GPS tracking

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A GPS tracking unit is a device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person, or other asset it is attached to and record the position of the asset at regular intervals. The recorded location data can be stored within the tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location data base, or internet-connected computer, using a cellular (GPRS), radio, or satellite modem embedded in the unit. This allows the asset location to be displayed on street-level map data in real-time, using either web browser based tools or customized software.

Contents

1 Types of GPS trackers
2 Potential abuse of GPS trackers
3 Countermeasures against GPS trackers
4 See also

4.1 External links

Types of GPS trackers

One type of tracker combines the global capability of determining one's position through GPS with the capability to send the coordinates through instant "text messaging", using SMS or competing standard services. GPS tracking devices can be useful for finding a lost dog, or recovering a stolen car. GPS trackers built into animal collars for various types of wildlife are useful in studying their activities and movements.

GPS trackers can be very small, such as the pager-sized [WorldTracker SMS] unit. They can determine the vehicle's speed and location at any time, and map it automatically. These devices can also raise serious concerns about personal privacy. Over time, the information collected could reveal a typical pattern of movements.

Potential abuse of GPS trackers

In the US, the use of GPS trackers by police requires a search warrant, but use by a private citizen does not, as the Fourth Amendment does not limit the actions of private citizens.

The advent of GPS tracking devices potentially could shift society's balance of power towards that of a police state. It is now much easier for surveillance abuse to be used for political repression or social control, as envisioned by George Orwell in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Countermeasures against GPS trackers

The consumer electronics market was quick to offer remedies (radar detectors) to radar guns; a similar market may exist for devices to counter satellite tracking devices. Radio jamming of the relevant GPS or cell phone frequencies would be an option, as would a device which could detect the RF emissions of the GPS receiver circuitry. Though jamming of GPS signals could create a safety hazard to vehicles or aircraft within line of sight of the jammer and any deliberate radio interference is likely to be illegal in most western countries.

GPS tracking

Types of GPS trackers

Potential abuse of GPS trackers

Countermeasures against GPS trackers

See also

External links