GPS Satellite Tracking

What Is GPS Satellite Tracking?

Summary

• GPS Basics: GPS satellite tracking uses signals from satellites, ground stations, and receivers to determine precise locations.
• Key Components:
  • Satellites: Around 24 active satellites orbit Earth, transmitting data to GPS receivers.
  • Ground Stations: Monitor and manage satellites to ensure accuracy.
  • Receivers: Devices that capture satellite signals to provide location information.
• Popular GPS Tracker: Spot Trace is highly rated for personal tracking with real-time alerts and a panic button.
• GPS Accuracy: Typically accurate to within 1-2 meters; military-grade systems are more precise.
• Global Systems: Besides GPS, other satellite systems include Galileo (EU), BeiDou (China), GLONASS (Russia), QZSS (Japan), and IRNSS (India).
• No Special Licenses: No permits required for civilian GPS use.
• Tracking Functionality: GPS tracking devices are user-friendly with web-based and app interfaces, and accurate tracking requires signals from at least four satellites.

What the heck is GPS satellite tracking? Really!? We know satellite navigation for turn-by-turn directions while driving and GPS solutions for search and rescue operations are all awesome parts of theGlobal Positioning Systemweb that have made life easier for all of us. But have you ever wondered just exactly howGPS tracking devices work? If so, this article will explain everything you need to know aboutsatellite GPS tracking. As well as provide awesome facts and the real-world benefits of satellite GPS tech! Now, let’s first dive in with some basics when it comes to GPS operations and the top choice for the best satellite GPS tracker among Amazon buyers!

Best Satellite GPS Tracker On Amazon

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• #1 For Person Tracking
• More Reliable Than Amateur Radio or Cell Phone
• Panic SOS Button Real Time Alerts
• Subscription Required

According to Amazon reviews, Spot Trace X is the best overall GPS messenger and navigation device. Spot Trace is a 2-way satellite messenger that utilizes Bluetooth and realtime GPS to help protect you on your outdoor adventures. Perfect for hiking, camping, and asset tracking, Spot Trace X will allow you to communicate with the outside world via SOS protection. This means if you are ever lost or in danger, you can easily communicate with the outside world and get help. With 62% of Amazon verified buyers leaving this Global Positioning System GPS 5-stars on Amazon, Spot Trace X is easily the best GPS satellite tracker by online rating.

Spot Trace uses the Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage

 

What Are The 3 Basic Principles of GPS

GPS Satellites

At the heart of the GPS system are satellites, often referred to as satellite vehicles. These satellites continuously orbit the Earth, transmitting essential data. For the GPS system to determine your exact location, it requires signals from at least three to four of these satellites. Their primary purpose is to send information regarding their position and the current time at regular intervals.

• Satellite Vehicles.There are approximately 24 active GPS satellites in orbit at any given time, ensuring global coverage.
• Global Coverage.With satellites spread strategically around Earth’s orbit, they ensure almost every corner of the planet can receive their signals.
• Transmit Data.Each satellite constantly transmits data, allowing GPS devices to determine their exact position.

Ground Stations

Ground stations play a crucial role in keeping the satellite system running accurately. These stations monitor and manage GPS satellites, ensuring they operate correctly. When you think of them, imagine the command centers that keep the whole system synchronized. Their primary task is to maintain the satellites’ accuracy and ensure the information they send to GPS receivers is precise.

• Globalstar Satellite Network & Iridium Satellite Network.These are examples of networks that connect with ground stations to keep the system synchronized.
• Fleet Management.Ground stations aid in tracking, ensuring assets and vehicles are precisely located for businesses.
• Emergency Response.In times of crisis, these stations can be pivotal, aiding in search and rescue operations by ensuring accurate location information.

GPS Receivers

You interact directly with GPS receivers, be it in your phone, vehicle, or a standalone device like the Garmin inReach. These receivers capture signals from the satellites and then use that data to determine your exact location. Once they have this information, they can display it, often as gps coordinates, or use it in various applications, such as navigation or tracking.

• Receive Text & Two-Way Messaging. Devices like the InReach Messenger allow users to receive text messages and communicate using satellite signals.
• GPS Locators & GPS Asset Tracking. These are examples of GPS receivers that help in locating objects or assets.
• Tracking Features & Movement Alerts. Modern GPS receivers can offer a host of features, including tracking movement or sending low-battery messages.

In essence, the synergy between GPS satellites, ground stations, and receivers provides a comprehensive system. This collaboration ensures you can find your way, track assets, or stay connected, even in the remotest corners of the planet.

15 Fun Facts GPS Satellite Tracking Devices

Through precision timing and radio navigation, GPS tracking devices provide pinpoint accurate GPS data that is helpful in navigation and tracking. The truth is, that satellite GPS tracking has significantly improved all of our lives. Don’t believe us? Here are 20 awesome facts and benefits of satellite communication!

1. Sputnik 1 was the first satellite launched into space by Russia in 1957
2. Selective Availability was turned off by Bill Clinton in 2000
3. With Selective Availability, GPS applications exploded in the consumer and business sectors
4. GPS devices are now commonly used for equipment tracking on construction sites
5. Spouses suspecting infidelity use GPS vehicle tracking to catch cheating partners
6. The navigation device app on your cell phone utilizes GPS data
7. GPS satellites travel approximately 20,000 kilometers above ground stations
8. Navstar was the original name for GPS and the first Navstar satellite was launched in 1978
9. Today, most people use their mobile phones for GPS navigation
10. Our GPS world was created for military applications and is still owned by the Department of Defense
11. Real time GPS is the #1 way you can recover a car and truck from theft
12. GPS asset trackers are used for everything from vehicle tracking to monitoring political signs
13. Satellite positions make a fullorbit approximately every 100 minutes
14. Military GPS receivers use two frequencies, making them far more accurate than civilian GPS devices
15. Data from a car tracker was used as key evidence in a murder trial

Photo Credit: NASA Space Place

How GPS Satellite Tracking Works

GPS satellite tracking combines the use of global positioning satellite systems, GPS receivers, cellular data modules, wireless/cellular networks, personal computers, and the end-user to monitor position and location-based data. Satellite tracking can be either passive or active, meaning data is either recorded upon the GPS-enabled device’s internal memory or transmitted where the users can access it live in real-time.

Satellite GPS: Frequently Asked Questions