This article discusses how GPS Vehicle tracking devices can be used in a variety of situations and also talks about what kind of information is returned with GPS vehicle tracking device. It discusses the type of tracking used by these devices and discusses some specific GPS tracking devices used on vehicles today.

GPS monitors have a multitude of legitimate uses, but have also
generated controversy as they further diminish privacy. Some
customers of car rental companies have complained that their
movements have been tracked without their consent by the
installation of GPS vehicle tracking systems in rental vehicles.
However, the positive uses of this technology have, at least so
far, outweighed the negatives.

Fitness enthusiasts use GPS tracking devices to measure
distances remaining in marathons, and back-country hikers use
them to prevent themselves from getting lost (or to facilitate
rescue if they already are). Police can enforce restraining
orders and parole conditions by stopping criminals from stalking
victims and being in neighborhoods (such as near playgrounds)
where they are forbidden. Lost and stolen vehicles can be
located with the touch of a button. Parents can use GPS vehicle
tracking to check on teenagers' driving habits to make sure
these inexperienced drivers are not speeding or otherwise
endangering themselves and their passengers. And GPS in-car
navigation systems can guide drivers through unfamiliar terrain
to their destination.

Information Loggers (Passive Tracking)

These basic systems are for companies or individuals who seeking
a record of an asset's or even person's whereabouts during a
given time period, without the ability or cost of real-time
tracking. These are useful for fleet management.

GPS vehicle tracking eliminates moonlighting with company
vehicles. It reduces accidents and lowers insurance premiums by
promoting safe employee driving habits. GPS vehicle tracking
creates reports of miles driven by each vehicle. Fleet
management will reduce the company fuel bill and increase miles
driven per gallon of fuel. Some GPS systems even have
maintenance modules to inform the fleet manager when each
vehicle is due for an oil change or tire rotation.

Real Time GPS Vehicle Tracking Device

Real Time (Active Tracking)

This allows the user to watch the progress of the persons or
assets travelling in real-time from their PC. This option is
more expensive because of the costs of devices, programs and
air-time charges for communication between the PC and the asset.
It is used, for instance, by a taxi company to dispatch the
closest available vehicle to a customer.

In Europe,some of the most popular in-car tracking systems are
the Tom-Tom Navigator, Magellan Roadmate, Navman and Garvin.
They range in price from five hundred to a thousand dollars,
depending on what features are chosen by the user.

TomTom GO 300 offers the most easy-to use GPS system of travel
planning throughout the UK. This award winning private
navigation program is a portable, cable-less design that fits in
any briefcase, handbag or even backpack. TomTom GO 300 is ideal
for any car driver. It is easy to install, just plug in, switch
on and drive away. There is no need for a PC link, in fact no
technical knowledge is needed at all. It fits simply into the
included car mounting kit, which is easily attached to the car
dashboard or windshield. It is extremely easy to opertate: just
turn it on and users can instantly access all the programs, maps
and colour 3D navigation views, as well as voice-guided
instructions in their chosen language. It has a touch screen
interface to avoid fumbling with multiple buttons or extra
devices while sitting in traffic. The touch screen is totally
intuitive and the entire route can be planned with just a couple
of screen taps. The features of this user-friendly system along
with its relatively low price (around 700 dollars) has made it a
hit with consumers.

Others, such as the Magellan Roadmate, are slightly more
difficult to use but also come with a database of maps and local
attractions such as restaurants.

In North American, the most popular brands are Garmin and
Magellan.

Selecting the Right GPS Unit for Your Needs: Handheld vs
Dash-Mounted

When selecting between a handheld unit versus a dash-mounted
unit for your vehicle, consider whether you may want to use it
for any other purpose, such as boating or camping.

GPS Vehicle Tracking Device Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Dash-Mounted GPS Units Advantages

Larger screens with better resolution which are simple to read
at a glance even in poor lighting conditions More sophisticated
models have features such route recalculation if the driver
diverges from the planned route

Larger buttons for ease of operation while driving

Unit is securely attached to your vehicle to thwart theft

Some units have voice instructions that communicate distance,
street names, and direction of the next turn thus keeping the
driver's eyes on the road instead of on the screen

No batteries needed, runs off car battery

Address lookup capabilities

Some units have a individual address book to store locations for
quick and simple search

Advanced mapping capabilities

Better reception outside the city

Boosts car resale value

Disadvantages of using GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices

Disadvantages

Difficult to remove from vehicle if you decide to use it
elsewhere

Larger footprint in/on dashboard

Too large for use by bikers, kayakers or hikers.

More expensive

Hopefully this advice will help you find the best unit for your
needs among all the different GPS vehicle tracking units
available.

About the author:
Frank Hague does not have a GPS vehicle tracking device yet.
http://www.gps-vehicle-tracking.info

Keywords: GPS Truck Tracking, gps tracking