Live tracking

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Live tracking is a special form of GNSS tracking in which the geographic positions , which are specified in latitude and longitude , are not saved as with a data logger and later read out via a PC via a USB interface, but processed and processed directly in an application are displayed. The advantage of live tracking lies in the delay-free display of the track points or a route.

Hardware requirements

The GNSS receiver must have a GSM module with a SIM card , which forwards the data in real time to the portal, where it is then currently available. Except with special GNSS trackers live tracking can also smartphone - apps are performed.

Telephony

Some devices also have microphones and speakers so that the device or the user can be called or called and the GNSS device can be used as a mobile phone . A restriction should be mentioned that the relevant phone numbers must be entered in advance via the configuration of the device. As a rule, a maximum of three phone numbers can be configured in advance.

Areas of application

This form of GNSS tracking can be used, for example, for route optimization or rerouting vehicles, for protecting objects against theft and for securing or locating people in emergency situations. Special devices are now so small that they can even be used for observation . Live tracking is also increasingly used at sporting events such as B. Paragliding cross-country flight competitions and used by recreational athletes (mountain bikers, paragliders, ...).

A route-dependent electronic toll has been levied in Hungary since July 1, 2013 ( toll in Hungary ). With the help of GNSS trackers, the route traveled is determined and evaluated by the toll manager (e.g. GPS-ART Kft) and forwarded to the operator Állami Autópálya Kezelő Zrt so that he can collect the fees.

Communication and costs

In contrast to conventional tracking with data loggers, live tracking causes costs. The device communicates either via UDP or SMS with the server on which the application (portal) is running. A prepaid card or a contract with a data plan is required for optimal use . As a rule, a data volume of 300 MB / month is sufficient  for continuous live tracking . Costs between 13 and 16 euros per month are realistic for continuous use.

In addition to the mobile phone costs, usage fees for the use of GNSS positioning platforms, which analyze, process, manage and document the data from positioning devices, are usually added. These usage fees vary greatly depending on the selected provider. An alternative are free GNSS location portals. If there are concerns about data protection or security, it is also possible to install open source platforms. However, there is an additional expenditure of work and time with regard to the maintenance and administration of such systems. Since such a server is usually in continuous operation ( 24/7 ), energy costs also play a significant role here.

In addition, there is of course the option of requesting the current position by means of an SMS request only if necessary. The answer then comes as an SMS with the coordinates. There are only costs for the individual SMS.

With live tracking with GNSS trackers, better availability is achieved than with smartphones and a special tracking app.

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