real-time or when analysing the track later, using customized software. Such systems are not new; amateur radio operators have been operating their free GPS based nationwide realtime Automatic Position Reporting System since 1982.

Data loggers

A GPS logger simply logs the position of the device at regular intervals in its internal memory. Modern GPS loggers have either a memory card slot, or internal flash memory and a USB port. Some act as a USB flash drive. This allows downloading of the data for further analysis in a computer.

These kind of devices are most suited for use by sport enthusiasts: They carry it while practising an outdoors sport, e.g. jogging or backpacking. When they return home, they download the data to a computer, to calculate the length and duration of the trip, or to over impose their paths over a map with the aid of GIS software. GPS devices are also integral tools in geo caching.

In the sport of gliding, competitors are sent to fly over closed circuit tasks of hundreds of kilometres. GPS loggers are used to prove that the competitors completed the task and stayed away from controlled airspace. The data stored over many hours in the loggers is downloaded after the flight is completed and is analysed by computing the start and finish times so determining the fastest competitors.

Most digital cameras save the time a photo was taken. Provided the camera clock was reasonably accurate, this time can be correlated with GPS log data, to provide an accurate location. This can be added to the picture, and is called geo tagging.

In some Private Investigation cases, these data loggers are used to keep track of the vehicle or the fleet vehicle. The reason for using this device is so that a PI will not have to follow the target so closely and always has a backup source of data.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service is used mostly in Europe and Asia. GPRS is used most commonly for cell phones. In Canada, Rogers and Fido are using GPRS.

You can send and receive emails using GPRS and browse the Internet.

General Packet Radio Service is a radio technology for GSM networks that adds packet-switching protocols, shorter set-up time for ISP connections, it also offers the possibility to charge by amount of data sent rather than connect time.

It is a new nonvoice value added service that allows information to be sent and received across a mobile telephone network. GPRS is NOT related to GPS (Global Positioning System), a similar acronym that is often used in mobile contexts. Allowing information to be transmitted more quickly, immediately and efficiently across the mobile network, GPRS may well be a relatively less costly mobile data service.

GPRS can provide instant connections subject to radio coverage. No dial-up modem connection is necessary.

Car Tracking and Fleet management is the management of a company's vehicle or vehicle fleet.

Fleet management includes the management of ships and or motor vehicles such as cars, vans and trucks.

Fleet (vehicle) management can include a range of fleet management functions, such as vehicle financing, vehicle maintenance, vehicle telematics (tracking and diagnostics), driver management, fuel management and health & safety management.

Fleet Management is a function which allows companies which rely on transportation in their business to remove or minimize the risks associated with vehicle investment, improving efficiency, productivity and reducing their overall transportation costs, providing 100% compliance with government legislation (duty of care) and many more.

These functions can either be dealt with by and in-house fleet management department or an outsourced fleet management provider. According to market research from the independent analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of fleet management units deployed in commercial fleets in Europe will exceed 1 million next year. Even though the overall penetration level is just a few percent, some segments such as road transport will attain adoption rates above 30 percent.