| These days just about everyone is talking about | | | | device becomes difficult. It won't be lost, because |
| real-time vehicle tracking. The General Motors | | | | it will save the data until it finds a connection, but |
| OnStar system is undoubtedly the most | | | | if you needed the data immediately, you'd be |
| well-known real-time tracking device. Basically, | | | | stuck. |
| when you have this kind of device on a car, you | | | | One example of a real-time vehicle tracking |
| can keep track of where it is with under a | | | | system is the Chicago schools installing it on their |
| minute's time difference between where it is | | | | buses in 2009. Every bus got a GPS receiver, and |
| located, and where it is positioned on a map. | | | | the information about its speed, direction and |
| The advantages and applications of real-time | | | | coordinates was collated on a map. Dispatchers |
| vehicle tracking are numerous. They act as stolen | | | | could watch the 1100-plus fleet of buses run their |
| vehicle recovery units and help large companies | | | | routes picking up children. They could also zoom in |
| manage their massive fleets of vehicles. It is | | | | one bus if that became necessary. The Chicago |
| decidedly a hot surveillance gadget on the market | | | | school district reports that the expensive |
| today. | | | | installation was more than adequately recovered |
| Unfortunately, real-time vehicle GPS tracking | | | | in savings of fuel because they could now create |
| devices are very costly. The initial cost starts at | | | | more efficient bus routes. |
| about $600, and then you have to pay a service | | | | Another way to use a real-time vehicle tracking |
| fee every month for the data. The service plan | | | | device is to put it on the vehicle of a teenager. |
| permits the device to send its data to the main | | | | The peace of mind a parent gains by being aware |
| computer, and allows you to log onto a website | | | | of where their teenagers are is priceless, and if |
| from wherever you are to see the data on a | | | | the teen gets in trouble, the parents can send |
| map. | | | | help to them very quickly. |
| The installation of the device is expensive as well, | | | | Families with elderly members who still want to |
| if you get it done aftermarket. The antenna is | | | | drive can benefit from GPS tracking as well. If the |
| known for breaking, which could also be more | | | | senior citizen becomes confused or gets lost, the |
| expensive to replace than you'd think. If your | | | | vehicle GPS device can be utilized to provide |
| vehicle is in an area without adequate cellular | | | | rescue or directions back to safety. |
| network coverage, getting the data from the | | | | |