Vehicle Tracking Devices

A vehicle tracking device is the small unit that is installed into a vehicle that feeds back data to the tracking software.

Most tracking devices use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to determine its location. The device continually receives transmissions from multiple GPS satellites that are orbiting the Earth. Using the data from the transmissions tracking devices are able to accurately calculate their real time global position. A tracking device also calculates speed and direction of travel and sends the location data back to the tracking providers secure server via GPRS (mobile phone network). In addition a tracking device also records the status of the ignition.

The user is able to access tracking data via their software application which is normally web based. Most applications provide users with both real time and historic functionality.

There are more advanced tracking devices that are able to feed back more data. Some of these devices are able to link into a vehicle’s CAN-bus system. Most modern vehicles have a CAN-bus which allows vehicle ECUs (Electronic Control Units) to communicate with each other. A CAN-bus integrated tracking device can send specific information including: vehicle gear selection, engine RPM, MPG (miles per gallon) performance and the amount of fuel consumed in a journey.