What is GPS Tracking?

GPS Tracking is the system of monitoring the location of an object (car, person, animal, equipment etc.) by attaching a GPS tracking device to it. At its simplest level the tracking device is fitted with a GPS receiver and some way to record its current location (latitude & longitude) at regular intervals.

This recorded information can be relayed in real time over a cellular network (if the tracking device is equipped with a data transmitter) or the data may be manually downloaded from the device after it has been retrieved. The latter are referred to as data loggers.

GPS tracking software needs to be used to make sense of the recorded data, translating the logged location information into dots on a map.

Privacy concerns about GPS tracking have resulted in legislation around how tracking devices can be used.