GPS Tracking Fact-file

Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a method by which we can electronically track location details. App-cabs like Ola and Uber, Google Maps for the contouring details, police personnel to track mobile location details, et cetera - all use GPS to their ends.

A GPS tracking system uses the GNSS, that is the Global Navigation Satellite System Network, to incorporate a range of satellites that use microwave signals transmitted to GPS devices to give information on location, vehicle speed, time and direction. 

GPS Trackings are of two kinds from the commercial point of view:-

In Passive Tracking, the devices store the data within the GPS tracking system itself.
And, in Active Tracking, the information is sent to a centralized database or system via a modem within the GPS device on a regular basis.

27 solar-powered satellites developed by the U.S. military make two complete rotations daily around the globe to make the GPS Tracking system function the way it does. At least four satellites must be visible for effective and accurate tracking.

The GPS receiver has to know two things in order to track someone or something:-

The location of at least three satellites above the one to be tracked.

And the distance between the one to be tracked and each of those satellites.

And that it does on the basis of a simple mathematical calculation known as trilateration.

To equip the device, an in-built map, a clock, and receivers of signals are fitted. The readings provided by them help us to get certain information:-

• Odometer readings to determine the extent of travel.
• The exact time of travel, from the beginning to the end.
• Speedometer readings for the speed.
• The trail showing the places travelled by.

You can avail of the GPS for very limited purposes from your smartphones. The more sophisticated functions are the prerogatives of persons at the helm of some authoritative post, like the police.

SECURITY TODAY

Technology and crime are like engaged in a mad race to cut each other out it seems. No sooner have scientists developed a particular kind of device to paralyze the intentions of the criminal than they develop innovative ways to bypass the security measures.

Naturally, there is an ever pressing need for developing newer, innovative, effective and more sophisticated technologies to generate a balancing effort towards crime and criminals. Thus improvising the existing technologies is a continuous process.

Security calls for prevention rather than counter-assault. If some untoward incident could be prevented then such measures should be taken. Thanks to the technological innovations in the field of surveillance that miscreants can now be spotted easily.

Another important aspect of security in today's context calls for effective prevention methods. And by this, it is definitely not being meant developing machines to physically restrain the miscreant, rather certain devices used by them to transmit information.

With regard to surveillance, there is a host of equipment available in the market which can be taken recourse to - SPY cameras, GPS tracking devices, wireless cameras, et cetera.

Spy cameras and GPS tracking devices, both keep a track of the movements, with a different approach of course.

A spy camera generally captures footages, video graphically, and sometimes audibly while GPS device just provides information of your whereabouts.

A spy camera guarantees surveillance over a specific area, as far as its range and visibility permits. Whereas a GPS device can track you no matter wherever you are.

Naturally, you need multiple spy cameras to keep an eye on the suspect in order to bypass the barriers and obstructions to visibility while a GPS device needs multiple receptors to keep track of multiple subjects.

With regard to prevention, we can cite the example of mobile jammers. As you know the exchange of information via cell phones is necessary while committing a crime. And mobile jammers jeopardizes that.

Now it totally depends on who gets access to these devices, and that shall determine whether they shall be deployed for ethical or unethical purposes. And this proves once again the race between technology and crime.