GPS monitors have a multitude of legitimate uses, but have also
generated controversy as they further diminish privacy. Some customers
of car rental companies have complained that their movements have been
tracked without their consent by the installation of GPS vehicle
tracking systems in rental vehicles. However, the positive uses of this
technology have, at least so far, outweighed the negatives.
Fitness enthusiasts use GPS tracking devices to measure distances
remaining in marathons, and back-country hikers use them to prevent
themselves from getting lost (or to facilitate rescue if they already
are). Police can enforce restraining orders and parole conditions by
stopping criminals from stalking victims and being in neighborhoods
(such as near playgrounds) where they are forbidden. Lost and stolen
vehicles can be located with the touch of a button. Parents can use GPS
vehicle tracking to check on teenagers' driving habits to make sure
these inexperienced drivers are not speeding or otherwise endangering
themselves and their passengers. And GPS in-car navigation systems can
guide drivers through unfamiliar terrain to their destination.
Information Loggers (Passive Tracking)
These basic systems are for companies or individuals who seeking a
record of an asset’s or even person’s whereabouts during a given time
period, without the ability or cost of real-time tracking. These are
useful for fleet management.
GPS vehicle tracking eliminates moonlighting with company vehicles. It
reduces accidents and lowers insurance premiums by promoting safe
employee driving habits. GPS vehicle tracking creates reports of miles
driven by each vehicle. Fleet management will reduce the company fuel
bill and increase miles driven per gallon of fuel. Some GPS systems
even have maintenance modules to inform the fleet manager when each
vehicle is due for an oil change or tire rotation.
Real Time (Active Tracking)
This allows the user to watch the progress of the persons or assets
travelling in real-time from their PC. This option is more expensive
because of the costs of devices, programs and air-time charges for
communication between the PC and the asset. It is used, for instance,
by a taxi company to dispatch the closest available vehicle to a
customer.
In Europe,some of the most popular in-car tracking systems are the
Tom-Tom Navigator, Magellan Roadmate, Navman and Garvin. They range in
price from five hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on what
features are chosen by the user.
TomTom GO 300 offers the most easy-to use GPS system of travel planning
throughout the UK. This award winning private navigation program is a
portable, cable-less design that fits in any briefcase, handbag or even
backpack. TomTom GO 300 is ideal for any car driver. It is easy to
install, just plug in, switch on and drive away. There is no need for a
PC link, in fact no technical knowledge is needed at all. It fits
simply into the included car mounting kit, which is easily attached to
the car dashboard or windshield. It is extremely easy to opertate: just
turn it on and users can instantly access all the programs, maps and
colour 3D navigation views, as well as voice-guided instructions in
their chosen language. It has a touch screen interface to avoid
fumbling with multiple buttons or extra devices while sitting in
traffic. The touch screen is totally intuitive and the entire route can
be planned with just a couple of screen taps.
The features of this user-friendly system along with its relatively low
price (around 700 dollars) has made it a hit with consumers.
Others, such as the Magellan Roadmate, are slightly more difficult to
use but also come with a database of maps and local attractions such as
restaurants.
In North American, the most popular brands are Garmin and Magellan.
Selecting the Right GPS Unit for Your Needs: Handheld vs Dash-Mounted
When selecting between a handheld unit versus a dash-mounted unit for
your vehicle, consider whether you may want to use it for any other
purpose, such as boating or camping.
Pros and Cons of Dash-Mounted GPS Units
Advantages
Larger screens with better resolution which are simple to read at a glance even in poor lighting conditions
More sophisticated models have features such route recalculation if the driver diverges from the planned route
Larger buttons for ease of operation while driving
Unit is securely attached to your vehicle to thwart theft
Some units have voice instructions that communicate distance, street
names, and direction of the next turn thus keeping the driver's eyes on
the road instead of on the screen
No batteries needed, runs off car battery
Address lookup capabilities
Some units have a individual address book to store locations for quick and simple search
Advanced mapping capabilities
Better reception outside the city
Boosts car resale value
Disadvantages
Difficult to remove from vehicle if you decide to use it elsewhere
Larger footprint in/on dashboard
Too large for use by bikers, kayakers or hikers.
More expensive
Hopefully this advice will help you find the best unit for your needs
among all the different GPS vehicle tracking units available.
