GPS Tracking - personal tracking devices - covert vehicle tracking - child tracking devices

GPS Tracking : Background Information

GPS Tracking utilises the Global Positioning System, usually called GPS,which  is the Earth's only fully-functional satellite navigation system. It comprises a constellation of more than two dozen GPS satellites broadcasts precise timing signals by radio to electronic GPS receivers which allow them to accurately determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) in real time, day or night, in any weather.

Since GPS was declared fully operational in 1993, it has become a vital global utility, indispensible for modern navigation on land, sea, and air around the world, as well as an important tool for map-making, and land surveying. GPS also provides an extremely precise time reference, required for some scientific research, including the study of earthquakes.

The Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS), available since August 2000, increases the accuracy of GPS signals to within 2 meters (6 ft) [1] for compatible receivers. GPS accuracy can be improved further, to about 1 cm (half an inch) over short distances, using techniques such as Differential GPS (DGPS).

United States Department of Defense developed the system, officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System). The satellite constellation is managed daily by the 2d Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base. Although the cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$400 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, GPS is available for free use in civilian applications as a public good.