How to Choose A GPS Tracking System for Theft Recovery
There was a time, not long ago, when security alarms were about the only choice for vehicle theft prevention. These older security systems did little more than produce pathetic sounds when anyone touched or disturbed the vehicle. Security systems with audible alerts were largely ineffective because they were sensitive and often tripped for no reason. Meant to scare off the would-be thief, they instead irritated and desensitized the surrounding public.
Today, with the arrival of GPS tracking systems, vehicle security has changed and owners have more and better choices. Now vehicle owners have the ability to track down where their stolen vehicle has been taken on their computers from a remote location.
According to the FBI, vehicle thefts have dropped 50 percent over the last 20 years, thanks in part to GPS tracking.
GPS tracking, when associated with asset protection, is always done in “real time.” Many companies are offering GPS tracking systems with theft recovery features, and they might use any combination of satellite, cellular and radio-frequency signals. Most systems operate similarly, starting with the capture of GPS tracking data from U.S. Department of Defense satellites.
A GPS tracking receiver is set in the vehicle and it gets location updates at regular intervals based on data captured from satellites. The receiver stores that information in memory. Then the system transmits the data to a server, where it can be seen and interpreted from a remote location. To transfer the raw data, most systems use the same cellular telephone technology employed in Internet-enabled “Smart” phones.
Most live GPS tracking systems also give the user alerts by text message or email when the vehicle moves outside a virtual geographical boundary (geo-fencing) or exceeds a pre-set speed limit.
What to Look For in a GPS Tracking System
Buyers looking for a GPS tracking system for theft recovery should keep some key points in mind:
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Live motion tracking or location prompt?
Most real-time vehicle tracking devices are doing constant position updates, every few minutes or every few seconds. This gives users a very thorough “real time” view of the vehicle’s path, including speed, latitude, longitude, miles driven, length of time stopped, etc. on their computers. Other GPS tracking systems use “central monitoring stations.” With these agreements, the vehicle’s GPS tracking coordinates are captured on a regular basis and recorded, but the user only gets a location hit when he or she requests it through the GPS tracking service. Some people call this a prompt or “ping” locator.
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Pay for Extra Features?
Most real-time GPS tracking systems have additional activation, maintenance and/or monthly service fees. Usually, the more frequently a unit gives position updates, the higher the fee. Some systems have novel special features that will cost extra. These might be remote door locks and ignition immobilization.
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Where/How to Install GPS Tracking?
Some real-time GPS tracking systems, like the LandAirSea Victoria GPS Tracking System, are easily portable and will require no professional help. Others, particularly those GPS tracking systems that hook up to the vehicle’s main electrical system, or involve an external anntenna, might require an extra fee for installation. For professional installation, screen for price and expertise.
When thinking vehicle theft prevention, most people would prefer a GPS tracking system that tracks the lost vehicle instantly and is portable and can perhaps fit in a pocket. It is always important to do business with a GPS tracking company like LandAirSea Systems, that knows its products and backs them with free, local technical support. Above all, consumers will search for a GPS tracking system that will not take too much of a bite out of the budget.
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