118-405: A GPS tracking unit , geotracking unit , satellite tracking unit , or simply tracker is a navigation device normally on a vehicle, asset , person or animal that uses satellite navigation to determine its movement and determine its WGS84 UTM geographic position ( geotracking ) to determine its location. Satellite tracking devices may send special satellite signals that are processed by
236-430: A GSM / GPRS / CDMA / LTE modem to transmit this information to a central computer either via SMS or GPRS in form of IP packets. Satellite-based GPS tracking units will operate anywhere on the globe using satellite technology such as GlobalStar or Iridium . They do not require a cellular connection. There are three types of GPS trackers, though most GPS-equipped phones can work in any of these modes depending on
354-637: A SiRFstarIII chip and are comparable to their commercial counterparts. Other chips and software implementations are also available. An automotive navigation system takes its location from a GNSS system and, depending on the installed software, may offer the following services: Aviators use Satnav to navigate and to improve safety and the efficiency of the flight. This may allow pilots to be independent of ground-based navigational aids, enable more efficient routes and provide navigation into airports that lack ground-based navigation and surveillance equipment. There are now some GPS units that allow aviators to get
472-637: A SiRFstarIII chip and are comparable to their commercial counterparts. Other chips and software implementations are also available. An automotive navigation system takes its location from a GNSS system and, depending on the installed software, may offer the following services: Aviators use Satnav to navigate and to improve safety and the efficiency of the flight. This may allow pilots to be independent of ground-based navigational aids, enable more efficient routes and provide navigation into airports that lack ground-based navigation and surveillance equipment. There are now some GPS units that allow aviators to get
590-643: A built-in Satnav system . In 1991, Mitsubishi introduced Satnav car navigation on the Mitsubishi Debonair (MMCS: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System). In 1997, a navigation system using Differential GPS was developed as a factory-installed option on the Toyota Prius . In 2000, the Clinton administration removed the military use signal restrictions, thus providing full commercial access to
708-405: A built-in Satnav system . In 1991, Mitsubishi introduced Satnav car navigation on the Mitsubishi Debonair (MMCS: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System). In 1997, a navigation system using Differential GPS was developed as a factory-installed option on the Toyota Prius . In 2000, the Clinton administration removed the military use signal restrictions, thus providing full commercial access to
826-611: A laptop , some phones can provide localisation services to a laptop as well. Software companies have made available GPS navigation software programs for in-vehicle use on laptop computers. Benefits of GPS on a laptop include larger map overview, ability to use the keyboard to control GPS functions, and some GPS software for laptops offers advanced trip-planning features not available on other platforms, such as midway stops, capability of finding alternative scenic routes as well as only highway option. Palms and Pocket PC 's can also be equipped with GPS navigation. A pocket PC differs from
944-611: A laptop , some phones can provide localisation services to a laptop as well. Software companies have made available GPS navigation software programs for in-vehicle use on laptop computers. Benefits of GPS on a laptop include larger map overview, ability to use the keyboard to control GPS functions, and some GPS software for laptops offers advanced trip-planning features not available on other platforms, such as midway stops, capability of finding alternative scenic routes as well as only highway option. Palms and Pocket PC 's can also be equipped with GPS navigation. A pocket PC differs from
1062-534: A satellite navigation receiver or satnav receiver or simply a GPS device , is a user equipment that uses satellites of the Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). A satnav device can determine the user's geographic coordinates and may display the geographical position on a map and offer routing directions (as in turn-by-turn navigation ). As of 2023 , four GNSS systems are operational:
1180-427: A "GPS beacon", this kind of device push (i.e. "sends"), at regular intervals, the position of the device as well as other information like speed or altitude to a determined server , that can store and analyze the data instantly. A GPS navigation device and a mobile phone sit side-by-side in the same box, powered by the same battery. At regular intervals, the phone sends a text message via SMS or GPRS, containing
1298-581: A clearer look in areas where the satellite is augmented to be able to have safe landings in bad visibility conditions. There have now been two new signals made for GPS, the first being made to help in critical conditions in the sky and the other will make GPS more of a robust navigation service. Many aviator services have now made it a required service to use a GPS. Commercial aviation applications include GNSS devices that calculate location and feed that information to large multi-input navigational computers for autopilot , course information and correction displays to
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#17327869959911416-581: A clearer look in areas where the satellite is augmented to be able to have safe landings in bad visibility conditions. There have now been two new signals made for GPS, the first being made to help in critical conditions in the sky and the other will make GPS more of a robust navigation service. Many aviator services have now made it a required service to use a GPS. Commercial aviation applications include GNSS devices that calculate location and feed that information to large multi-input navigational computers for autopilot , course information and correction displays to
1534-419: A combination of satellite data and cell tower data to shorten the time to first fix , reduce the need to download a satellite almanac periodically and to help resolve a location when satellite signals are disturbed by the proximity of large buildings. When out of range of a cell tower the location performance of a phone using A-GPS may be reduced. Phones with an A-GPS based hybrid positioning system can maintain
1652-419: A combination of satellite data and cell tower data to shorten the time to first fix , reduce the need to download a satellite almanac periodically and to help resolve a location when satellite signals are disturbed by the proximity of large buildings. When out of range of a cell tower the location performance of a phone using A-GPS may be reduced. Phones with an A-GPS based hybrid positioning system can maintain
1770-412: A commercial reality. The Macrometer Interferometric Surveyor was the first commercial GNSS-based system for performing geodetic measurements. In 1989, Magellan Navigation Inc. unveiled its Magellan NAV 1000, the world's first commercial handheld GPS receiver. These units initially sold for approximately US$ 2,900 each. In 1990, Mazda 's Eunos Cosmo was the first production car in the world with
1888-412: A commercial reality. The Macrometer Interferometric Surveyor was the first commercial GNSS-based system for performing geodetic measurements. In 1989, Magellan Navigation Inc. unveiled its Magellan NAV 1000, the world's first commercial handheld GPS receiver. These units initially sold for approximately US$ 2,900 each. In 1990, Mazda 's Eunos Cosmo was the first production car in the world with
2006-467: A constant source of energy to send data on a regular basis, like freight or containers.) Data Pullers are coming into more common usage in the form of devices containing a GPS receiver and a cell phone which, when sent a special SMS message reply to the message with their location. Covert GPS trackers contain the same electronics as regular GPS trackers but are constructed in such a way as to appear to be an everyday object. One use for covert GPS trackers
2124-488: A data connection. Consequently, almost any smartphone now qualifies as a personal navigation assistant . The use of mobile phones as navigational devices has outstripped the use of standalone GNSS devices. In 2009, independent analyst firm Berg Insight found that GNSS-enabled GSM/WCDMA handsets in the USA alone numbered 150 million units, against the sale of only 40 million standalone GNSS receivers. Assisted GPS (A-GPS) uses
2242-439: A data connection. Consequently, almost any smartphone now qualifies as a personal navigation assistant . The use of mobile phones as navigational devices has outstripped the use of standalone GNSS devices. In 2009, independent analyst firm Berg Insight found that GNSS-enabled GSM/WCDMA handsets in the USA alone numbered 150 million units, against the sale of only 40 million standalone GNSS receivers. Assisted GPS (A-GPS) uses
2360-444: A dedicated navigation device as it has an own operating system and can also run other applications. Other GPS devices need to be connected to a computer in order to work. This computer can be a home computer , laptop , PDA , digital camera , or smartphones . Depending on the type of computer and available connectors, connections can be made through a serial or USB cable, as well as Bluetooth , CompactFlash , SD , PCMCIA and
2478-444: A dedicated navigation device as it has an own operating system and can also run other applications. Other GPS devices need to be connected to a computer in order to work. This computer can be a home computer , laptop , PDA , digital camera , or smartphones . Depending on the type of computer and available connectors, connections can be made through a serial or USB cable, as well as Bluetooth , CompactFlash , SD , PCMCIA and
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#17327869959912596-414: A feature called " text to speech ". Manufacturers include: Almost all smartphones now incorporate GNSS receivers . This has been driven both by consumer demand and by service suppliers. There are now many phone apps that depend on location services, such as navigational aids, and multiple commercial opportunities, such as localised advertising. In its early development, access to user location services
2714-414: A feature called " text to speech ". Manufacturers include: Almost all smartphones now incorporate GNSS receivers . This has been driven both by consumer demand and by service suppliers. There are now many phone apps that depend on location services, such as navigational aids, and multiple commercial opportunities, such as localised advertising. In its early development, access to user location services
2832-470: A fee. User privacy may be compromised if Satnav equipped handheld devices such as mobile phones upload user geo-location data through associated software installed on the device. User geo-location is currently the basis for navigational apps such as Google Maps, location-based advertising , which can promote nearby shops and may allow an advertising agency to track user movements and habits for future use. Regulatory bodies differ between countries regarding
2950-470: A fee. User privacy may be compromised if Satnav equipped handheld devices such as mobile phones upload user geo-location data through associated software installed on the device. User geo-location is currently the basis for navigational apps such as Google Maps, location-based advertising , which can promote nearby shops and may allow an advertising agency to track user movements and habits for future use. Regulatory bodies differ between countries regarding
3068-603: A few centimeters. GPS maps and directions are occasionally imprecise. Some people have gotten lost by asking for the shortest route, like a couple in the United States who were looking for the shortest route from South Oregon to Jackpot, Nevada . In August 2009 a young mother and her six-year-old son became stranded in Death Valley after following Satnav directions that led her up an unpaved dead-end road. When they were found five days later, her son had died from
3186-480: A few centimeters. GPS maps and directions are occasionally imprecise. Some people have gotten lost by asking for the shortest route, like a couple in the United States who were looking for the shortest route from South Oregon to Jackpot, Nevada . In August 2009 a young mother and her six-year-old son became stranded in Death Valley after following Satnav directions that led her up an unpaved dead-end road. When they were found five days later, her son had died from
3304-558: A group. In most cases, an individual's name, together with some other information, will be sufficient to identify them, but a person can be identified even if their name is not known. Start by looking at the means available to identify an individual and the extent to which such means are readily available to you. Does the data 'relate to' the identifiable living individual, whether in personal or family life, business or profession? Relates to means: Data which identifies an individual, even without an associated name, may be personal data which
3422-409: A location fix when GPS signals are inadequate by cell tower triangulation and WiFi hotspot locations. Most smartphones download a satellite almanac when online to accelerate a GPS fix when out of cell tower range. Some, older, Java -enabled phones lacking integrated GPS may still use external GPS receivers via serial or Bluetooth ) connections, but the need for this is now rare. By tethering to
3540-409: A location fix when GPS signals are inadequate by cell tower triangulation and WiFi hotspot locations. Most smartphones download a satellite almanac when online to accelerate a GPS fix when out of cell tower range. Some, older, Java -enabled phones lacking integrated GPS may still use external GPS receivers via serial or Bluetooth ) connections, but the need for this is now rare. By tethering to
3658-479: A loved one. GPS tracking devices have also been put on religious statues to track the whereabouts of the statue if stolen. In 2009, debate ensued over a Georgia proposal to outlaw hidden GPS tracking, with an exception for law enforcement officers but not for private investigators . See Georgia HB 16 - Electronic tracking device; location of person without consent (2009). The law in the UK has not specifically addressed
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3776-509: A mobile workforce, such as a commercial fleet. Typical GPS tracking systems used in commercial fleet management have two core parts: location hardware (or tracking device) and tracking software. This combination is often referred to as an Automatic Vehicle Location system. The tracking device is most often hardwired installed in the vehicle, connected to the CAN-bus , ignition system switch, battery. It allows collection of extra data, which
3894-463: A navigation software suite. Also, software modules are significantly cheaper than complete stand-alone systems (around € 50 to €100). The software may include maps only for a particular region, or the entire world, if software such as Google Maps are used. Some hobbyists have also made some Satnav devices and open-sourced the plans. Examples include the Elektor GPS units. These are based around
4012-403: A navigation software suite. Also, software modules are significantly cheaper than complete stand-alone systems (around € 50 to €100). The software may include maps only for a particular region, or the entire world, if software such as Google Maps are used. Some hobbyists have also made some Satnav devices and open-sourced the plans. Examples include the Elektor GPS units. These are based around
4130-479: A navigational error, President Ronald Reagan made the navigation capabilities of the existing military GPS system available for dual civilian use. However, civilian use was initially only a slightly degraded " Selective Availability " positioning signal. This new availability of the US military GPS system for civilian use required a certain technical collaboration with the private sector for some time, before it could become
4248-431: A navigational error, President Ronald Reagan made the navigation capabilities of the existing military GPS system available for dual civilian use. However, civilian use was initially only a slightly degraded " Selective Availability " positioning signal. This new availability of the US military GPS system for civilian use required a certain technical collaboration with the private sector for some time, before it could become
4366-482: A particular victim is generally considered stalking. The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 created two new offenses of stalking by inserting new sections 2A and 4A into the PHA 1997. The new offences which came into force on 25 November 2012, are not retrospective. Section 2A (3) of the PHA 1997 sets out examples of acts or omissions which, in particular circumstances, are ones associated with stalking. Examples are: following
4484-437: A person, watching or spying on them, or forcing contact with the victim through any means, including social media. Such behavior curtails a victim's freedom, leaving them feeling that they constantly have to be careful. In many cases, the conduct might appear innocent (if considered in isolation), but when carried out repeatedly, so as to amount to a course of conduct, it may then cause significant alarm, harassment or distress to
4602-405: A receiver. Locations are stored in the tracking unit or transmitted to an Internet -connected device using the cellular network ( GSM / GPRS / CDMA / LTE or SMS ), radio , or satellite modem embedded in the unit or WiFi work worldwide. GPS antenna size limits tracker size, often smaller than a half-dollar (diameter 30.61 mm). In 2020 tracking is a $ 2 billion business plus military-in
4720-413: A target vehicle. The private investigator need not follow the target too closely, and always has a backup source of data. A data pusher is the most common type of GPS tracking unit, used for asset tracking , personal tracking and vehicle tracking systems. Virtually every cell phone is in this mode per user agreement, even if shut off or disabled storing the data for future transmission. Also known as
4838-426: A target's movements. GPS navigation device A satellite navigation device or satnav device , also known as a satellite navigation receiver or satnav receiver or simply a GPS device , is a user equipment that uses satellites of the Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). A satnav device can determine the user's geographic coordinates and may display
GPS tracking unit - Misplaced Pages Continue
4956-419: A tree canopy or inside a structure, such as in a building, garage or tunnel. Today, most standalone Satnav receivers are used in automobiles. The Satnav capability of smartphones may use assisted GNSS (A-GNSS) technology, which can use the base station or cell towers to provide a faster Time to First Fix (TTFF), especially when satellite signals are poor or unavailable. However, the mobile network part of
5074-419: A tree canopy or inside a structure, such as in a building, garage or tunnel. Today, most standalone Satnav receivers are used in automobiles. The Satnav capability of smartphones may use assisted GNSS (A-GNSS) technology, which can use the base station or cell towers to provide a faster Time to First Fix (TTFF), especially when satellite signals are poor or unavailable. However, the mobile network part of
5192-446: A vehicle has consented to the use of the electronic tracking device with respect to that vehicle. (c) This section shall not apply to the lawful use of an electronic tracking device by a law enforcement agency. (d) As used in this section, "electronic tracking device" means any device attached to a vehicle or other movable thing that reveals its location or movement by transmission of electronic signals. (g) A violation of this section
5310-401: A warrant, this usage was questioned in court in early 2009. Use by private citizens is regulated in some states, such as California, where California Penal Code Section 637.7 states: (a) No person or entity in this state shall use an electronic tracking device to determine the location or movement of a person. (b) This section shall not apply when the registered owner, lesser, or lessee of
5428-459: A week because their Satnav shows a street through his property. John and Starry Rhodes, a couple from Reno, Nevada were driving home from Oregon when they started to see there was a lot of snow in the area but decided to keep going because they were already 30 miles down the road. But the Satnav led them to a road in the Oregon forest that was not plowed and they were stuck for 3 days. Mary Davis
5546-406: A week because their Satnav shows a street through his property. John and Starry Rhodes, a couple from Reno, Nevada were driving home from Oregon when they started to see there was a lot of snow in the area but decided to keep going because they were already 30 miles down the road. But the Satnav led them to a road in the Oregon forest that was not plowed and they were stuck for 3 days. Mary Davis
5664-404: Is ergonomical , their screens are small, and some do not show color, in part to save power. Some use transflective liquid-crystal displays , allowing use in bright sunlight. Cases are rugged and some are water-resistant. Other receivers, often called mobile are intended primarily for use in a car, but have a small rechargeable internal battery that can power them for an hour or two away from
5782-404: Is ergonomical , their screens are small, and some do not show color, in part to save power. Some use transflective liquid-crystal displays , allowing use in bright sunlight. Cases are rugged and some are water-resistant. Other receivers, often called mobile are intended primarily for use in a car, but have a small rechargeable internal battery that can power them for an hour or two away from
5900-469: Is a misdemeanor. (f) A violation of this section by a person, business, firm, company, association, partnership, or corporation licensed under Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Business and Professions Code shall constitute grounds for revocation of the license issued to that person, business, firm, company, association, partnership, or corporation, pursuant to the provisions that provide for
6018-497: Is for power tool protection; these devices can be concealed within power tool boxes and traced if theft occurs. The applications of GPS trackers include: Solar Powered: the advantage of some solar powered units is that they have much more power over their lifetime than battery-powered units. This gives them the advantage of reporting their position and status much more often than battery units which need to conserve energy to extend their life. Some wireless solar-powered units, such as
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#17327869959916136-567: Is later transferred to the GPS tracking server . There it is available for viewing, in most cases via a website accessed over the Internet, where fleet activity can be viewed live or historically using digital maps and reports. GPS tracking systems used in commercial fleets are often configured to transmit location and telemetry input data at a set update rate or when an event (door open/close, auxiliary equipment on/off, geofence border cross) triggers
6254-536: Is not 'obviously about' a particular individual may include information about their activities. Data such as personal bank statements or itemised telephone bills will be personal data about the individual operating the account or contracting for telephone services. Where data is not 'obviously about' an identifiable individual it may be helpful to consider whether the data is being processed, or could easily be processed, to learn, record or decide something about an identifiable individual. Information may be personal data where
6372-482: Is personal data? – A quick reference guide” published by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) makes clear that data identifying a living individual is personal data. If a living individual can be identified from the data, with or without additional information that may become available, is personal data. Identifiability An individual is 'identified' if distinguished from other members of
6490-422: Is processed to learn or record something about that individual, or the processing of information that affects the individual. Therefore, data may 'relate to' an individual in several different ways. Is the data 'obviously about a particular individual? Data 'obviously about' an individual will include their medical history, criminal record, record of work, or their achievements in a sporting activity. Data that
6608-414: Is straining the concept of trespass". However, entering a person's private land to deploy a tracker is clearly a trespass which is a civil tort. Prevention of Harassment Act 1997 At times, the public misinterprets surveillance, in all its forms, as stalking. Whilst there is no specific legislation to address this kind of harassment, a long-term pattern of persistent and repeated efforts at contact with
6726-530: Is to be superseded by ADS-C, a data puller. Animal monitoring ( GPS wildlife tracking ): when put on a wild animal (e.g. in a GPS collar ), it allows scientists to study the animal's activities and migration patterns. Vaginal implant transmitters mark the location where pregnant females give birth. Animal tracking collars may also be put on domestic animals, to locate them in case they get lost. There are no Australian Federal Laws for surveillance and GPS tracker legality. However, most states have statutes covering
6844-457: The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and have a DPA number. It is a criminal offense to process data and not have a DPA number. Trespass It may be a civil trespass for an individual to deploy a tracker on another's car. But in the OSC's annual inspection, the OSC's Chief Surveillance Commissioner Sir Christopher Rose stated "putting an arm into a wheel arch or under the frame of a vehicle
6962-500: The RailRider can report more than 20,000 times per year and work indefinitely on solar power, eliminating the need to change batteries. Aircraft can be tracked either by ADS-B (primarily airliners and General Aviation aircraft with ADS-B-out enabled transponder ), or by FLARM data packets picked up by a network of ground stations (primarily used by General Aviation aircraft, gliders and UAVs), both of which are data pushers. ADS-B
7080-471: The common law invasion of privacy tort as well as state criminal wiretapping statutes (for example, the wiretapping statute of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , which is extremely restrictive) potentially cover the use of GPS tracking devices by private citizens without consent of the individual being so tracked. Privacy can also be a problem when people use the devices to track the activities of
7198-507: The geographical position on a map and offer routing directions (as in turn-by-turn navigation ). As of 2023 , four GNSS systems are operational: the original United States' GPS, the European Union's Galileo , Russia's GLONASS , and China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) will follow and Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System ( QZSS ) scheduled for 2023 will augment
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#17327869959917316-505: The mobile applications installed: GPS loggers log the position of the device at regular intervals in its internal memory. GPS loggers may have either a memory card slot, or internal flash memory card and a USB port. Some act as a USB flash drive , which allows downloading the track log data for further computer analysis. The track list or point of interest list may be in GPX , KML , NMEA or other format. Most digital cameras save
7434-522: The A-GNSS technology would not be available when the smartphone is outside the range of the mobile reception network, while the satnav aspect would otherwise continue to be available. As with many other technological breakthroughs of the latter 20th century, the modern GNSS system can reasonably be argued to be a direct outcome of the Cold War of the latter 20th century. The multibillion-dollar expense of
7552-414: The A-GNSS technology would not be available when the smartphone is outside the range of the mobile reception network, while the satnav aspect would otherwise continue to be available. As with many other technological breakthroughs of the latter 20th century, the modern GNSS system can reasonably be argued to be a direct outcome of the Cold War of the latter 20th century. The multibillion-dollar expense of
7670-709: The American GPS was the first satellite navigation system to be deployed on a fully global scale, and to be made available for commercial use, this is not the only system of its type. Due to military and other concerns, similar global or regional systems have been, or will soon be deployed by Russia, the European Union, China, India, and Japan. GNSS devices vary in sensitivity, speed, vulnerability to multipath propagation , and other performance parameters. High-sensitivity receivers use large banks of correlators and digital signal processing to search for signals very quickly. This results in very fast times to first fix when
7788-648: The American GPS was the first satellite navigation system to be deployed on a fully global scale, and to be made available for commercial use, this is not the only system of its type. Due to military and other concerns, similar global or regional systems have been, or will soon be deployed by Russia, the European Union, China, India, and Japan. GNSS devices vary in sensitivity, speed, vulnerability to multipath propagation , and other performance parameters. High-sensitivity receivers use large banks of correlators and digital signal processing to search for signals very quickly. This results in very fast times to first fix when
7906-463: The Earth's surface. Satnav reception requires an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GNSS satellites, and is subject to poor satellite signal conditions. In exceptionally poor signal conditions, for example in urban areas, satellite signals may exhibit multipath propagation where signals bounce off structures, or are weakened by meteorological conditions. Obstructed lines of sight may arise from
8024-402: The Earth. By the time the signals arrive at the user's receiver, they are typically as weak as −160 dBW , equivalent to 100 attowatts (10 W) . This is well below the thermal noise level in its bandwidth. Outdoors, GPS signals are typically around the −155 dBW level (−125 dBm ). Conventional GPS receivers integrate the received GPS signals for the same amount of time as
8142-402: The Earth. By the time the signals arrive at the user's receiver, they are typically as weak as −160 dBW , equivalent to 100 attowatts (10 W) . This is well below the thermal noise level in its bandwidth. Outdoors, GPS signals are typically around the −155 dBW level (−125 dBm ). Conventional GPS receivers integrate the received GPS signals for the same amount of time as
8260-555: The US Satnav satellite system. As GNSS navigation systems became more and more widespread and popular, the pricing of such systems began to fall, and their widespread availability steadily increased. Several additional manufacturers of these systems, such as Garmin (1991), Benefon (1999), Mio (2002) and TomTom (2002) entered the market. Mitac Mio 168 was the first PocketPC to contain a built-in GPS receiver. Benefon's 1999 entry into
8378-449: The US Satnav satellite system. As GNSS navigation systems became more and more widespread and popular, the pricing of such systems began to fall, and their widespread availability steadily increased. Several additional manufacturers of these systems, such as Garmin (1991), Benefon (1999), Mio (2002) and TomTom (2002) entered the market. Mitac Mio 168 was the first PocketPC to contain a built-in GPS receiver. Benefon's 1999 entry into
8496-576: The US and Russian programs was initially justified by military interest. In contrast, the European Galileo was conceived as purely civilian. In 1960, the US Navy put into service its Transit satellite-based navigation system to aid in naval navigation. The US Navy in the mid-1960s conducted an experiment to track a submarine with missiles with six satellites and orbiting poles and was able to observe satellite changes. Between 1960 and 1982, as
8614-454: The US and Russian programs was initially justified by military interest. In contrast, the European Galileo was conceived as purely civilian. In 1960, the US Navy put into service its Transit satellite-based navigation system to aid in naval navigation. The US Navy in the mid-1960s conducted an experiment to track a submarine with missiles with six satellites and orbiting poles and was able to observe satellite changes. Between 1960 and 1982, as
8732-598: The accuracy of a number of GNSS. A satellite navigation device can retrieve location and time information from one or more GNSS systems in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth's surface. Satnav reception requires an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GNSS satellites, and is subject to poor satellite signal conditions. In exceptionally poor signal conditions, for example in urban areas, satellite signals may exhibit multipath propagation where signals bounce off structures, or are weakened by meteorological conditions. Obstructed lines of sight may arise from
8850-496: The aim, or an incidental consequence, of the processing, is that one learns or records something about an identifiable individual, or the processing could affect an identifiable individual. Data from a Tracker would be to identify the individual or their activities. It is therefore personal data within the meaning of the Data Protection Act 1998. Any individual who wishes to gather personal data must be registered with
8968-496: The benefits were shown, the US military consistently improved and refined its satellite navigation technology and satellite system. In 1973, the US military began to plan for a comprehensive worldwide navigational system which eventually became known as the GPS (Global Positioning System). In 1983, in the wake of the tragedy of the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 , an aircraft which was shot down while in Soviet airspace due to
9086-443: The benefits were shown, the US military consistently improved and refined its satellite navigation technology and satellite system. In 1973, the US military began to plan for a comprehensive worldwide navigational system which eventually became known as the GPS (Global Positioning System). In 1983, in the wake of the tragedy of the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 , an aircraft which was shot down while in Soviet airspace due to
9204-412: The building materials or reflected as in multipath . Given that high-sensitivity GPS receivers may be up to 30 dB more sensitive, this is sufficient to track through 3 layers of dry bricks, or up to 20 cm (8 inches) of steel-reinforced concrete, for example. Examples of high-sensitivity receiver chips include SiRFstarIII and MediaTek ʼs MTK II. A sequential GPS receiver tracks
9322-412: The building materials or reflected as in multipath . Given that high-sensitivity GPS receivers may be up to 30 dB more sensitive, this is sufficient to track through 3 layers of dry bricks, or up to 20 cm (8 inches) of steel-reinforced concrete, for example. Examples of high-sensitivity receiver chips include SiRFstarIII and MediaTek ʼs MTK II. A sequential GPS receiver tracks
9440-624: The car. Special purpose devices for use in a car may be permanently installed and depend entirely on the automotive electrical system. Many of them have touch-sensitive screens as input method. Maps may be stored on a memory card . Some offer additional functionality such as a rudimentary music player , image viewer , and video player . The pre-installed embedded software of early receivers did not display maps; 21st-century ones commonly show interactive street maps (of certain regions) that may also show points of interest , route information and step-by-step routing directions, often in spoken form with
9558-624: The car. Special purpose devices for use in a car may be permanently installed and depend entirely on the automotive electrical system. Many of them have touch-sensitive screens as input method. Maps may be stored on a memory card . Some offer additional functionality such as a rudimentary music player , image viewer , and video player . The pre-installed embedded software of early receivers did not display maps; 21st-century ones commonly show interactive street maps (of certain regions) that may also show points of interest , route information and step-by-step routing directions, often in spoken form with
9676-478: The data from the GPS receiver. Newer GPS-integrated smartphones running GPS tracking software can turn the phone into a data pusher (or logger) device. As of 2009, open source and proprietary applications are available for common Java ME enabled phones, iPhone , Android , Windows Mobile, and Symbian. Most 21st-century GPS trackers provide data "push" technology, enabling sophisticated GPS tracking in business environments, specifically organizations that employ
9794-659: The duration of a complete C/A code cycle which is 1 ms. This results in the ability to acquire and track signals down to around the −160 dBW level. High-sensitivity GPS receivers are able to integrate the incoming signals for up to 1,000 times longer than this and therefore acquire signals up to 1,000 times weaker, resulting in an integration gain of 30 dB. A good high-sensitivity GPS receiver can acquire signals down to −185 dBW, and tracking can be continued down to levels approaching −190 dBW. High-sensitivity GPS can provide positioning in many but not all indoor locations . Signals are either heavily attenuated by
9912-659: The duration of a complete C/A code cycle which is 1 ms. This results in the ability to acquire and track signals down to around the −160 dBW level. High-sensitivity GPS receivers are able to integrate the incoming signals for up to 1,000 times longer than this and therefore acquire signals up to 1,000 times weaker, resulting in an integration gain of 30 dB. A good high-sensitivity GPS receiver can acquire signals down to −185 dBW, and tracking can be continued down to levels approaching −190 dBW. High-sensitivity GPS can provide positioning in many but not all indoor locations . Signals are either heavily attenuated by
10030-493: The effects of heat and dehydration . In May 2012, Japanese tourists in Australia were stranded when traveling to North Stradbroke Island and their satnav instructed them to drive into Moreton Bay . In 2008 Satnav routed a softball team bus into a 9 ft tunnel, which sliced off the top of the bus and hospitalized the whole team. Brad Preston, Oregon claims that people are routed into his driveway five to eight times
10148-436: The effects of heat and dehydration . In May 2012, Japanese tourists in Australia were stranded when traveling to North Stradbroke Island and their satnav instructed them to drive into Moreton Bay . In 2008 Satnav routed a softball team bus into a 9 ft tunnel, which sliced off the top of the bus and hospitalized the whole team. Brad Preston, Oregon claims that people are routed into his driveway five to eight times
10266-417: The gulf war 10% or more targets used trackers. Virtually every cellphone tracks its movements. Tracks can be map displayed in real time, using GPS tracking software and devices with GPS capability. A GPS "track me" essentially contains a GPS module that receives the GPS signal and calculates the coordinates. For data loggers, it contains large memory to store the coordinates. Data pushers additionally contain
10384-412: The market also presented users with the world's first phone based GPS navigation system. Later, as smartphone technology developed, a GPS chip eventually became standard equipment for most smartphones. To date, ever more popular satellite navigation systems and devices continue to proliferate with newly developed software and hardware applications. It has been incorporated, for example, into cameras. While
10502-412: The market also presented users with the world's first phone based GPS navigation system. Later, as smartphone technology developed, a GPS chip eventually became standard equipment for most smartphones. To date, ever more popular satellite navigation systems and devices continue to proliferate with newly developed software and hardware applications. It has been incorporated, for example, into cameras. While
10620-460: The military had access to the full accuracy of GPS. Consumer devices were restricted by selective availability (SA), which was scheduled to be phased out but was removed abruptly by President Clinton. Differential GPS is a method of cancelling out the error of SA and improving GPS accuracy, and has been routinely available in commercial applications such as for golf carts. GPS is limited to about 15 meter accuracy even without SA. DGPS can be within
10738-460: The military had access to the full accuracy of GPS. Consumer devices were restricted by selective availability (SA), which was scheduled to be phased out but was removed abruptly by President Clinton. Differential GPS is a method of cancelling out the error of SA and improving GPS accuracy, and has been routinely available in commercial applications such as for golf carts. GPS is limited to about 15 meter accuracy even without SA. DGPS can be within
10856-713: The necessary satellites by typically using one or two hardware channels. The set will track one satellite at a time, time tag the measurements and combine them when all four satellite pseudoranges have been measured. These receivers are among the least expensive available, but they cannot operate under high dynamics and have the slowest time-to-first-fix (TTFF) performance. Consumer GNSS navigation devices include: Dedicated devices have various degrees of mobility. Hand-held , outdoor , or sport receivers have replaceable batteries that can run them for several hours, making them suitable for hiking , bicycle touring and other activities far from an electric power source. Their design
10974-713: The necessary satellites by typically using one or two hardware channels. The set will track one satellite at a time, time tag the measurements and combine them when all four satellite pseudoranges have been measured. These receivers are among the least expensive available, but they cannot operate under high dynamics and have the slowest time-to-first-fix (TTFF) performance. Consumer GNSS navigation devices include: Dedicated devices have various degrees of mobility. Hand-held , outdoor , or sport receivers have replaceable batteries that can run them for several hours, making them suitable for hiking , bicycle touring and other activities far from an electric power source. Their design
11092-405: The newer ExpressCard . Some PCMCIA/ExpressCard GPS units also include a wireless modem . Devices usually do not come with pre-installed GPS navigation software , thus, once purchased, the user must install or write their own software. As the user can choose which software to use, it can be better matched to their personal taste. It is very common for a PC-based GPS receiver to come bundled with
11210-405: The newer ExpressCard . Some PCMCIA/ExpressCard GPS units also include a wireless modem . Devices usually do not come with pre-installed GPS navigation software , thus, once purchased, the user must install or write their own software. As the user can choose which software to use, it can be better matched to their personal taste. It is very common for a PC-based GPS receiver to come bundled with
11328-479: The original United States' GPS, the European Union's Galileo , Russia's GLONASS , and China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) will follow and Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System ( QZSS ) scheduled for 2023 will augment the accuracy of a number of GNSS. A satellite navigation device can retrieve location and time information from one or more GNSS systems in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near
11446-507: The pilots, and course tracking and recording devices. Military applications include devices similar to consumer sport products for foot soldiers (commanders and regular soldiers), small vehicles and ships, and devices similar to commercial aviation applications for aircraft and missiles. Examples are the United States military's Commander's Digital Assistant and the Soldier Digital Assistant . Prior to May 2000 only
11564-429: The pilots, and course tracking and recording devices. Military applications include devices similar to consumer sport products for foot soldiers (commanders and regular soldiers), small vehicles and ships, and devices similar to commercial aviation applications for aircraft and missiles. Examples are the United States military's Commander's Digital Assistant and the Soldier Digital Assistant . Prior to May 2000 only
11682-478: The position of the devices at regular intervals ( push technology ), these devices are always on, and can be queried as often as required ( pull technology ). This technology is not in widespread use, but an example of this kind of device is a computer connected to the Internet and running gpsd . These can often be used in the case where the location of the tracker will only need to be known occasionally (e.g. placed in property that may be stolen, or that does not have
11800-472: The revocation of the license as set forth in Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Business and Professions Code. Note that 637.7 pertains to all electronic tracking devices, and does not differentiate between those that rely on GPS technology or not. As the laws catch up with the times, it is plausible that all 50 states will eventually enact laws similar to those of California. Other laws, like
11918-486: The same technique to geo-fence their customers to the areas they have paid for, charging additional fees for violations. In 2010, New York Civil Liberties Union filed a case against the Labor Department for firing Michael Cunningham after tracking his daily activity and locations using a Satnav device attached to his car. Private investigators use planted GPS devices to provide information to their clients on
12036-419: The same technique to geo-fence their customers to the areas they have paid for, charging additional fees for violations. In 2010, New York Civil Liberties Union filed a case against the Labor Department for firing Michael Cunningham after tracking his daily activity and locations using a Satnav device attached to his car. Private investigators use planted GPS devices to provide information to their clients on
12154-440: The signals are at their normal levels, for example, outdoors. When signals are weak, for example, indoors, the extra processing power can be used to integrate weak signals to the point where they can be used to provide a position or timing solution. GNSS signals are already very weak when they arrive at the Earth's surface. The GPS satellites only transmit 27 W (14.3 dBW) from a distance of 20,200 km in orbit above
12272-440: The signals are at their normal levels, for example, outdoors. When signals are weak, for example, indoors, the extra processing power can be used to integrate weak signals to the point where they can be used to provide a position or timing solution. GNSS signals are already very weak when they arrive at the Earth's surface. The GPS satellites only transmit 27 W (14.3 dBW) from a distance of 20,200 km in orbit above
12390-473: The time a photo was taken. Provided the camera clock is reasonably accurate or used GPS as its time source, this time can be correlated with GPS log data, to provide an accurate location. This can be added to the Exif metadata in the picture file. Cameras with a GPS receiver built in can directly produce such a geotagged photograph . In some private investigation cases, data loggers are used to keep track of
12508-428: The treatment of geo-location data as privileged or not. Privileged data cannot be stored, or otherwise used, without the user's consent. Vehicle tracking systems allow employers to track their employees' location raising questions regarding violation of employee privacy. There are cases where employers continued to collect geo-location data when an employee was off duty in private time. Rental car services may use
12626-428: The treatment of geo-location data as privileged or not. Privileged data cannot be stored, or otherwise used, without the user's consent. Vehicle tracking systems allow employers to track their employees' location raising questions regarding violation of employee privacy. There are cases where employers continued to collect geo-location data when an employee was off duty in private time. Rental car services may use
12744-410: The types of conduct often associated with stalking include direct communication; physical following; indirect contact through friends, colleagues, family or technology; or, other intrusions into the victim's privacy. The behavior curtails a victim's freedom, leaving them feeling that they constantly have to be careful. GPS device A satellite navigation device or satnav device , also known as
12862-559: The unit to transmit data. Live GPS tracking used in commercial fleets generally refers to systems that update regularly at one-minute, two-minute or five-minute intervals while the ignition status is on. Some tracking systems combine timed updates with heading change triggered updates. GPS tracking solutions such as Telematics 2.0 , an IoT based telematics technology for the automotive industry, are being used by mainstream commercial auto insurance companies. GPS data pullers are also known as "GPS transponders". Unlike data pushers that send
12980-584: The use and restrictions of tracking devices used for surveillance. The below states have formal statutes. At present, only Queensland and Tasmania do not have legislation. In the United States, the use of GPS trackers by government authorities is limited by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution . So police, for example, usually require a search warrant . While police have placed GPS trackers in vehicles without
13098-478: The use of GPS trackers, but several laws may affect the use of this technology as a surveillance tool. Data Protection Act 1998 It is quite clear that if client instructions (written or digitally transmitted) that identify a person and a vehicle are combined with a tracker, the information gathered by the tracker becomes personal data as defined by the Data Protection Act 1998 . The document “What
13216-776: The victim. The examples given in section 2A (3) are not an exhaustive list but an indication of the types of behavior that may be displayed in a stalking offense. Stalking and harassment of another or others can include a range of offenses such as those under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997; the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 ; the Sexual Offences Act 2003 ; and the Malicious Communications Act 1988 . Examples of
13334-527: Was a very good chance that they could have had a fatality on their hands. Other hazards involve an alley being listed as a street, a lane being identified as a road, or rail tracks as a road. Obsolete maps sometimes cause the unit to lead a user on an indirect, time-wasting route, because roads may change over time. Smartphone Satnav information is usually updated automatically, and free of additional charge. Manufacturers of separate Satnav devices also offer map update services for their merchandise, usually for
13452-527: Was a very good chance that they could have had a fatality on their hands. Other hazards involve an alley being listed as a street, a lane being identified as a road, or rail tracks as a road. Obsolete maps sometimes cause the unit to lead a user on an indirect, time-wasting route, because roads may change over time. Smartphone Satnav information is usually updated automatically, and free of additional charge. Manufacturers of separate Satnav devices also offer map update services for their merchandise, usually for
13570-643: Was driven by European and American emergency services to help locate callers. All smartphone operating systems offer free mapping and navigational services that require a data connection; some allow the pre-purchase and downloading of maps but the demand for this is diminishing as data connection reliant maps can generally be cached anyway. There are many navigation applications and new versions are constantly being introduced. Major apps include Google Maps Navigation , Apple Maps and Waze , which require data connections, iGo for Android, Maverick and HERE for Windows Phone, which use cached maps and can operate without
13688-643: Was driven by European and American emergency services to help locate callers. All smartphone operating systems offer free mapping and navigational services that require a data connection; some allow the pre-purchase and downloading of maps but the demand for this is diminishing as data connection reliant maps can generally be cached anyway. There are many navigation applications and new versions are constantly being introduced. Major apps include Google Maps Navigation , Apple Maps and Waze , which require data connections, iGo for Android, Maverick and HERE for Windows Phone, which use cached maps and can operate without
13806-399: Was driving in an unfamiliar place when her Satnav told her to make a right turn onto a train track while there was a train coming down. Mary was lucky there was a local police officer who noticed the situation and urged her quickly to get out of the car as fast as she could. Mary was lucky enough to get out of the car leaving it for the train to hit and total it. The officer commented that there
13924-399: Was driving in an unfamiliar place when her Satnav told her to make a right turn onto a train track while there was a train coming down. Mary was lucky there was a local police officer who noticed the situation and urged her quickly to get out of the car as fast as she could. Mary was lucky enough to get out of the car leaving it for the train to hit and total it. The officer commented that there
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