All About GPS Car Tracker

BASIC INFORMATIONS ABOUT CAR TRACKING SYSTEM

What is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time data in any weather condition utilizing four or more satellites for the aim of detecting position of the GPS receiver in any accessible line of vision around the globe. The GPS system, which was first introduced for military purposes, was made available to civil use following downing of a passenger airplane having veered far from its normal course with 269 people on board in 1983. GPS systems are currently used in many fields ranging from airplanes to mobile phones, from vehicle tracking systems to navigation systems and to mapping.

What is GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

GPRS is a technology that allows you to go online via your mobile phone. GPRS connection technology (packet base services) provides a faster and more economical data transfer compared to conventional connection modes (circuit-switched services). Unlike the conventional connection technologies, the GPRS technology would charge you according to the amount of transferred data rather than the connection time. This technology allowed for data transfer from one mobile phone to another laying the ground for today’s smart phones. Since data transfer has speeded up and costs have dropped thanks to the GPRS technology, vehicle tracking systems as well as all other mobile applications and systems can be executed much faster and economically. In time, with the evolving technology, data transmission speed has improved. The terms GPRS, E, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are abbreviations used to classify signal power corresponding to the following data transmission values.

What is Vehicle Tracking System?

With its simplest definition, a vehicle tracking system is the system that allows tracking and controlling of vehicles via an online computer, smart phone, tablet, etc. on a 24/7 basis thanks to GPS satellites. Vehicle tracking systems make it possible to have an instantaneous and history tracking of vehicle speeds, the routes they followed, stopping points, idling times on maps providing a registry and check point with past and present reports.

How does the Vehicle Tracking System work?

Basically, the vehicle tracking systems work in a loop of GPS, GSM/GPRS, digital maps and special software. Mobile data devices mounted on vehicles transmit two pieces of information they get from satellites – real-time when the satellite information was transmitted and position of the satellite in orbit at the time of transmission – and transmit telemetric information such as temperature to control and communication centers via the GSM/GPRS network. Information received as such are then compiled thanks to special software and recorded in a databank on servers. On the user side, vehicles can be tracked on their instantaneous and history records via a computer or a smartphone/tablet by using special software making it possible to visualize all information from vehicles, and to modify alarms and program statuses of vehicles. This structure forms the basis for functioning of the vehicle tracking systems.

“Its a never ending battle of making your cars better and trying to be better yourself” DALE EARNHARDT

Top 5 things to do while in traffic

Since we’ve been taught to look for silver linings, here are a few things to engage yourself in to pass the time.

1. Have a mini turn up, whether it’s from the radio or from your playlist, traffic is one time where you can enjoy music and bust some moves, while sitting. You can literally turn your car into a mini club.

2. Call your family members and friends. While in stand-still traffic, you could call your friends and family members who you have been unable to catch up with during work. However, it’s against road safety rules to be on the phone while driving, so it’s better to put the call on speaker and keep your hands free.

3. Play catch up. Catch up on your messages, social media, favourite books and movies while you are in traffic, that is, only when you are in stand still.

4. Indulge in the munchies. Vendors take advantage of traffic to hawk various junk food like plantain chips, gala, biscuits, drinks, etc. Why not indulge and purchase some.

5. Engage in traffic shopping. Some people find provisions that they need while in traffic. From shaving sticks to bag of potatoes, you can get anything in Lagos traffic.