Smart Phones with GPS Fall Short
By JAMES NEELY / guest writer
- James is a freelance writer for Rocky Mountain Tracking based in Fort Collins Colorado, a provider of GPS tracking products, software and accessories. For information about Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. visit www.RMTracking.com.
We have heard of stories of the uses of GPS enabled Smartphones recently. Some of these stories are successful accounts of how they have helped in emergencies. But there are also failures of these systems that have had serious consequences. Are they worth it? Is there something better?
The Uses
Smartphones with GPS are used for tracking purposes and can be a help in situations where there is no other methods for contacting or discovering the location of the phone or person in question.
The Concerns
This type of GPS Implementation has its limitations. In a recent article discussing the viability of GPS enabled smart phones to be able to be used in “augmented reality” settings for commercial uses, this opinion was rendered:
“GPS technology used in smartphones needs to be improved. The range of GPS sensors in smartphones is the same as that of a typical GPS car navigation device — about 20 meters (a little over 65 feet). While this is good enough for relaying information about streets when you’re in a moving vehicle, it isn’t tight enough to home in on — and, thus, convey information about — buildings and landmarks that you walk by in real time.”
This reveals the flaws in the use of smartphones as reliable GPS tracking devices. Not only do they have the above limitation, but they are also affected by poor signals in large buildings and facilities that actively block cell phone signals. This leaves them in a position of being vulnerable to inactivity when they are called upon in a time of need.
The Alternative
Real GPS Tracking devices are those that do not depend entirely upon cell phone signals. These units derive their signals from GPS Satellites that orbit the earth and provide instant, on-all-the-time communications.
The best applications are in vehicles and other mobile assets that are used out-of-doors. Certainly, satellite signals are non-existent inside of buildings either, but the advantages of GPS Tracking is that they have much closer tracking to within several feet of actual location. These units are the best choice from a safety standpoint for these reasons:
Any Vehicle Any Time – You can outfit any vehicle with a GPS tracking device for tracking purposes. And, you can also use these devices on other pieces of equipment that are used for other purposes. Imagine any type of outdoor equipment that would benefit from this technology and there is a device available for it.
Always on Always Available – GPS Tracking devices, when properly installed, are direct connected to the vehicle’s battery and they have their OWN internal battery which means that if there is a loss of battery power on your vehicle, the GPS Tracking device would still be emitting a signal for DAYS after the primary power had gone away. Try that with a GPS-enabled cell phone, or even an on-board Navigation system.
The bottom line and underlying message is that common sense has to trump dependence on technology. When in life threatening situations, you need more to depend upon besides a voice emanating from cell phone telling you where to turn. You need to prepare in advance for your safety.
Also, choose GPS Tracking devices that do not depend entirely on cell signals. The best tracking devices are either completely independent of your vehicle, or are integrated within it which provides always on and always available capabilities. And, independent battery power helps insure that your device is sending out signals with the maximum amount of time possible.
Tags: GPS Tracking, smart phones, Vehicle Tracking
No related posts.
