Vehicle Tracking Unit

A vehicle tracking unit is a key part of any vehicle tracking solution. These devices are used to calculate a vehicle’s location and movements before then sending this data back to the user where it can be viewed on their vehicle tracking application.

The majority of vehicle tracking units that are used for modern tracking solutions use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to provide an accurate service. These types of units have a GPS antenna that is within the vehicle, which continually receives transmissions broadcasted from multiple GPS satellites that are orbiting the Earth.

The vehicle tracking unit uses the data received from multiple satellites, normally a minimum of 3 or 4, to accurately calculate its real time location, speed and direction of travel. All of this data is then sent back to the user, normally via the GPRS data network, where it is made available to the user via a web based tracking application.

The GPS network has been setup in such a way that there is always a sufficient number of satellites active to provide an accurate service anywhere in the world, providing that the tracking antenna is not obstructed, which can occur when in a tunnel or underground car park.