Whether in our cars or in our mobile phones, most of us have heard about the global positioning system (GPS). In our car, it is how we get directions to unfamiliar places. If we’re in a city, it is the technology that lets us find an exact address from Google Maps on our phone.

But what is GPS tracking?

Let’s start with a better understanding of how GPS works.

The essence of the GPS system is 24 satellites that rotate around the earth twice a day. These satellites are in six different orbits, positioned at a precise angle in relation to the equator. The positioning of these satellites makes it possible to precisely locate where a GPS received is broadcasting from, no matter where the receiver is located on the earth. Further, it functions whether rain or shine—weather does not affect the system.

So when most of us use a GPS device, the collection of GPS satellites communicates our position and relays it to a receiver on the ground that collects the data and precisely determines where our GPS device is located. This is how GPS provides exact coordinates for driving directions.

This also is the basis of GPS tracking.

While GPS commonly is used to help someone figure out where they are in relation to other buildings and landmarks, GPS tracking also can be used by others to track the position of a person or an item on a map.

This ability to track people and things has wide application.

“Today, one of the most popular uses of GPS tracking is for vehicles,” noted a Top Spy Secrets blog. “Besides being used to map out a route, GPS is also used to track stolen vehicles.”

The blog explains that GPS components are unseen, making GPS tracking useful for preventing theft. In the case that the vehicle is stolen, the GPS system can emit a signal that only police departments are able to trace.

Services also are being developed that leverage GPS tracking. One such system is the automotive GPS solutions offered by Spireon.

Dealers and Lenders are now able to offer Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) financing to more customers because GPS makes risky financing less risky.

Combined with starter interrupt features, GPS can now be used to “remind consumers of nearing payments, and disable vehicles upon missed payment. This helps borrowers change their payment behavior, giving them the opportunity to rebuild their credit while lenders see an increase in their returns.” 

Spireon offers three GPS tracking services for the automotive industry: GoldStar GPS, a comprehensive and customizable BHPH solution; EnfoTrace GPS, a simple and affordable BHPH offering; and LoanPlus CMS, a robust collateral management system.

Spireon also offers four GPS tracking systems for companies managing fleets of vehicles.  FleetLocate Trailer and Asset Management is customized for companies looking to track their trailers using our rich, real-time data and analytics around trailer utilization and management; FleetLocate Enterprise Fleet Management solution is designed for companies managing enterprise sized fleets of 500 vehicles or more in their fleet; FleetLocate Local Fleet Management solution has been developed for the smaller to med-sized local and regional businesses needing a simple and affordable solution; and finally, VehiclePath is Spireon’s GPS tracking solution for small to medium size businesses looking for personal, localized support in their neighborhood and is sold exclusively through Spireon’s authorized reseller channel.

As GPS technology becomes more prevalent, expect to see an increasing amount of GPS tracking in the years ahead.