I. Introduction

A. Definition of a GPS Tracker
GPS stands for “Global Positioning System,” which is a location-based service based on a satellite navigation system owned by the US government and run by the US Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that gives a GPS receiver access to geolocation and time data from four or more GPS satellites from anywhere on or near the Earth. Although these technologies can increase the usefulness of the GPS positioning data, they do not require the user to transmit any data and operate without any telephonic or Internet reception. It offers vital positioning capabilities to users in the military, civil, and commercial sectors worldwide. Although the GPS system was developed, is under the control of, and is maintained by the United States government, anyone with a GPS receiver can freely access it.


B. Types of a GPS Tracker
Although most GPS-enabled phones can operate in any of these modes depending on the mobile applications installed, there are three different types of GPS trackers:

Data loggers
GPS loggers periodically record the device’s location in internal memory. GPS loggers may have a USB port and an internal flash memory card or a memory card slot. Some of them function as a USB flash drive, allowing the track log data to be downloaded for more in-depth computer analysis. GPX, KML, NMEA, or another format may be used for the track list or point of interest list. The time a photo was taken is typically saved by digital cameras. This time can be correlated with GPS log data to provide a precise location if the camera clock is reasonably accurate or uses GPS as its source of time. This can be added to the image file’s Exif metadata. Such a geotagged image can be produced directly by cameras with an integrated GPS receiver. Data loggers are sometimes used in private investigation cases to track a target vehicle. Private detectives do not need to follow their targets too closely because they always have a backup source of information.

Data pushers
The most popular kind of GPS tracking device, called a data pusher, is used in asset, person, and vehicle tracking systems. According to the user agreement, almost every cell phone is in this mode, even when it is turned off or disabled, storing the data for later transmission. This type of device, also referred to as a “GPS beacon,” periodically pushes (or “sends”) its position as well as additional data, such as its speed or altitude, to a chosen server, which can store and immediately analyze the data. The same battery powers both a mobile phone and a GPS navigation device, which are placed side by side in the same box. The phone periodically sends a text message via SMS or GPRS that contains the GPS receiver’s data. Modern smartphones with GPS capabilities and GPS tracking software can function as data pusher (or logger) devices. Open source and paid applications are currently offered for iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and common Java ME-enabled phones as of 2009. Most GPS trackers from the twenty-first century feature data “push” technology, which enables sophisticated GPS tracking in commercial settings, particularly in settings where a mobile workforce is present, like a fleet of commercial vehicles. The location hardware (or tracking device) and tracking software are the two main components of typical GPS tracking systems used in commercial fleet management. An automatic vehicle location system is a common name for this setup. The tracking device is typically hardwired into the car and connected to the CAN bus, battery, and ignition switch. It enables the gathering of additional data, which is then sent to the GPS tracking server. Fleet activity can be viewed there, usually through a website accessed online, where it can be seen in real-time or in the past using digital maps and reports. When used in commercial fleets, GPS tracking systems are frequently set up to transmit location and telemetry input data at predetermined update rates or in response to certain events (door open/close, auxiliary equipment on/off, geofence border crossing, etc.). In commercial fleets, “live GPS tracking” typically refers to devices that update everyone, two, or five minutes while the ignition is turned on. Some tracking systems mix heading change-triggered updates with timed updates. Mainstream commercial auto insurance companies use GPS tracking solutions like Telematics 2.0, an IoT-based telematics technology for the automotive industry.

Data pullers
“GPS transponders” are another name for GPS data pullers. These devices are always on and can be queried whenever necessary, unlike data pushers that send the position of the devices at regular intervals (push technology). Although this technology is not widely used, a computer running GPS that is connected to the Internet is an example of this kind of device. These are frequently employed when the tracker’s location is only occasionally required to be known (e.g., when placed in property that may be stolen or that does not have a constant source of energy to send data on a regular basis, like freight or containers). Data pullers, which are cell phones and devices with a GPS receiver that respond to special SMS messages with their location, are becoming more widely used.

Covert GPS trackers
The electronics in covert GPS trackers are identical to those in regular GPS trackers, but they are designed to look like commonplace items. Power tool security is an application for covert GPS trackers; these gadgets can be hidden inside toolboxes and tracked in the event of theft.
II. History of GPS Tracking
A. Overview of the development of GPS technology
(“Global Positioning System – Wikipedia”) (“GPS Tracking Unit – Wikipedia”) (“Image 1”) The American Department of Defense launched the GPS project in 1973. In 1978, the first experimental spacecraft was launched, and in 1993, the entire constellation of 24 satellites went into operation. Incident. Plans are being made to update the GPS and implement the following generation of GPS Block IIIA satellites and the Next Generation Operational Control System due to technological advances and the demands placed on the current OCX, which the US Congress approved in 2000. By 2018, the constellation was complete, and the GPS had reached full operational capability.

B. Description of the first GPS Tracker

III. How GPS Trackers Work
A. Description of the components of a GPS Tracker
B. Explanation of how GPS Trackers collect and transmit data
IV. Applications and Uses of GPS Trackers
A. Examples of GPS Tracker uses in the automotive industry
B. Examples of GPS Tracker uses in the logistics industry
C. Examples of GPS Tracker uses in the healthcare industry
V. Advantages of GPS Trackers
A. Improved accuracy of location data
B. Increased efficiency in tracking
C. Improved safety and security
VI. Disadvantages of GPS Trackers
A. Potential privacy issues
B. Potential cost issues