GPS tracking devices today are becoming more and more sophisticated. The satellite based Global Positioning System that helps drivers navigate unfamiliar roads and also help parents keep track of their children.

Trackers can also be hidden in the family car such as the Travel Eyes 2 that uses Radio frequency identification (RFID) which is the technology used in the Illinois rollways I-PASS collection system. It uses radio waves to transmit a unique ID number that can be picked up on a nearby receiver.

This article discusses GPS Fleet Trackers and how GPS and CDMA can be used together to provide a solid asset tracking solution.

Fleet Tracking is a specialized area of GPS tracking as it involves tracking equipment and tangible objects that may or may not move. A GPS tracking device is needed that will work effectively inside the trunk of a vehicle, under vehicle, in armored vehicles, indoors, and other locations where a standard GPS device would be ineffective.

The equipment may have been stolen or hijacked. In today’s troubled world of impending terrorist attacks it’s very important for companies to track equipment and dangerous materials being transported throught the world. At a moments notice very dangerous substances may be hijacked by terrorists and turned into weapons of mass destruction.

In addition to tracking lost or stolen assets, in today’s economy, fuel costs, payroll cost and fleet maintenance cost are critical to the success of your company. Reducing these costs is a good way to increase profitability and to stay competitive.

CDMA which stands for Code Division Multiplexing Access is characterized by high capacity and small cell radius, employing spread-spectrum technology and a special coding scheme (where each transmitter is assigned a code). CDMA has been used in many communications and navigation systems, including the Global Positioning System and the OmniTRACS satellite system for transportation logistics.

Many GPS tracking devices need to “see the sky”. If they don’t, it’s position is not reported and hence the assets location is lost. Shown below is the CDMA/PRO which is the premier asset tracking device used exclusively for tracking vehicles and equipment of all types

When the CDMA/PRO Tracker is requested to report it’s position, it attempts to obtain a fix from up to 24 GPS satellites. If it is unable to obtain a fix due to blocked satellite signals, it instantly reverts to cell tower triangulation. It will then automatically determine its position by triangulation with area cell towers. The entire process takes only seconds. Reports are then transmitted to a web site where the user can determine the location.

With the CDMA/PRO there is no external antenna required and the device does not need to “see the sky” as do many GPS tracking devices.

In addition, a fleet tracking device usually needs a secure housing to mount on an asset that is rugged and will take a lot of abuse while on the asset like a truck or car.

The CDMA/PRO is ideal for the trunk of a vehicle, under vehicle, in armored vehicles, indoors as it comes with a Water Proof Magnetic Mount Case.

The CDMA/PRO enables the operator to obtain a location fix inside buildings, parking garages, and other dense urban areas.

Related posts:

1. How Versatile Is The GPS Tracking – WorldTracker GPRS?

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Tags: asset tracking device, asset tracking solution, global positioning system, gps fleet, gps fleet trackers, GPS Tracking, gps tracking device, tracking device, weapons of mass destruction, who else needs gps fleet trackers

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 at 10:05 am and is filed under GPS Tracking. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site. Your comment will appear immediately, but I reserve the right to delete innapropriate comments.