Definition of GPS Tracker
GPS Tracker is a terminal with a built-in GPS module and mobile communication module. The GPS terminal can obtain the relevant information of the location through the GPS module, and then transmit the information to the server through the mobile communication module, so that the background can judge the location of the terminal through this information, which can realize the function of positioning and tracking.
Component of GPS Tracker
The earth is very large, and the geographical factors are very complex, so it is difficult for people to remember the relevant geographical information of various places. Therefore, it is difficult for people to understand the relevant location information of these coordinate systems, such as longitude and latitude, which are transmitted by GPS module alone, and they cannot intuitively show the location information and movement of the terminal. Therefore, a special background is needed in the GPS Tracker positioning system to convert the data into relevant geographical information. The server can not only convert data, but also store data, analyze data, and get the displacement direction, path, distance and other related information of the terminal.
We need to achieve data acquisition and analysis and other related functions. We can divide the GPS tracker system into three parts: acquisition layer, transport layer and application layer.
Acquisition layer
The acquisition layer is mainly composed of GPS mobile terminals. The main function of the acquisition end is to complete the data acquisition, which is realized by the function module composed of CPU + GSM + GPRS + GPS. GPS Tracker terminals often not only collect geographical data, but also configure other sensors to collect other environmental information. After collecting these data, they are transmitted to the remote server through GPRS. The core function of GPS Tracker is positioning and tracking. The core data is location data, and the core part is GPS module. The performance of the GPS module directly determines the accuracy and reliability of the positioning and tracking of the whole GPS tracker system. A good tracker must be installed with a GPS module with excellent performance. The price gap between different GPS modules is huge, and the price of some high-performance GPS modules is even about three times that of other GPS modules. There are many GPS module manufacturers in the world, among which the mainstream GPS manufacturers are MTK, Philips, JRC, SiRF, UBLOX, etc. The GPS modules produced by different manufacturers have different performance and prices, and different prices reflect the differences in performance. The world’s largest GPS module manufacturers are SiRF of the United States and ublox of Switzerland, both of which are GPS full solution companies. They can not only produce high-performance GPS modules, but also launch many GPS-related solutions. Many automotive positioning and aviation related industries use their solutions.
Transport Layer
The transport layer is generally realized by cellular mobile network, wide area network, LAN and other network forms, which is determined by the communication protocol used by the terminal. In the past, GPS Tracker terminal equipment generally used the network of traditional communication operators to transmit, and the information of GPS tracker was transmitted to the server through GPRS. In recent years, with the rapid development of Internet of things technology, GPS Tracker also uses other communication technologies, such as NB IoT, Cat-M1, Cat-1 and other communication technologies. With the development of technology, the way of data transmission is moving in the direction of diversification. In order to make their products more compatible and can be used in more scenarios, GPS trackers produced by many manufacturers support a variety of communication protocols, thus realizing data diversity. GPS trackers, GT001, AT001 and VT001 produced by MOKOWireless, are integrated with CAT.1/CAT.M1/NBIOT, GNSS, Bluetooth and a variety of sensors.
Application Layer
The application layer refers to the application of data processing and data display, which includes map server, database server and business logic server. Map servers include Google, Baidu and Apple. Different countries use different map servers, but from the perspective of global data, Google’s map service is the mainstream. Google Maps supports map navigation data from many countries. Google’s interfaces are diverse, suitable for secondary opening and function expansion, and Google’s functions themselves are very powerful. Other maps also have their own characteristics. Baidu map has geographical data sources and supports 3D functions. It is the largest map software in China. With the development of technology, the functions of map software are also undergoing great changes. In particular, many companies have launched AR map, which makes people’s life more convenient.
Most background databases use MySQL. Some companies choose different databases for reasons such as data security and technology accumulation, such as Oracle. The development of the server uses Java, and the background management system uses JavaScript technology. The background is the core part of the whole application layer. A good server architecture can make the whole system run more smoothly, and also facilitate the secondary development of relevant data by developers. The architecture of the server determines the function and user experience of the whole system.
Mobile application is an important part of the application layer. The mobile application layer can display the relevant data of maps and servers in front of users, which is a great test of the product design and operation process of mobile applications. Good mobile applications can quickly promote the promotion of related products.
Application Scenario of GPS Tracker
1. Asset Tracking
Think about all the assets you own. You may realize that you have more assets than you think. At this time, the tracking management of assets is very important. Generally, asset management is done by using QR code and RFID tag, but for some asset management with a large moving range, these devices are not enough. At this time, we need GPS Tracker to manage.
Nowadays, cars are an important means of transportation in people’s lives, and the price of cars is relatively expensive. The protection of their private cars has become more and more important. The mobile range of the car is relatively large, which exceeds the signal range of the traditional asset management tool FRID tag, so it is more suitable to use a GPS tracker. The GPS tracker has a wide tracking range, which can well protect our car assets. In addition to cars, we also protect other valuable assets through GPS trackers.
2. Express Logistics
With the development of online shopping, people’s requirements for logistics and express delivery are getting higher and higher. If you have online shopping, you must have experienced the pain of waiting for the arrival of goods. Many express companies are inefficient and do not know where their goods arrive at all. Now, many logistics companies are using GPS trackers to track goods and let users know the specific location of their goods. Each transport vehicle of the express company is equipped with a specific GPS tracker, which sends its own information to the background in real time during the driving process. The background has detailed information of the vehicle items. According to this information, the background can release the location of each commodity in real time, so that buyers can know the logistics of their commodities, so that waiting is not so anxious.
Not only the logistics of online shopping are using GPS trackers, but many large international logistics companies are also using GPS trackers, so that they can follow the freight situation in real time according to GPS information and share the information with customers.
3. Vehicle Management
Waiting for a taxi is a very distressing thing, and the distribution of taxis in the city is often not very scientific. Many taxi drivers only run to places with high traffic, ignoring other places with people. The taxi management company can install a GPS tracker on each car to judge whether the taxi is carrying passengers according to the information of other sensors. The GPS tracker sends the location information and passenger carrying information to the background. From the background, we can clearly see the distribution of taxis in the whole city and the riding needs of urban residents, and share this information with every driver, which can reduce the waiting time of passengers and increase the income of taxis.
If there are too many engineering vehicles in the company, it is difficult to manage the vehicles by manpower, and it is also difficult to judge whether the vehicles are working normally. If a GPS tracker is installed in each engineering vehicle, we can see the real-time location of the engineering vehicle at different time points in the background, and then we can judge whether the engineering vehicle is working according to the information of other sensors.
There are also logistics vehicle management, company vehicle management, emergency vehicle management, etc. The use of GPS trackers for these vehicles can increase work efficiency and reduce management costs.
Five Best GPS Trackers in 2022
1. MOKO A Series Tracker
Asset monitoring terminal A Series is an intelligent hardware terminal that integrates CAT.1/CAT.M1/NBIOT, GNSS, Bluetooth and various sensors, which can be deployed globally. It is mainly used to monitor the real-time location information and status parameters of assets in the warehouse, during transportation and delivery throughout the whole circulation link of delivery, and realize automatic alarms for abnormal location and status as well as demolition of alarms. At the same time, the transportation route of assets and the changes in environmental parameters during transportation can be sent to the server in real time. The server stores and analyzes the data, and carries out visual processing, which can ensure the safety of assets, reduce the risk and cost of transportation, and improve the efficiency of transportation.
The product is easy to install. The A Series Tracker can be installed by strong magnet adsorption or fixed by screws. The IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating makes the tracker suitable for outdoor harsh environments, with a standby time of up to 10 years.
2. MOKO G Series Tracker
G Series is an ultra-thin intelligent hardware terminal that integrates CAT.1/CAT.M1/NBIoT, GNSS, WiFi, Bluetooth, high-precision temperature and humidity sensors, etc., which can be deployed globally. It is ultra-thin and compact, easy to install and can be packaged and mailed with items (such as luggage, valuables, fresh food, pets, etc.). We can real-time monitor the location information and status of items (temperature and humidity / vibration / abnormal unpacking, etc.), and realize automatic alarms for abnormal location and status. At the same time, changes in the path and environment of items during transportation will be transmitted to the server in real time. After the server processes the data, it will transmit the data to the front end, and the front end will visualize the data, so that we can view the location and status of our items in real time. G Series can also be used for the asset management of the group. The group can use G Series Tracker to track important assets. Once the location of assets is not within the specified range, the alarm will be triggered, so that the group can deal with relevant matters in time.
3. MOKO V Series Tracker
V Series is an intelligent vehicle monitoring terminal that integrates GSM/CAT.M/CAT.1/NBIoT, GNSS, Bluetooth and various sensors as well as extended GPIO, which are applicable to different regions and networks around the world. It can monitor the location information and status parameters of the vehicle in real time, realize automatic alarm response to abnormal location and status, and is featured with ACC ignition detection and remote fuel and power cut-off. At the same time, data such as the transportation route of assets and the changes in environmental parameters during the transportation can be sent to the server in real time. The server stores and analyzes the data, and carries out visual processing, which can ensure the safety of assets, reduce the risk and cost of transportation, and improve the efficiency of transportation. Cargo Guard V Series is small and flexible, easy to connect, and can be directly connected to the vehicle power supply for power supply. At the same time, the optional built-in small battery can be used as the external power-off alarm.
4. Samsung SmartThings Tracker
Samsung SmartThings supports LTE cellular mobile with a standby time of up to 14 days. SmartThings supports IP68, is waterproof and moisture-proof and the device can work outdoors for a long time without being affected by the environment. SmartThings also provides strong software support. Using the relevant iOS or Android applications, you can connect to the background of SmartThings, obtain the location information of SmartThings, and carry out secondary development according to the interface data in the background. The disadvantage of this device is that it cannot be used during charging, which means that the device needs to be disconnected and recharged after being used for a period of time. This should be noted in the case of continuous tracking.
5. GeoZilla GPS Tracker
Geozilla GPS Tracker is more suitable for tracking children and pets. Its working hours are 5 days and its location information is updated every 60 seconds. Geozilla also installed the SOS button, which can be pressed when the child encounters an emergency, so that we can quickly know the child’s location and resolve the child’s crisis. The disadvantage of Geozilla is that it is much more expensive than other trackers.
Market Trends of GPS Tracker
With the development of technology, the demand for GPS information of various precision equipment is increasing, and it is becoming more and more precise. At present, the precision of many GPS devices can no longer meet the needs of users. With the launch of navigation satellites and communications in more countries, GPS devices can receive more satellite signals, with the positioning being more precise and information transmission being more stable, which will greatly expand the use range of GPS trackers and make GPS trackers have a larger market. The progress of GPS technology will promote the upgrading of related equipment, and enterprises that cannot keep up with the times will be phased out. This is both an opportunity and a huge challenge for GPS tracker manufacturers.
