The relatively new technology known as GPS tracking or Global Positioning Systems is valuable to our modern world in many ways. From vehicles to people, animals and objects, GPS tracking can apply to nearly anything (excluding gases and liquids) for various purposes. Businesses across many industries use GPS in different ways for diverse goals.

Managers and buyers can find GPS tracking and other solutions for a business online according to how they want to use the technology to locate or track items on a continual basis. These are just some of the ways businesses use GPS today:

1. For fleet monitoring and GPS tracking attached to vehicles to see where trucks or cars are on the road or stationary locations.

2. To monitor wildlife with GPS tracker devices in a research capacity, for example, for businesses doing outsourcing for corporate or federal agencies.

3. To provide ongoing location support for tools or infrastructure using GPS/GIS tagging and GPS tracking system equipment.

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Find GPS tracking solutions for vehicle and fleet tracking

One main use for GPS tracking for large businesses in the transit world is for tagging vehicles. GPS solutions help dispatch and top staff see where all vehicles are on the road and improve routing, fuel efficiency, timeline tracking and more. Lots of companies focus in on fleet management, offering specific vehicle GPS options and information.

I recommend: Find out about how GPS can enable your dispatch and fleet staff at Telogis. For more business innovations in the field of vehicle tracking, try AT&T's online resource site.

Find GPS tracking options for animal tracking

For other kinds of businesses, GPS enables advanced research through tagging either wildlife or domestic animals. Some agricultural industries utilize GPS, as do research firms that tag all kinds of creatures to get detailed ecological and species information.

I recommend: USDA Agricultural Research Service online resources outline animal tracking from a GPS perspective as part of the work this government agency does in partnership with businesses for the future of domestic livestock. Learn more about animal tracking for research with collars and other tools at Telemetry Solutions.

Get more on GPS tracking and GIS for asset tagging and inventory handling

Another huge application of GPS is in the combination of GPS and GIS or Geographic Informational Services. Much of GIS is just GPS applied to usually static objects from signs and surveying equipment to large appliances. Businesses from municipal contractors to consumer service agencies use GPS and GIS to keep track of a range of material assets.

I recommend: Look for info on a range of GPS and GIS solutions agencies and businesses can use for asset tracking at ABI Research. Learn more about asset tagging with GIS/GPS at SAIC Enterprise Applications: "From Science to Solutions.”

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Learn the ramifications of GPS tracking devices before setting them up in the field. There may be issues with recovery of these objects in some cases that can have a bearing on your intended use. Consult with vendors before setting up the fine details of your program.

It's 5 p.m., do you know where all your vehicles are? Using a good Global Positioning System (GPS) not only locates all of them for you, but can also help you monitor mileage and gasoline consumption.

These small devices can be installed anywhere in a vehicle and, by using satellites to pinpoint your vehicles, enable you to:

1. Locate individual vehicles to within 500 feet.
2. Monitor idling time of each vehicle by telling you how long they've been at each location or stuck in traffic.
3. Keep a record of mileage for each vehicle.
4. Monitor and verify gasoline charges.
5. Track and monitor a vehicle's speed.

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Consider a consumer GPS tracking device

Purchasing an off-the-shelf GPS unit may be less expensive, especially if you have a small fleet to track. Commercially available GPS tracking devices can still monitor mileage, speed and locate your vehicles plus give drivers the added convenience of routing information (maps) and locations of business and other points of interest.

I recommend: A few of the manufacturers of these devices include Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and Mio.

Pinpoint exactly what you need from a GPS device

Know exactly what you want the GPS tracking devices to do before purchasing them. Do you strictly want in-car navigation systems, such as those listed above, or do you want a more sophisticated model which can deliver detailed reports on mileage, gasoline consumption, speed, and location?

I recommend: To get a better handle on the features and functions available in GPS navigation systems, visit GPS World and GPS Daily. Maybe you want a system you can monitor using the Internet, or a device which can download reports to your computer.

Customize your GPS system

Purchase separate hardware and software to set up a GPS tracking system that exactly fits your needs. Although you could probably save some money by purchasing packages that include the GPS unit and report-generating software, you may want to maintain more control over what is monitored by installing third-party products.

I recommend: The GPS Store sells a wide variety of trackers, and you can manage your fleet with ManagerPlus Feet + Transportation software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If possible, sign up for your new GPS tracking system on a trial period. There's no substitute for real world testing.
• •  Encourage company-wide adoption of your GPS tracking system by rewarding efficient employees more noticeably than you monitor laggards.

Global positioning systems (GPS) tracking for large businesses are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those whose services are transportation-related. While a common use of GPS systems is to determine ones geographic location, businesses can utilize tracking systems for other applications.

GPS tracking systems as part of a business�s vehicle tracking/fleet management operation can provide notification if a driver is exceeding the speed limit, ventures into an area that is not on their designated route or spends too much time at a particular location. GPS tracking systems can also assist customer assistance representatives in resolving disputes regarding product delivery by allowing them to access the trucks activity records and determine what time the delivery occurred or provide them an estimate as to what time the delivery will arrive.

While GPS tracking systems can be an asset to the operations of a business, one concern of incorporating GPS tracking into their operations is that of education and training. Businesses can resolve this issue by:

1. Referencing global positioning systems magazines

2. Consulting a vendor to assist with their GPS tracking system purchase

3. Seeking vendors that provide training

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Read global positioning systems magazines and gain insight on GPS tracker technology

Knowledge of global positioning systems basics such as satellite orbits, how GPS devices receive signals and conditions affecting a GPS device's ability to receive a signal will allow you to have an understanding of how GPS tracking devices operate. In addition, one can also learn about the integration and application of GPS data from GPS-related magazines.

I recommend: GPSmagazine is an online resource that provides technological updates and product reviews. GPS World offers subscribers a choice of digital or print magazines as well as newsletters that provide information on the latest in GPS technology and upcoming events such as conferences and webinars.

Seek training from providers of GPS tracking equipment when purchasing GPS tracking devices

Representatives from GPS tracking companies are an invaluable resource who will discuss the objectives you have regarding GPS tracking for your business and ensure you purchase the appropriate equipment for GPS tracking and, more importantly, know how to use it.

I recommend: LiveViewGPS explains how GPS tracking works. VehiclePath offers an information library, as well as an installation guide.

Take advantage of training from GPS tracking vendors to learn everything that your system can do

Successful implementation of a GPS tracking device for any business depends on employees knowing how to utilize features associated with the GPS tracking software. GPS tracking systems do more than report a vehicle's location. They can identify vehicles that exceed speed limits, generate mileage reports and help keep vehicle maintenance on schedule by monitoring a vehicle's usage.

I recommend: Actsoft and FleetMatics provide GPS Tracking Education and Training through user guides and training courses to their clients.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact your local community college to register for courses related to GPS Tracking Education and Training.
• •  Notify your insurance company that your business is utilizing a GPS tracking system on its fleet to see if you qualify for a discount on your premium.

A GPS tracking system is practically a must have in today's delivery and service industries. It is a great way to always know where your company vehicles are so you can keep track of employees while they're on the clock, make sure deliveries reach their destination on time and ensure that employees find their next service location. You need to know the following terms in order to understand how a GPS tracking unit works and its benefits.

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Global Positioning System (GPS)

A Global Positioning System (GPS) gathers navigation and location information from a network of 24 satellites put in place by the U.S. Department of Defense. It enables you to pinpoint your location within a centimeter. GPS tracking expands to knowing the location of someone or something other than your own vehicle, such as tracking company vehicles or even a child or a pet.

I recommend: Trimble provides a detailed explanation of GPS.

Data logger

A data logger is one of the more basic GPS tracking units. It logs an object's position at regular intervals and retains that information on the unit's internal memory.

I recommend: Visit Tech-FAQ and R.E. Williams Contractor for more information on the various GPS tracking devices available.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

A Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) measures latitude and longitude and is often used with GPS tracking systems.

I recommend: Read more about UTM on GPSinformation.

Geometric Dilution of Process (GDOP)

Geometric Dilution of Process (GDOP) -- also known as Dilution of Precision or DOP -- is the calculation process used in GPS tracking to determine the intersection of several spheres. These spheres form based upon the area coverage of satellites. Therefore, if satellites are close together, the GDOP is high. If they have are evenly spaced apart, the DOP is low.

I recommend: Access Codepedia or Free Geography Tools for more information.

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) is the business side of GPS tracking. This is the system that companies use to track their vehicles. Typically, an AVL system comes with a GPS receiver for the vehicle that links to a control center and tracking software used by a dispatcher.

I recommend: Laipac Technology and Tracking the World provide more information on how their AVL systems work.

Garmin

Garmin is one of the more popular manufacturers of GPS tracking systems. Among its many systems are those for vehicle tracking, phone and laptop integration, hiker navigation and for water and air travel.

I recommend: Learn more about Garmin. Visit the Satellite Navigation and Positioning Lab for more GPS key terms.