A series of revolutionary inventions in the automotive industry and the large-scale production of affordable automobiles led to a large number of vehicles on the roads. However, with the increase in the production and consumption of automobiles, concerns about the safety of automobiles have arisen together. In addition to cost and quality measures, the safety of a vehicle is also considered of paramount importance to its owner. People are now looking for a foolproof mechanism in their vehicles for the increasing car theft problems. However, having knowledge of the whereabouts of the vehicle increases its chances of recovery by many folds, even after it has been stolen. To maintain knowledge about all events associated with the vehicle, it is a good idea to equip the vehicle with vehicle tracking. Vehicle tracking devices are invaluable tools for monitoring a single or even an entire fleet of vehicles.
How does it work
Vehicle tracking is typically accomplished through installed tracking hardware that records the speed, location, and direction of the vehicle. Tracking data is returned to the user and then transformed into useful information through various mapping software applications and reporting tools. The owner can use this information to view vehicle movement and related information.
Types
Based on functionality, vehicle tracking systems are classified into active and passive systems. A passive system does not provide real-time information, but instead stores data such as GPS location, speed, and heading in the tracking unit. This data is obtained for evaluation once the vehicle returns to a preset location. Passive vehicle tracking is generally used to verify driver activity, such as route verification, billing, etc. An active tracking system is used to track more than one vehicle over the Internet in real time. It also provides the same data, but transmits it in real time over satellite or cellular networks to a computer or data center. Some tracking systems have active and passive tracking facilities. A person should analyze her needs before deciding on passive or active follow-up.
Application Areas
Commercial fleet operators commonly track vehicles to manage a fleet of vehicles and meet customer needs more efficiently. Fleet management functions such as dispatch, routing and security are achieved through vehicle tracking. Urban transport agencies use this system to monitor bus schedules and to activate recorded announcements. Driver behavior can also be monitored by this system. Vehicle tracking is also used as theft prevention and recovery of stolen vehicles. It can serve as a complement or alternative to the traditional car alarm. Through a tracking device, vehicles can also be tracked to monitor fuel and calculate the distance traveled by the vehicle.