Mobile Audio And Video

Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle Tracking Systems are electronic devices which save vehicles from theft. These devices are installed in vehicles to enable vehicle owners or third parties to track the location of a vehicle thus ensuring the safety of the vehicle. Most modern vehicle tracking systems now use GPS modules to allow for easy and accurate location of the vehicle. Many systems also combine a communications component such as cellular or satellite transmitters to communicate the vehicle s location to a remote user. Vehicle information can be viewed on electronic maps via the Internet or specialized software. Now a days, the vehicle can be controlled by vehicle owners' mobile phone and the vehicle can be shut down if it exceeds predefined limits on the map.

Current vehicle tracking systems have their roots in the shipping industry and whenever a car is transferred from one place to another, it is monitored by owners. Corporations with large fleets of vehicles required some sort of system to determine where each vehicle was at any given time and vehicle tracking systems are the answer. Vehicle tracking systems can now also be found in consumers vehicles as a theft prevention and retrieval device. Police can simply follow the signal emitted by the tracking system and locate the stolen vehicle.

There are several types of Vehicle Tracking devices. Typically they are classified as Passive and Active. Passive devices store GPS location, heading, speed and sometime a trigger event such as key, door or window controls. Once the vehicle returns to a pre-determined point, the device is removed and the data is downloaded to a computer for evaluation. On the other hand, active devices also collect the same information but usually transmit the vehicle data in real-time via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data center for evaluation.

Some taxi services are using vehicle tracking systems for better serving their customers. Their operators can see the current taxi routes and all their empty taxis, so they can choose the closer one to pickup the order from their customer.

With the help of vehicle tracking systems, mobile sales professionals can access real-time locations. In unfamiliar areas, they can locate themselves as well as customers and prospects, get driving directions and add nearby last-minute appointments to itineraries. Benefits include reduced driving time, increased productivity and increased time spent with customers and prospects.

Haulage and Logistics companies often operate lorries with detachable load carrying units. The part of the vehicle that drives the load is know as the cab and the load carrying unit is known as the trailer. Vehicle tracking devices are usually attached to the trailer to locate its position ensure its delivery in time.

Article Published: Saturday 14th April 2007