GPS Tracking Device

by Greg Bartlett / guest author

GPS technology relies on a satellite/control center/monitor system of use. This means that all the tracking done by GPS trackers starts in space with one of the several dozen satellites. The satellites then transmit information to the control center, which then sends that information to the monitors (individual users) for their analysis. This type of GPS technology is used in many different areas of life—from cars, to children, to cell phones. One of the most recent uses of GPS tracking devices is to follow and protect endangered species of animals.

From the Giant Panda to the Arctic Fox, endangered animals have long been on people’s minds. There are many organizations that have been established to protect these animals, and one of these organizations within the US is the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC). This organization recently met to discuss protecting and tracking some wild animals using GPS trackers. The benefits of using GPS technology are that scientists can track the migration habits and the numbers of the wildlife. One specific animal that has been tracked with GPS is the whooping crane. GPS trackers reported that after a census was taken, there were 57 fewer “whoopers” that returned this year to their summer home in Alberta, Canada, from their winter home in Texas. Twenty-three were recorded to have died in the preserve in Texas, and the others are supposed to have died in the migration process back to Canada.

GPS trackers that follow wildlife can come in the form of a data logger or a data pusher. The trackers that come in the form of a data logger are trackers that are worn for a period of time. The GPS tracker records the animals’ locations, and, upon the completion of the allotted time, a scientist will remove the data logger and retrieve the stored information for his research. GPS trackers that are data pushers operate similarly to data loggers, except these trackers intermittently send the animals’ locations to the monitor (the scientist). The scientist can then track the animals on a map in real time. Both methods of GPS tracking are extremely effective; it simply depends on how often the scientist wants to receive the information. GPS tracking devices have greatly improved the research habits of scientists. Also, because of the information regarding the habitats and habits of animals that they provide, GPS trackers offer greater protection to endangered animals.