4 Location Tracking Technologies That Every Business Should Invest In
Recovering lost items, vehicles, and even people has become easier than ever, thanks to the advanced location tracking technologies available today.A few decades ago, GPS ruled the location tracking space with an iron fist.Today, many location tracking technologies exist, some of which are even more advanced than GPS when it comes to indoor tracking. That said, the tracking solution you choose should depend on your specific requirements (security, tracking accuracy, budget, etc.)If you're still pondering over what location tracking solution to use for your business, we're here to help. In this post, you'll learn about the most advanced tracking technologies available on the market today.
1. GPS
The location tracking technology that most people are familiar with is the Global Positioning System or the GPS. GPS technology is superior to other location tracking technologies due to its comprehensive coverage and versatility.GPS uses a network of global satellites to compute the exact location of a device or a person. This network incorporates a range of satellites that use microwave signals transmitted to GPS receivers to give information on location, time, direction, and speed (Check out this post to learn more about how GPS works).Besides providing location data, GPS technology can also track the movement of a person or a vehicle. For example, a transportation company can use a GPS tracker to monitor a delivery truck's route and check trip history.
2. Satellite Imaging
When it comes to location tracking, satellite imaging is perhaps the most advanced and sophisticated solution. If you have watched high-tech sci-fiction movies or thrillers like "My Secret Terius," or "24 Hours" you'd have a better idea of how satellite imaging works.These movies highlight this technology which involves super high-resolution cameras located on an aircraft or positioned high above the ground. The cameras are so powerful that they can read a wristwatch or a vehicle license plate from thousands of miles away.Satellite imaging employs the same principle. While no one knows the actual resolution of these reconnaissance satellites, the fact that they can obtain generic identification of distant objects or people, like drug offenders, make them invaluable for tracking purposes.Satellite imaging has now become part of the new data revolution, powered by technologies such as drones, satellite sensors, and aerial photography.
3. RFID
RFID is another tracking solution that can provide accurate and real-time location data for various items, including vehicles, office equipment, and even pets.A Radio Frequency Identification or RFID leverages electromagnet fields to provide location data. An RFID system consists of tags, readers that communicate with each other via radio waves, and control software. The tag consists of an antenna (an aerial that sends and receives radio signals) and a small chip that stores the broadcast information.An RFID tag can either be active or passive.An active RFID tag has a battery. These tags use the inbuilt power source to boost signal source and range and are best suited for outdoor tracking.Passive tags, on the other hand, don't have a battery. These tags draw power from the reader. When a passive RFID tag receives a radio signal, the coiled antenna within the tag creates a magnetic field that energizes the tag's circuit.
4. Internet Tracking
Internet tracking is another solution that can be used to track and recover lost or stolen hardware. For instance, modern laptops come with an optional tracking system in their bios that can communicate with the remote servers to determine the device's location if activated.However, such tracking requires an internet connection. Using the inbuilt device tracking software, you'll be able to get valuable information about the device's location, including the geographical data.