GPS Types and Applications

 The car sharing industry and platforms have increased in customer transactions on borrowed and leased rentals in the last couple of years. Individuals with their or a spare vehicle can generate supplementary income by allowing another person to use their car for a period of time. Although some platforms, more in-person than virtually, conduct background checks, there is still a concern surrounding vehicle returns and security. Adding a GPS tracker, such as Turo GPS tracker, will minimize potential risks of renting out a vehicle. 

Types of GPS

There are five standard global position systems available on the market, which are assisted GPS (A-GPS), differential GPS (D-GPS), mapping and non-mapping GPS, non-differential GPS, and simultaneous GPS (S-GPS). An A-GPS uses a local network source that receives signals from a satellite commonly used in emergency dispatch systems and smartphones today since it can work regardless of whether the device is in dense natural or manufactured settings. Then the D-GPS is more accurate than traditional GPS receivers, with a location error limit down to one inch (2.54 centimeters). However, D-GPS works best for fixed ground stations or networks, which are not typically used to monitor vehicle locations like the Turo tracker.

Handheld and mobile devices usually come with A-GPS and mapping GPS, a GPS unit with preconfigured maps. The alternative is non-mapping GPS that uses breadcrumb strategies to direct users to locations without visualizing landmarks, roads, and surroundings. Similarly, non-differential GPS is less accurate but provides a more excellent location range. Lastly is S-GPS, which comes with combined and uninterrupted GPS and voice data capabilities that are particularly useful for ambulances and firetrucks.

GPS Applications

Most GPS servers range from 10 to 100 meters (32 to 328 feet). Higher-grade GPS receivers are usually available to military units, but more expensive and technological GPS systems can have as high of accuracy as 1 meter (3 feet). In other words, GPS sensors fall anywhere within the wide price range to appropriately monitor and send location information that can be available as ignition and location alerts and real-time insights on speeding. Geofences and point-of-interest alerts can be calibrated to ensure that drivers arrive or stay within preferred location boundaries, such as in-state or within a country, to prevent over-the-border commutes that can make receiving a vehicle more difficult if stolen.

Fleet management and public transport monitoring can come in most cars for GPS tracking applications, usually through their installed navigation systems. Still, hidden GPS tracking devices can be installed on vehicles as a piece of anti-theft protection hardware, which is imperative for those who lease or rent out their car and need to reclaim their lost or stolen vehicle. Hardwired GPS devices are strongly recommended since they are more secure than alternative magnetic or plug-in devices. Battery-powered GPS devices are available if a hardwired option cannot be installed. However, battery-powered trackers are typically cheaply made and easy to locate, which can be damaged or removed from the vehicle to prevent tracking. Therefore, a hardwired GPS tracker is the best option for car owners.