The use of GPS locators has grown enormously in recent years, and they have become mandatory products that are frequently discussed in various fields. In the past, it was very useful in detecting situations and secrets of global importance. Today, its use has extended to other sectors, to the point of becoming a device for everyday use. Let’s see what the GPS locator is for, how it works, and the advantages it can bring.
GPS locator: what is it for?
The GPS locator is an electronic device that uses the global positioning system known as GPS (Global Positioning System) and is used to locate and therefore discover the exact position of a subject, an animal, a car and even a GSM bug.
Let’s remember that the GPS system is a high-tech terrestrial positioning system, designed by the US Department of Defense for military purposes, and then made accessible to anyone with a satellite receiver. The GPS satellite system consists of a constellation of 24 solar-powered satellites that move around the Earth in almost circular orbits. Each GPS satellite transmits signals that are communicated to GPS receivers located on the ground.
The position is detected by the GPS locator in any weather conditions and wherever it is located on the planet. Immediately after, the information is transmitted as data to an interlocutor previously connected to the device.
Specifically, a GPS locator is a device of great help in solving problems of any kind regarding the safety, control, and remote assistance of operators who work alone or elderly people who live alone, to track shipments, understand when they arrive at their destination, and much more.
Sometimes the GPS locator can also be used to carry out electronic shadowing and therefore discover the position of vehicles, people, and personal objects of great value. Let’s think for example of GPS bugs, of tiny dimensions, which can be installed without the individual’s knowledge and allow international, political, economic, and various secrets to be stolen. The GPS bug can be installed anywhere, not only in cars but also in motorcycles, boats, and in the most unthinkable places.
How does a GPS locator work?
The GPS locator function is based on a structure composed of two modules:
A satellite receiver with professional performance is able to acquire the position of an object or a person via the GPS network. This can be done by locating at least four satellites and calculating the distance from each of the latter and that relating to its own position. The data received is processed and transformed into Cartesian coordinates, inserted into a small GPS memory, and constantly updated.
A transmitter of the coordinates and data regarding the position of the person or object to be located. For example, the information is transmitted via a message to a mobile phone which, thanks to the connection, is able to display the real position of the object on the Google map.
When is a GPS locator useful?
The use of the GPS locator in recent years has been expanded in various work sectors and thanks to the invention of easy-to-wear devices, it has proven to be an excellent solution for preserving the safety of workers. The portable GPS locator has become important for promptly reporting any accident at work and guarantees workers immediate intervention. The GPS position detector can be worn via a practical clip and thanks to it, it is always possible to know where the worker is in order to provide assistance.
Thanks to the internal GPS receiver, it is sufficient to send a position request text message to the SIM card contained in the device and this will respond with another text message containing a Google Maps link relating to the position in which it is located. This function is very useful when in the work context there are very large environments and therefore it may be necessary to know the precise position in which employees and operators are.
What does the portable GPS locator allow you to detect?
The portable GPS locator, as we have seen, is very useful in work environments for the safety of workers. There are many types available on the market, but generally, the functions are more or less similar. Thanks to this tool it is possible to automatically detect a possible fall of the person who has it on. In this case, the locator will automatically send a series of alarm signals to the numbers contained in the address book.
The signals therefore alert colleagues and employers who can then intervene immediately and provide assistance. This is a very important function and particularly suitable for the construction sector, or in any case for work that must be carried out at heights or in confined spaces. The numbers entered in the internal address book of the GPS locator can all be notified at the same time by pressing a button: in this way, the device automatically sends a geolocation text message that allows you to find the exact point of the person in difficulty.
Thanks to this system, it is possible to manage emergency situations of any kind and in a timely manner, facilitating rescue operations. The costs of the GPS locator vary based on its functions and range from a low price to very high costs, precisely depending on the sophisticated characteristics with which it is made.
Photo by Ingo Joseph:
