Before reading the article, we need to know why we need the GPS tracker. There are different types of GPS trackers on the market today for sale. With the improvement of life quality, GPS positioning technology has covered people’s daily life. Driving navigation, vehicle tracking, personnel positioning, lost and found items, vehicle management, etc. are inseparable from GPS positioning technology. GPS trackers are being used in everything. What is the difference between these trackers? What do you need to pay attention to when you buy these devices? This article will talk about how it works, where to use it, and what type of GPS tracker you need.
I. How Does GPS Tracker Work?
GPS Tracker is a terminal with a built-in GPS module and mobile communication module. (For more information, please check our previous article) It is used to transmit the positioning data obtained by a GPS module to a server on the Internet through a mobile communication module (GSM / GPRS network) so that the location of the terminal can be checked on a computer.
The spatial distribution of GPS is made up of 24 working GPS satellites, which together form the GPS satellite constellation. 21 satellites are available for navigation and 3 are active backup satellites. These 24 satellites are distributed in 6 orbits around the Earth with an inclination of 55°. The orbital period of the satellites is approximately 12 sidereal hours. Each working GPS satellite emits signals for navigation and positioning. And it is these signals that GPS users use to do their work.
GPS locator can transmit the location information data obtained by GPS module to the server of the tracking platform developed by the company through 2G/3G/4G network. And then we can retrieve and view the data on the server through a PC, or cell phone APP. The premise of easily checking the precise location of the tracking object through GPS tracker is that the surrounding GPS signal is good, or the number of base stations is enough and the distance to locate the object is not too far.
II. Different Types of GPS Trackers
1. For Personal Use
A. Smart GPS Pet Collar
Smart pet collars are also called pet GPS trackers. A pet GPS tracker is a product used to know the location information of pets anytime and anywhere. Pet tracking is a major application area of GPS tracking. Pet GPS tracker is a niche product in the IoT, mainly using GPS positioning technology and software development technology. It will also focus on the combination of pet size pet weight, aesthetic design, and other aspects of technology.
A good GPS pet tracker needs to have the basic function of dual positioning. The benefit of dual positioning is that when one type of positioning fails, it will automatically switch to another method. Thus to achieve real-time tracking, and the data collection and transmission will not be interrupted. The dual positioning is combined with LBS base station positioning and GPS satellite positioning. When GPS cannot cover, the tracker will locate via LBS and then upload data to the server via GPRS.
At the same time, the pet tracker also has the function of alert and track playback. Users can set the safety range of the pet’s activities on the app. Once it leaves the safety range, the app will receive an alert message. When the device is in a low battery or offline situation, users can also receive an alert message, so that users can always grasp the device’s operation. Users can also view the pet’s history through the app to clearly grasp the pet’s whereabouts.
Some pet trackers also add a function of real-time observation of pet movement. It will record daily movement data and rest time of the pets and help users to set the right amount of exercise program for their pets.
B. Wearable GPS Tracker
Most wearable trackers are designed to be the same size as a watch, making it easy for individuals to carry them around. Nowadays, they are mainly used in the field of sports and fitness, as well as for tracking the elderly and children.
When wearable trackers are used in sports and fitness applications, users can use them to record exercise tracks and data, including steps and calories. When used for outdoor activities, they can also send alerts in case of emergencies and share their location with others to find help.
There is also a wearable tracker that is designed for the elderly and children. Wearable GPS trackers allow family members or caregivers to keep a close eye on the tracking object’s whereabouts while they are out, thus ensuring their safety. This type of tracker emphasizes features that enhance safety. It needs to have a panic button, a service to send emergency contacts, and the ability to monitor their health indicators.
C. Small GPS Tracker
A small tracker is a beneficial device that you can use to track almost anything. It is often used to track keys, jewelry, and other valuable assets. People often forget the location of something tiny and then have a hard time finding it. With this tracker, you can track your items and use your mobile app to see their condition. Some products also include features such as smart alerts, shared location, and battery-level alerts.
2. For Commercial Use
A. Asset Tracker
The applications of asset tracking are endless. It can be applied to smart warehouses to manage the assets in the warehouse. Almost every warehouse uses some kind of asset tracking system. Meanwhile, asset tracking in today’s smart factories may involve managing critical equipment, valuable tools, raw materials, or goods in the manufacturing process. Even stationary items, such as cranes and robots, need to be carefully tracked when they are removed for maintenance or shipped out for repair so they can be properly maintained and replaced later.
The asset tracker is mainly used to monitor the real-time location and status of assets in the warehouse, during transportation and throughout the logistics chain, and to realize automatic alarms for abnormal location and status such as over speed, vibration, tampering, detention, delay and abnormal lighting. Meanwhile, the data is packaged, encrypted, and uploaded to the cloud in real-time. As a result, asset transportation scheduling and analysis can be managed visually through the cloud platform, thereby improving transportation efficiency and reducing risks and costs.
B. Vehicle Tracker
If you want to track your personal vehicle or your company needs fleet tracking management, then GPS vehicle tracker is perfect for you. With a vehicle tracker, you can always know where your car is located. The best GPS trackers not only identify the location of your vehicle but also monitor the driving behavior of the driver. If a driver is speeding or otherwise behaving badly, you can identify and offer them corrections. The information obtained through the vehicle tracker can help you adjust the usage scheme in vehicle management and improve the usage of the vehicle. There is one more important feature– geo-fencing alerts. By setting up geo-fencing, you can receive alerts when a vehicle enters or leaves a predefined area.
III. GPS Trackers Market Analysis
According to QYR’s statistics and forecasts, the global GPS locator market reached $ 1493.7 million in sales in 2022 and is expected to reach $ 2901.2 million billion in 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.70%% (2022-2028).
GPS trackers are created based on IoT and cloud technologies for various tracking purposes. The growth of the IoT and cloud technology market and improvement in commercial vehicle sales have stimulated the GPS tracking device market.
At the regional level, the China market has been changing rapidly in the past few years, with a market size of $200 million in 2021, accounting for approximately 17.87% of the global share, and is expected to reach $800 million in 2028, when the global share will reach 29.07%.
At the consumer level, North America is currently the largest consumer market in the world, with a 32.57% market share in 2021, followed by Europe and China, with 31.59% and 17.87% respectively. China is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the coming years, with a CAGR of approximately 19.73% during 2022-2028.
On the production side, China and Europe are two important production regions, with 66.03% and 17.01% market shares respectively in 2021. And the European region is expected to maintain the fastest growth rate in the coming years, with a projected share of 16.80% in 2028.
Advanced trackers hold a significant position in product offerings, with a projected share of 62.52% in 2028. Meanwhile, in terms of applications, automotive has a share of about 42.60% in 2021, with a CAGR of about 8.61% in the coming years.
IV. FAQ About GPS Trackers
1. Do I need a monthly fee for the GPS tracker?
Most GPS requires a monthly fee since it needs internet. However, if you don’t need real-time reporting, you can get all the tracking features of real-time GPS without paying a monthly fee.
2. How to choose a suitable tracker?
It depends on your need. If you need to track your car, then choose vehicle trackers. But if you need to track your items, then consider choosing a small GPS tracker.
3. Is it legal to use a GPS tracker?
If you use the GPS tracker to track your own asset or your company uses it to track your own vehicles, then yes. It is legal.
4. Are GPS trackers suitable for indoor tracking?
GPS is more suitable for outdoor and long-distance tracking. Due to the signal problems indoors, the GPS positioning might be inaccurate.
