Lat-Lon, LLC

GPS tracking device
Company type	Technology product
Industry	Navigation, Tracking
Products	GPS trackers, GPS data loggers, GPS data pushers, GPS data pullers

A GPS tracking device, also known as a geotracking device, satellite tracking unit, or simply a tracker, is a navigation tool commonly affixed to vehicles, assets, individuals, or animals that utilizes satellite navigation to perform geotracking by pinpointing the geographic position of a moving entity. These satellite trackers often transmit signals that are interpreted by a receiver.

Position data can be either stored internally within the device or sent to an Internet-enabled system through cellular communication methods such as (GSM/GPRS/CDMA/LTE, SMS), radio, built-in satellite modem, or WiFi, facilitating worldwide coverage.

The size of the GPS antenna restricts the overall dimensions of trackers, which are frequently smaller than a half-dollar coin (approximately 30.61 mm in diameter). By the year 2020, the tracking sector had grown into a $2 billion market, encompassing military uses—with more than 10% of targets during the Gulf War employing trackers. Nearly all modern smartphones incorporate movement monitoring capabilities. Tracking paths can be viewed live through GPS tracking applications paired with compatible hardware.

Architecture

A GPS "track me" gadget incorporates a GPS receiver module that captures satellite signals and computes geographic coordinates. Devices known as data loggers come equipped with ample memory capacity to archive location points. Devices categorized as data pushers feature an integrated GSM/GPRS/CDMA/LTE modem to send collected data to centralized platforms via SMS or GPRS in the form of IP packets. Satellite-based trackers function globally by utilizing constellations such as GlobalStar or Iridium, eliminating dependence on cellular infrastructure.

Types

There are three primary categories of GPS trackers, although most GPS-enabled phones can operate across all modes contingent upon the installed mobile applications:

Data loggers

These GPS loggers capture location coordinates at predetermined intervals and save them within internal storage, which may include a memory card slot or embedded flash memory coupled with a USB interface. Certain models double as USB mass storage devices for straightforward data retrieval and analysis. Common file formats for recorded tracks include GPX, KML, and NMEA.

Many digital cameras embed timestamps on images; when synchronized with GPS log data, this allows precise geotagging within the photo’s metadata. Cameras outfitted with integrated GPS modules can produce geotagged images directly.

In covert surveillance scenarios such as private investigations, data loggers discreetly monitor target vehicles, offering dependable location records without requiring constant physical observation.

Data pushers

Data pushers represent the most prevalent type of GPS tracker, extensively utilized in areas like asset tracking, personal monitoring, and vehicle tracking solutions. Almost every mobile phone operates in this mode, storing positional information for deferred transmission even when powered off or disabled.

Also referred to as "GPS beacons," these units continuously transmit location data—including parameters like speed and altitude—to a specified server, enabling real-time data collection and analysis.

This category integrates a GPS navigation device with a mobile phone platform, sharing components such as power supply and hardware resources. The phone dispatches GPS coordinates via SMS or GPRS at regular intervals. Contemporary GPS-enabled smartphones equipped with tracking applications effectively serve as data pushers. Since 2009, various proprietary and open-source software solutions have supported platforms including Java ME, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, and Symbian.

The majority of GPS trackers developed in the 21st century employ push technology, facilitating sophisticated tracking capabilities in corporate environments—particularly for enterprises managing mobile personnel like commercial fleets. Commercial fleet management systems typically combine physical location devices with software platforms to establish an Automatic Vehicle Location system. Tracking hardware is generally hardwired into vehicles, interfacing with components such as the CAN-bus, ignition switch, and battery to gather supplementary telemetry data. This information is relayed to a dedicated GPS tracking server, accessible via web portals for live monitoring or historical review through digital mapping interfaces and detailed reports.

Commercial-grade GPS tracking solutions often transmit positional and telemetry information at fixed intervals or triggered by specific events such as door operations, auxiliary equipment status changes, or crossing predefined boundaries (geofence). Real-time tracking updates typically occur every one to five minutes while the vehicle ignition remains active, sometimes combining scheduled transmissions with heading-change triggers.

Emerging technologies like Telematics 2.0, which leverage Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks for automotive telematics applications, are increasingly adopted by commercial auto insurers aiming to improve fleet oversight and risk mitigation.

Data pullers

GPS data pullers, often called "GPS transponders," operate differently from data pushers by remaining active continuously and providing location information upon request (pull technology), rather than transmitting position data at predetermined intervals (push technology). Although their usage is limited, examples include Internet-connected computers running gpsd software.

These devices are ideal for situations where tracking is intermittent, such as safeguarding assets or monitoring cargo without constant power supply. An increasing number of GPS receivers integrated with mobile phones respond to specific SMS requests by sending back their current location.

Covert GPS trackers

Disguised as ordinary items, covert GPS trackers incorporate standard GPS hardware within inconspicuous enclosures. They are frequently employed for theft deterrence, for instance, hidden inside power tool cases to facilitate recovery if stolen.

Personal tracking

Race management: In sports like gliding, participants carry tracking devices to assist officials in monitoring compliance and positioning during competitions.
Law enforcement: GPS ankle bracelets serve as conditions for bail or tools to enforce restraining orders.
Espionage and surveillance: Trackers provide the capability to monitor individuals or vehicles discreetly.
Vehicle monitoring: Owners keep track of vehicle usage by family members or acquaintances.
Care for elderly and vulnerable individuals: GPS gadgets help monitor children and seniors, triggering alerts if they enter hazardous zones. Many models support one- or two-way voice communication and emergency calling features, fostering independent living. Some rely on cellular networks; others use satellite connectivity to cover areas beyond mobile reach. Trials involving dementia patient tracking are underway.
Web 2.0: Certain users maintain personal websites that display their real-time location using GPS-enabled devices.
Sports: GPS technology records metrics such as speed and distance for hikers, cyclists, and athletes. Rugby teams participating in the Six Nations Championship utilize GPS trackers embedded in players' jerseys for performance evaluation.
Adventure sports: Devices like the SPOT Satellite Messenger enable tracking and emergency communication in regions without cellular coverage, assisting rescue efforts.
Employee supervision: Organizations deploy GPS-capable devices with cellular links to track field personnel.
Lone worker safety: GPS enhances protection for employees working remotely in industries such as maintenance, forestry, and mining by allowing location monitoring in isolated settings.

Asset tracking

Solar-powered tracking units provide a major benefit over battery-operated ones by delivering longer operational duration and more frequent updates. For instance, wireless solar-powered products like the RailRider can send location and status information over 20,000 times per year and function indefinitely without needing battery replacement.

Aircraft tracking

Aircraft are tracked using ADS-B technology for commercial airliners and General Aviation equipped with ADS-B-out transponders, or through FLARM data packets utilized by General Aviation aircraft, gliders, and UAVs. ADS-B functions as a data pusher system but is planned to be succeeded by the data-puller approach known as ADS-C.

Wildlife Monitoring

GPS-enabled collars allow researchers to observe animal behavior and migration routes, including pinpointing birth sites through vaginal implant transmitters. In addition to scientific purposes, tracking collars are commercially utilized to recover missing pets.

Australian Regulations

There is no overarching federal legislation in Australia that governs the legality of GPS trackers; however, most states have enacted laws regulating surveillance devices. Queensland and Tasmania currently do not have specific statutes addressing this matter. Important state laws include:

Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW)
Surveillance Devices Act 1998 (WA)
Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (VIC)
Workplace Privacy Act 2011 (ACT)
Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NT)

United States Regulations

In the United States, GPS tracking by government entities is subject to restrictions under the Fourth Amendment, generally requiring a search warrant. Although law enforcement has conducted warrantless vehicle tracking, such actions have faced judicial scrutiny.

For private individuals, regulations differ across states; for example, California’s Penal Code Section 637.7 forbids electronic tracking of persons without their permission unless they own the vehicle or are law enforcement officials. Breaching this law is classified as a misdemeanor and may result in professional license suspension.

Beyond statutes specific to GPS technology, privacy protections are enforced through common law invasion of privacy claims and wiretapping laws that vary by jurisdiction. GPS devices have been used in various scenarios, from monitoring personal relationships to safeguarding valuable items such as religious artifacts.

Legislative discussions persist, illustrated by Georgia’s 2009 attempt to prohibit concealed GPS trackers except when used by authorized law enforcement.

United Kingdom Regulations

Although UK legislation does not explicitly address GPS tracker use, several laws influence its application as a surveillance instrument.

Data Protection Act 1998

When client instructions connect an individual with a vehicle equipped with a tracker, the resulting data is classified as personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) confirms that any information identifying a living person, directly or indirectly, qualifies as personal data.

Identification

A person is considered identified if distinguishable from others even without explicit naming. Identification depends on contextual and available means.

Connection to the Individual

Data processed to obtain information about an identifiable person—such as location tracking—is regarded as personal data within the scope of the Act.

Entities handling personal data must register with the ICO and obtain a DPA registration number; unauthorized data processing constitutes a criminal offense.

Trespass Considerations

Installing a tracker on someone else’s vehicle might be deemed civil trespass, especially if it entails entering private property. However, according to the OSC’s Chief Surveillance Commissioner, minimal contact with a vehicle alone may not fulfill trespass criteria.

Prevention of Harassment Act 1997

Continuous surveillance may be interpreted as stalking under this legislation, particularly following amendments introduced by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, which criminalized activities such as spying or coercive contact. Repeated unauthorized tracking can amount to harassment by limiting victims’ freedom and causing distress.

A prominent legal dispute involved Richmond Day & Wilson Limited and Bernard Matthews Limited concerning a tracking device discovered on a vehicle associated with Hillside Animal Sanctuary, underscoring potential liabilities linked to unauthorized tracker deployment.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

The Home Office’s "Covert Surveillance and Property Interference" Code of Practice specifies that placing GPS trackers constitutes property interference requiring authorization from designated authorities like police or intelligence agencies. Unauthorized placement by public officials or others violates RIPA 2000 provisions.

Since private citizens cannot obtain such authorization, installing trackers without consent amounts to unlawful property interference. This legislation primarily regulates public authority conduct; no additional criminal statutes currently govern tracker usage outside RIPA’s jurisdiction.

Applications in marketing

In August 2010, the Brazilian division of Unilever introduced an innovative campaign by embedding GPS devices inside boxes of Omo laundry detergent. Consumer teams monitored purchasers of the detergent back to their residences, rewarding them with prizes for their acquisitions. A specialized website (in Portuguese) showcased the general vicinity of the winners' homes.

External links

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