Thanks to geo tracking technology, we now have ride-hailing services and no longer need to pick up taxis from fixed locations. But this is just one application. Many businesses and law enforcement authorities use it to make our lives easier.
In this detailed guide, we have discussed everything about geo tracking. You’ll get a brief historical overview of the technology and learn about its usage in different industries for different purposes.
So, without further ado, let’s start with a quick introduction to geo tracking!
Table of Contents
What Is Geo Tracking?
Geo tracking allows you to monitor the real-time location of devices, vehicles, or individuals.
Have you ever asked a friend to share their live location to know exactly where to pick them up from? Have you ever wondered how ride-sharing apps provide real-time updates on the ride’s location?
These and other such location services have geo-tracking technology at their core.
Geotracking relies on a combination of advanced technologies to track the exact location of devices across various environments and scenarios.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) serves as the primary technology for geo tracking in GPS-enabled devices. GPS satellites orbiting the Earth send signals to GPS receivers in devices. The receivers calculate their exact location based on the time it takes for the signals to arrive.
When GPS signals are weak or unavailable, cellular networks use cell towers to help triangulate a device’s location.
In densely populated urban areas, the Wi-Fi positioning method comes in handy. It determines device location by identifying nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.
Additionally, for short-range indoor geotracking, Bluetooth technology provides the best solution.
As for geo tracking data, it typically includes various pieces of information based on the type of location service. General purpose location tracking may include only relevant information such as location coordinates, timestamp, direction, and, in some cases, speed.
However, special-purpose location services may also provide information about altitude, accuracy, battery status, and geofencing alerts.
Now, let’s understand the tracking process in detail.
The GeoTracking Process
Geo tracking operates through a series of coordinated steps to calculate the exact location of devices.
Initially, the device receives signals from GPS satellites, cell towers, Wi-Fi networks, or Bluetooth beacons.
It then calculates its exact location using these signals, with GPS requiring triangulation from at least four satellites for accuracy.
After determining the device location, the data goes to a central server or cloud service via the Internet. The server processes this location data and makes it accessible to users through a web interface or a geo tracker app.
This intuitive interface provides users with comprehensive and actionable insights at their fingertips. Based on the app, users can view the real-time location, set up geofences, review historical data, and receive alerts.
Now, let’s explore who made the geo tracker and its history.
Who Made the Geo Tracker?
Geo tracking on a broader level doesn’t have a single inventor; rather, it’s something that evolved through multiple human civilizations.
One can credit the Ancient Greeks as pioneers of geotracking when they used the stars to triangulate their position. This method, known as celestial navigation, used constellations and the angle of the stars to estimate one’s approximate location.
However, in modern times, the dawn of this technology truly began in the 1930s. This was the period when the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory developed the radar technology to identify incoming enemy aircraft.
Then, in 1957, the Soviet Union further paved the way for satellite-based tracking systems with the launch of Sputnik I.
However, what actually became the backbone of modern geo-tracking technology was GPS satellites. The U.S. Department of State proposed this GPS system in 1973 and launched the first satellites in 1978. By 1995, the GPS system provided location services to military and civilians.
Usage of Geo Tracking in Different Industries
Geo tracking is the lifeline of thousands of businesses around the globe. Here are some of its major uses in different industries.
1. Car Rentals
Car rental companies use geo tracking to monitor the location of their vehicles. Each rental car has a GPS device that receives signals from satellites to determine its exact location.
This location data then goes to a central server via cellular networks. The company then monitors their vehicles in real-time using specialized software.
The system can also send alerts if a car goes outside a designated geofence.
2. Geo Tracking in HR
HR departments use geo tracking to track employee attendance and monitor their location.
They install GPS devices or use mobile apps to track employees. This helps manage remote workers and ensure they are at the right place at the right time.
Geo tracking also helps monitor company-owned devices, such as laptops or tablets used by employees. Large organizations use mobile device management (MDM) or unified endpoint management (UEM) to monitor, manage, and secure all their devices.
It helps them keep accurate attendance records by avoiding errors and fraud in attendance logs.
The overall productivity of the employee also increases as time wasted on non-work-related activities reduces.
3. Theft Prevention
GPS-enabled devices can continuously monitor and report their position. When a device shows unusual activity, the system can alert the owner to notify them of potential theft.
This increases the chances of recovery as owners can track the real-time location of the stolen item.
Google’s “Find My Device” and Apple’s “Find My” are among the most common examples of theft protection using geo tracking. When users enable these features, they can track them using GPS and WiFi location data using another device.
The feature typically shows them the current or last known location of the missing device on a map. Users can play a sound if the device is close by or lock their device. If recovery seems impossible, users can also remotely erase all content and settings on the device.
4. Emergency Response in Public Safety
Emergency services use GPS and other location services to pinpoint the exact location of incidents or individuals in distress.
After identifying the location, emergency dispatch systems use geo tracking data to determine the nearest responders. This enables police, fire, or medical teams to reach the scene as fast as possible.
Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite is a feature that helps users in emergencies when they are out of cellular coverage.
The feature uses geo tracking via satellite to send a distress signal and location information to emergency services.
5. Education
Advanced schools and universities allot devices such as laptops and tablets to their students and teachers.
These devices are expensive, and misplacing them can cause organizations huge financial losses. To ensure these devices don’t go missing, education institutes use MDM software with geo-tracking features.
MDM software lets schools and universities track devices, enforce security policies, and monitor device activity in real-time.
6. Criminal Monitoring on Parole or Probation
Geo-tracking technology is also crucial in monitoring offenders, particularly those on probation or parole. This is done through electronic tagging devices typically strapped above the ankle of the offender.
These electronic monitors are usually GPS-based, but in some cases, RF technology is more efficient.
Using electronic tagging, officers monitor offender movement to ensure they comply with court orders. Officers monitor that the offender doesn’t cross into restricted geofences such as schools or a victim’s home.
These devices also have alerts in place to notify the monitoring officer about geofencing violations or device removal attempts.
3 Benefits of Geo-Tracking Technology
Here’s why geo tracking is important for many businesses.
1. Safety and Security
Geo tracking enhances safety and security in various environments. For example, parents can use geo tracking to know their children’s locations in real-time. This gives parents peace of mind and lets them take quick action in emergencies.
Moreover, logistics companies use geo tracking to monitor fleet locations, which helps prevent theft. Geo-tracking features like geofencing send alerts when assets move outside designated areas. This immediate notification increases the chances of recovering stolen items.
2. Employee Productivity
Field service companies track employee locations to optimize routes. This reduces travel time and increases the number of jobs completed daily.
By knowing the real-time location of employees, managers can assign tasks based on proximity. This reduces downtime and enhances productivity.
When employee activities and locations are under check, they use their time and resources more carefully.
3. Resource Management
Logistics companies track their fleets to ensure their drivers use the vehicles efficiently. This reduces idle time and enhances fleet management. Companies can also optimize routes to reduce fuel consumption.
Geo-tracking features like device status monitoring help keep track of asset conditions. This helps schools and corporations with timely maintenance of their devices and prevents breakdowns.
3 Legal Concerns in Geotracking
While geo tracking is beneficial for many purposes, companies should be mindful of its potential legal concerns. Let’s review those concerns so you can avoid them.
1. Privacy Concerns
Monitoring an individual’s exact location can infringe on personal privacy. Employers must inform employees about tracking policies and obtain consent. Failure to do so can result in legal issues.
For example, in 2015, a California employee sued her employer for tracking her location through a company-owned device. She claimed the company tracked her during non-working hours without her consent.
This shows that companies must obtain explicit consent from individuals before tracking their location.
2. Data Security
Since geo tracking involves collecting real-time location data, companies must ensure this data is secure. Unauthorized access to location data can lead to privacy breaches and legal consequences.
In 2020, a major data breach exposed the real-time location data of millions of users from a popular fitness app. Such data breaches of location information can put millions of lives at risk.
3. Regulatory Compliance
Different regions have specific regulations regarding geo tracking. Companies must comply with these laws to avoid legal issues.
For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe imposes strict rules on data collection and processing, including location data.
In the US, laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) also regulate the collection and use of location data. Companies must stay updated with these regulations to ensure compliance.
Geo Tracker App: Top 3 in the Market
There are many geotracking solutions on the market, but the following are the top-rated ones.
1. Google Maps
Google Maps needs no introduction. Its geo-tracking features allow you to track locations in real-time. You can share your location with friends and family. You can also see their locations if they share with you.
Google Maps also offers a feature called “Timeline.” This feature shows where you’ve been and the routes you’ve taken.
Moreover, the Google Maps API has a huge market share and is the go-to mapping geolocation API for businesses. This isn’t surprising as Google Maps supports a diverse set of platforms with its APIs.
2. Find My (Apple)
Find My is an Apple app that tracks the location of Apple devices and shares locations with friends and family. Unlike Google, the Find My app is only for Apple devices.
The app’s primary use is to find lost devices. You can see their last known location on a map. If the device is online, you can make it play a sound. You can also put the device in Lost Mode. This locks the device and shows a message on the screen.
Find My can also track AirTags. Attach an AirTag to your keys or other items; you can see their location in the Find My app.
3. Life360
Life360 is a family safety app that provides location tracking and communication features for families.
To start, create a private circle with your family. Each member needs to install the Life360 app and join the circle. The app shows everyone’s location on a map.
Life360 works on both Android and iOS devices. It uses GPS-enabled devices to provide accurate and reliable tracking. The app offers a premium version with additional safety features.
The app offers many features for different purposes, such as driving safety and crash detection. It also has an SOS button, which sends an alert to circle members with your location when you press it.
geoPlugin, the Ultimate Geo Tracking Solution!
While the apps we just discussed offer geo tracking features and APIs, they cannot fulfill your business requirements. You need a geolocation API to help with techniques such as geofencing, geomarketing, geo-pricing, and more.
geoPlugin’s API offers just that. It lets you collect geolocation data on your customers or website visitors. You can build huge databases from this data and use it for the applications mentioned above.
So, sign up for geoPlugin today and get closer to your customers!
