GPS to IoT - the evolution of location tracking

In recent years, GPS technology has transformed the way we navigate the real world. As a mobile-powered location tracker device, the GPS tracker can pinpoint our exact location and the best route to reach our destination.

That said, more companies are now using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology as a location tracker in location-based applications. With smaller and cost-effective IoT-enabled devices, this technology is enabling location-based services for logistics and transportation industries.

Here’s a detailed blog on whether IoT technology is the future of location-based services.

Introduction to GPS Technology

Short for Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has emerged as the de-facto standard in global navigation. This satellite-based navigation tool comprises 24 satellites owned by the U.S. Department of Defense.

As a location-tracking solution, GPS trackers utilise radio signals to pinpoint the exact position of any person or object. Some of its current applications include:

•       Agriculture Monitoring
•       Autonomous or Self-Driving Vehicles
•       Marine Surveying
•       Military or Defense Operations

Challenges with GPS

GPS-based trackers have their share of limitations and challenges.

1. Inaccurate tracking

GPS-based location tracking solutions like Google Maps can pinpoint the exact location in the range of 3 to 10 meters. This level of location tracking works best in ideal environments like major cities or highways that have good GPS connectivity – but not in remote locations or indoor settings.

2. Cold starts

When a GPS tracker device is used after a long time, it can take time to download real-time location data from the satellites. This is also known as cold starts. In some cases, the GPS-powered location tracker can take up to 5 minutes to show the accurate location.

3. Insufficient satellites

GPS trackers also suffer from the limitation of inadequate satellite connections. Ideally, for accurate location-based services, the GPS device needs to connect to at least 7-8 satellites to deliver accurate results. In areas with a lower number of connecting satellites, the GPS signal may get lost (or be below par).

4. Battery issues

Mobile phones or devices with poor battery life have low-quality GPS capabilities. High battery consumption can also impact the performance of GPS trackers.

Transitioning from GPS to Assisted GPS (A-GPS)

Assisted GPS (or A-GPS) was designed to overcome some of the connectivity issues with traditional GPS trackers. This technology enables GPS-receiving devices to use information (in addition to that provided by global satellites) to pinpoint the accurate location.

A-GPS technology is widely used in areas where mobile phones cannot establish a high-quality connection with GPS devices. Among its benefits, A-GPS has higher area coverage and can improve the start-up time to reduce cold starts.

To improve its tracking accuracy and area coverage, location tracking solutions may also use A-GPS technology in combination with other location-based systems like:

•   Wi-Fi networks
•   Cell-site triangulation
•   Bluetooth

Rise of IoT and Location Tracking

By definition, IoT technology is a vast network of interconnected devices including vehicles, appliances, and software tools. IoT-enabled devices can seamlessly collect and share real-time data on the Internet, thus improving communication.

Without IoT technology, we cannot talk about futuristic innovations like smart cities and smart homes. How is it relevant to location-tracking services? By integrating IoT and GPS technologies, location-tracking solutions can facilitate the real-time tracking of people or objects.

Here are some of the ways in which IoT technology can improve location-tracking services:

1. IoT-powered sensors in location tracking systems can collect real-time location data and transmit this information.
2. IoT-powered location trackers with GPS capabilities can track and send real-time location data to any tracking software to display the current location on an online map.
3. IoT-enabled location analytics services can analyse vast amounts of location-specific data for any data patterns or trends.

IoT Location Tracking Technologies

IoT-enabled location tracking solutions use a variety of connectivity technologies including:

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an energy-efficient solution for low-range location tracking solutions. Besides its cost-effectiveness, Bluetooth devices have long battery life and are useful for tracking a large number of physical assets within a limited space.

LP-WAN

Short for low-power wide-area networks, LP-WAN is available in the form of Narrowband IoT, LTE-M, and Sigfox. This technology offers long battery life and long-range connectivity for location trackers. It can also operate in the existing cellular phone infrastructure, thus eliminating any further infrastructure spending.

Location-based Services - Data Security and Privacy Concerns

As location-based services become more popular, there are serious concerns about data security and privacy. By installing more GPS and IoT-powered location trackers, cybercriminals have a wide attack surface to steal confidential data. This can also lead to the emergence of new threats that focus specifically on location trackers.

Hence, companies providing location-tracking solutions must focus on:

•   Protecting sensitive location-related data.
•   Preventing unauthorised access to real-time location data.
•   Designing secure communication channels for GPS trackers and IoT-enabled location trackers.

Applications and Industry Use Cases

Here are some of the applications and use cases of IoT-enabled location-based services:

1. Logistics and fleet management

• Planning the best routes and trips for fleets and vehicles.
• Analysing data patterns in the fuel efficiency of the vehicles.
• Managing timely deliveries to customers.

By integrating IoT and GPS technology, logistics and fleet management companies can leverage this technology for effective fleet management tracking. With IoT technology, here are some of the possible applications:

With efficient fleet management services, logistics companies can monitor real-time vehicle maintenance. IoT-enabled vehicle trackers can track the current location of the vehicle and fuel consumption.

2. Supply chain management

In the face of growing disruptions to the global supply chain, IoT-powered GPS trackers can track valuable assets that are part of supply chain operations. Besides ensuring safety, location trackers can optimise the supply chains by tracking real-time inventory flow and the condition of supply chain assets.

3. Personal tracking

With the emergence of IoT-enabled wearables like smartwatches, smartphones, and tags, personal tracking is another use case for location-tracking solutions. These solutions can go a long way to track the movement of elderly family members and youngchildren.

Location-based Services - Trends and Innovations

What are the future trends and innovations in the field of location-based services? Among the emerging trends, AI and machine learning will play a crucial role in elevating location-tracking solutions for small businesses.

Here are some of the future innovations in location tracking solutions:

• Big Data Analytics
• Predictive Analytics
• Anomaly Detection

At Vi Business, we understand the importance of integrated IoT solutions. With our expertise, we have delivered a variety of location-tracking solutions for startup enterprises.

Are you looking for customised location tracking solutions for small businesses, we can help. Get in touch with us.

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