The days of relying on physical maps, compasses, and globes are long gone. These days, navigation has become synonymous with GPS, whether it is a local commute or outstation travel. It not only helps with on-road navigation but also ensures the safe landing of an aircraft. But it’s important to understand the safety and security aspects of GPS tracking systems and their benefits to make the most of this technology.

What are GPS tracking systems?
Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a satellite navigation technology that connects a network of 30+ satellites orbiting the Earth with devices on the ground, precisely determining a person’s location. These satellites constantly send out signals, which the receiver in one’s phone picks up. The GPS receiver then calculates its distance from a minimum of four satellites to detect the user’s exact location and help with further navigation.

GPS technology was made available in 1983 and has progressed remarkably from there, becoming an indispensable part of maneuvering.

Applications of GPS tracking

1. Public navigation on roads
One of the most common applications of GPS is for local and outstation navigation. Tracking a person’s exact location, the technology can guide them to maneuver to a specific destination, providing accurate information on the traffic route, the expected time of arrival, and the fastest route to reach the destination.

2. Flight navigation, monitoring, and control
GPS networks play a crucial role in helping pilots find runways to land their flights safely, particularly during turbulent weather. They also help pilots stay connected with ground stations and satellite control stations to monitor and control the flight.

3. Military operations
GPS is an indispensable part of military operations, from navigation at sea for the Navy to aircraft tracking for the Air Force. The more recent introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) facilitates monitoring and surveillance of some of the most dangerous places on the planet with the help of GPS without risking the lives of service personnel.

4. Search and rescue operations
Rescuing the masses during natural disasters, wars, and other turbulent times would be impossible to imagine today without using GPS. A grid system is used to track and rescue survivors in underdeveloped areas, making the process accurate and less time-consuming.

5. Vehicle tracking for companies
With the supply chain having expanded immensely, tracking the location of vehicles out for product delivery has become crucial for companies. With GPS, companies can track the exact locations of these vehicles and the estimated time by which they will reach the destination. It also helps monitor these vehicles closely and provides immediate help in case of an accident.

6. Safe adventure travel
When engaging in adventure sports and activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and distance running, it is important to prioritize safety. GPS networks serve as valuable tools for adventurers, providing them with exact locations even in forest areas and high altitudes and helping them find their way back safely.

Benefits of using GPS tracking

1. Enhanced safety and security
One of the most significant benefits of GPS is enhanced safety and security during road, air, and sea travel. This system makes it possible to track vehicles anywhere in the world, making rescue operations easier and more efficient in emergencies. It also helps one avoid accident-prone areas, choosing safer routes for navigation. Finally, GPS comes to the rescue in case of bad weather, helping one reach their destinations safely.

2. Reduced commute and travel time
In case of congestion on a particular route, the GPS technology suggests alternative routes that can help one avoid traffic and navigate quickly to the destination. Such reduced travel time can considerably increase one’s day-to-day efficiency and punctuality and facilitate a timely supply of goods.

3. Lower fuel and operational costs
Traveling through less congested areas can easily save a considerable amount of fuel. Also, reduced accidents, travel time, and other navigation challenges help increase overall efficiency for businesses, reducing operational costs in the long run.

4. Increased productivity
With reduced travel time and quick delivery of goods, the supply chain can focus on more meaningful activities, including scaling their companies. This way, the productivity of the supply chain goes up, and manual efforts are reduced significantly.

The global positioning system has made navigation, rescue, and supply incredibly easy and safe. But the use of secure GPS networks is essential. To ensure safety, one should avoid sharing one’s location with unknown persons. One should also recognize the risks of geotagging photos and other personal information and understand when to use and avoid the geotagging feature in GPS.