The Global Positioning System, or GPS, has come a long way since the United States Defense Department used it to spy on other countries and militaries. As usual, there are two sides to every technological advancement: the good side and the wrong side. You can easily list the benefits and disadvantages of any technology advancement from the last few years, if not earlier.
Types of GPS trackers
Wearable or personal, hardwired, and Real-time trackers are the three main types available.
Wearable or Personal GPS Trackers
In an emergency, hikers or hunters carry this type of device. They often have a button that can notify them of aid and their location. This usually occurs via cell phone networks. Others are the size of a cell phone with a screen and are both GPS navigation and trackers. Remember that many of these devices, including small bits to help you find your keys in your house, are not GPS but Bluetooth. These non-GPS gadgets are small and wearable, but they require a set distance to receive tracking data.
Plug-in GPS Trackers
A plug-in GPS tracker connects to a car’s port. Mechanics use this to connect their computers to the car’s sensors. Plug-in trackers are small, easy to install and detect a car’s status. This allows them to switch between active and sleep states (which report data less frequently to avoid draining the car battery). It also lets them know when a vehicle is started or stopped. Plug-in variants are suitable for both home and business use.
Real-time GPS Trackers
Real-time GPS trackers are GPS monitoring systems that communicate data in real-time, allowing users to track their current position at all times. Real-time GPS monitoring systemic procedures are complex and necessitate the usage of tracking services and GPS tracking software. Satellite mapping is used to display the location of GPS tracking devices in real-time GPS tracking systems.
Now that you know the different types of GPS trackers and how they work. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using these trackers.
Pros of Using GPS Trackers
Navigation System
The navigation system is the most popular use for GPS. When paired with map technology, it is a critical tool for road vehicles and boats. GPS pinpoints a device’s location with pinpoint precision, and statistics are frequently used to compute a device’s direction of travel and speed by comparing coordinates. This information is frequently utilized to provide real-time bit-by-bit directives from purpose A to purpose B.
Emergency Services
The GPS gadget will help tremendously in an unforeseen emergency circumstance, such as an accident, where you are unable to notify the appropriate authorities of your location.
Safety
GPS gadgets serve as a trustworthy safety net. These devices assist you in determining your location and determining the best route leading to your location, whether you’re traveling to new places or getting lost in any city. In addition, the tracker informs friends and relatives of your exact whereabouts.
Traffic and Weather Alerts
One of the best aspects of GPS is that everything happens in real-time. That means you’ll be alerted if there’s a traffic jam or other type of delay ahead or if you’re about to enter a region where a severe weather event is occurring. Not only will this save you time, but it will also improve your safety.
The Cons of Using GPS
Lack of Local Knowledge
When traveling, local knowledge is really valuable. You may lose out on information that would be useful for your travel if you rely entirely on GPS technology. For example, if a section of road is prone to floods or other problems at certain times of day, or whether the street is closed for particular periods of time, such as owing to drawbridges and railway crossings.
Lack of Privacy
One of the most significant disadvantages of employing GPS monitoring devices is the lack of privacy. Everyone who has access to the GPS system will be able to see where you are, what you’re doing, and every aspect of your everyday activities. However, oftentimes people are not aware that their cell phone could be doing the same thing to them.
Inaccuracy
A minimum of four satellites are required for GPS devices to work. The location is not completely precise if connected only with three; problems can arise when impediments like walls, skyscrapers, and trees obscure a signal.
Signal or Battery Failure
Relying only on GPS can be problematic when there is a signal loss or when using a battery-operated device that runs out of power. GPS gadgets are notorious for being power hogs. Let’s say you don’t have a backup plan in place, such as paper maps.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to evaluate the moral and legal implications of using a GPS monitoring device or GPS tracker app to track another person’s whereabouts while deciding whether or not to do so.
