Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
GPS Cuts Transport Costs
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/e3MYO)
GPS Reduces Fleet Tracking Costs
A GPS tracking device attached to a vehicle can monitor that vehicle in one of two ways. Active tracking involves sending a signal directly to the Internet, which enables someone to view information in real time. Passive tracking includes stored information that can be downloaded to a computer at a later time.
Either way, managers can use this information to determine where their drivers are at any given time. With GPS technology, it becomes possible to track:
With this information in hand, companies can teach employees how to make better use of a vehicle, and of company time, resulting in reduced fuel costs and a reduction in employee working hours.
GPS Tracking Devices Equal Efficiency
As the economic recession drags on, companies who use GPS to monitor their fleet vehicles have been able to continue operating efficiently by reducing the amount of fuel they use and the miles they cover. Even after employees understand how to find the most efficient routes and how to conserve fuel while they’re out on the road, the devices can still make a difference by enabling the company as a whole to operate more efficiently.
For instance, if a driver contacts dispatch in need of a repair, a fleet manager can pinpoint a vehicle's exact location. This allows dispatch to send the nearest service person to a driver's location, which, in turn, can save a company time and money. The vast majority of fleet managers who have implemented GPS tracking have reported satisfaction with this decision --Â as well as saving thousands of dollars.
As businesses large and small continue to recognize the need for efficiency wherever possible, tracking devices prove cost effective. Efficient personnel, vast reductions in company costs, and a decrease in employee overtime are all viable results of GPS tracking technology.
Article Written By Greg Bartlett for Rocky Mountain Tracking
An Efficient Way for Transportation Companies to Save Money
As the economy continues to flounder, more and more companies that maintain a fleet of vehicles have started looking to GPS tracking to help them reduce expenditures. The cost of fuel, man hours worked, and wear and tear on the vehicle all add up over time, and most managers feel the squeeze as prices continue to fluctuate. When it becomes possible to monitor the use of each vehicle closely (and make adjustments to routes and driver habits as needed), many managers report impressive cost savings.
GPS Reduces Fleet Tracking Costs
A GPS tracking device attached to a vehicle can monitor that vehicle in one of two ways. Active tracking involves sending a signal directly to the Internet, which enables someone to view information in real time. Passive tracking includes stored information that can be downloaded to a computer at a later time.
Either way, managers can use this information to determine where their drivers are at any given time. With GPS technology, it becomes possible to track:
- Routes: is a driver taking the most efficient route?
- Speed: how fast is a driver traveling?
- Stop Time: is a driver making unauthorized stops?
- Idle Time: is the engine running while a driver unloads or eats lunch?
With this information in hand, companies can teach employees how to make better use of a vehicle, and of company time, resulting in reduced fuel costs and a reduction in employee working hours.
GPS Tracking Devices Equal Efficiency
As the economic recession drags on, companies who use GPS to monitor their fleet vehicles have been able to continue operating efficiently by reducing the amount of fuel they use and the miles they cover. Even after employees understand how to find the most efficient routes and how to conserve fuel while they’re out on the road, the devices can still make a difference by enabling the company as a whole to operate more efficiently.
For instance, if a driver contacts dispatch in need of a repair, a fleet manager can pinpoint a vehicle's exact location. This allows dispatch to send the nearest service person to a driver's location, which, in turn, can save a company time and money. The vast majority of fleet managers who have implemented GPS tracking have reported satisfaction with this decision --Â as well as saving thousands of dollars.
As businesses large and small continue to recognize the need for efficiency wherever possible, tracking devices prove cost effective. Efficient personnel, vast reductions in company costs, and a decrease in employee overtime are all viable results of GPS tracking technology.
Article Written By Greg Bartlett for Rocky Mountain Tracking
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tracking Turtles With GPS
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/gRAWl)
Article Written by Greg Bartlett
Global positioning systems were first used by the U.S. military to help navigate military maneuvers. Â Now GPS systems are used to track vehicles, pets, and even people. Â GPS tracking is used in many industries - by law enforcement officers to track stolen possessions or keep track of parolees, by the retail industry that uses theft prevention devices, and by private individuals for safety during recreational activities. GPS technology has also been used to track small children, cellphones, and now turtles!
In Queensland, Australia, the government has sponsored a study on loggerhead turtles, the largest hard-shelled turtles in the world. These turtles can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.  The number of loggerhead turtles has declined over the years, and they are now an endangered species.  One of the reasons these reptiles are in danger is because of the lack of nesting beaches. The loggerhead study, conducted on Australia’s southern coast, used GPS tracking devices to follow three turtles for almost two thousand miles.
Scientists conducting the study hoped it would help the loggerhead population by defining their migration route. One of the reasons loggerheads are in danger is because so many of them have been accidentally killed by fishing boats. By warning fishing boats of the loggerhead’s path, Australian researchers hope to decrease the number of turtles caught by fishing gear.  Researchers were also able to discover one loggerhead nesting ground from the data gathered by a GPS tracking system.
GPS devices have successfully been used to track other endangered species, enabling scientists to gather information about unusual species. Usually, a tiny tracking device is attached to an animal for a certain length of time, often a few months or even years. Some devices send regular signals to a receiver, which allows the researchers to see regular reports on the location of the animal. Other tracking devices function by collecting and storing all of the data. The GPS devices are then collected at the end of the study, and researchers examine the information collected. The information gathered about an animal’s habits and behaviors often prove useful in finding ways to protect endangered populations.
Article Written by Greg Bartlett
Global positioning systems were first used by the U.S. military to help navigate military maneuvers. Â Now GPS systems are used to track vehicles, pets, and even people. Â GPS tracking is used in many industries - by law enforcement officers to track stolen possessions or keep track of parolees, by the retail industry that uses theft prevention devices, and by private individuals for safety during recreational activities. GPS technology has also been used to track small children, cellphones, and now turtles!
In Queensland, Australia, the government has sponsored a study on loggerhead turtles, the largest hard-shelled turtles in the world. These turtles can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.  The number of loggerhead turtles has declined over the years, and they are now an endangered species.  One of the reasons these reptiles are in danger is because of the lack of nesting beaches. The loggerhead study, conducted on Australia’s southern coast, used GPS tracking devices to follow three turtles for almost two thousand miles.
Scientists conducting the study hoped it would help the loggerhead population by defining their migration route. One of the reasons loggerheads are in danger is because so many of them have been accidentally killed by fishing boats. By warning fishing boats of the loggerhead’s path, Australian researchers hope to decrease the number of turtles caught by fishing gear.  Researchers were also able to discover one loggerhead nesting ground from the data gathered by a GPS tracking system.
GPS devices have successfully been used to track other endangered species, enabling scientists to gather information about unusual species. Usually, a tiny tracking device is attached to an animal for a certain length of time, often a few months or even years. Some devices send regular signals to a receiver, which allows the researchers to see regular reports on the location of the animal. Other tracking devices function by collecting and storing all of the data. The GPS devices are then collected at the end of the study, and researchers examine the information collected. The information gathered about an animal’s habits and behaviors often prove useful in finding ways to protect endangered populations.
Monday, September 13, 2010
GPS Makes High-Risk Car Loans Safer for Dealerships
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/gY5AU)
When you hear of a car dealership advertising “no credit checks†or “no one is turned downâ€, you can bet that the dealership is appealing to high risk customers. Many of these customers are unemployed, but require a car to secure a job. While offering car loans to high risk customers may seem somewhat foolish, though GPS tracking technology can now make this process a whole lot easier for car dealerships.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a woman from Illinois whose Buick had been giving her GPS-based late payment warnings for days. Red and yellow flashing lights informed the woman that her car payment was late. She ignored these warnings until she heard the last chance warning -- an incessant beeping that told her to make her car payment that day or the car would be disabled.
Some car owners who would not qualify for any purchase without a high risk loan feel that the trade off of having a GPS tracking device on their vehicle is fair: they are able to purchase a car but if they don’t pay, at some point the car will not start. Dealers who have installed the devices say they now have a way of encouraging on-time payments. These GPS devices also provide an easy way to locate the vehicle if necessary.
Car dealers benefit from better cash flow and, in turn, are able to offer better cars to their customers. Most car dealers don’t feel that the GPS tracking on the cars is a danger to the customer as it cannot switch the car off while it is running, and it gives ample warnings before disabling the car.
Remote disabling and tracking of automobiles is well worth the investment for car dealerships as it will increase sales, dramatically reduce late payments, help recover stolen vehicles, and serve the consumer better. Not everyone buying a car from the "buy-here-pay-here" market is a deadbeat. Some just need a helping hand to get back on their feet, and this includes reliable transportation. The installation of a GPS tracking device allows dealerships to give those in need a helping hand.
When you hear of a car dealership advertising “no credit checks†or “no one is turned downâ€, you can bet that the dealership is appealing to high risk customers. Many of these customers are unemployed, but require a car to secure a job. While offering car loans to high risk customers may seem somewhat foolish, though GPS tracking technology can now make this process a whole lot easier for car dealerships.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a woman from Illinois whose Buick had been giving her GPS-based late payment warnings for days. Red and yellow flashing lights informed the woman that her car payment was late. She ignored these warnings until she heard the last chance warning -- an incessant beeping that told her to make her car payment that day or the car would be disabled.
Some car owners who would not qualify for any purchase without a high risk loan feel that the trade off of having a GPS tracking device on their vehicle is fair: they are able to purchase a car but if they don’t pay, at some point the car will not start. Dealers who have installed the devices say they now have a way of encouraging on-time payments. These GPS devices also provide an easy way to locate the vehicle if necessary.
Car dealers benefit from better cash flow and, in turn, are able to offer better cars to their customers. Most car dealers don’t feel that the GPS tracking on the cars is a danger to the customer as it cannot switch the car off while it is running, and it gives ample warnings before disabling the car.
Remote disabling and tracking of automobiles is well worth the investment for car dealerships as it will increase sales, dramatically reduce late payments, help recover stolen vehicles, and serve the consumer better. Not everyone buying a car from the "buy-here-pay-here" market is a deadbeat. Some just need a helping hand to get back on their feet, and this includes reliable transportation. The installation of a GPS tracking device allows dealerships to give those in need a helping hand.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
School Districts Use GPS to Keep Kids Safe
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/qH1GJ)
As surely as fall comes each year bringing crisp air and colorful leaves, kids begin boarding buses each day to begin another year of school. And no doubt there will be reports of children left all night in buses after falling asleep and a driver neglecting to check the bus before parking or a child forgetting to get off at a particular stop. This could be a thing of the past as school systems invest in new GPS tracking technology that records students getting on and off the buses.
A Chicago suburban school district put a student tracking system into place this year that allows a transportation supervisor to track when and where each student got on and off their respective buses. Every child carries or wears an ID card that was assigned the first day of preschool or kindergarten and as he or she enters or exits the bus, there is a quiet beep and a flash of green light confirming that a child has entered or exited a school bus.
GPS tracking systems offer peace of mind for parents, reduce liability for schools, and most importantly, keep children safe. The system also allows a school supervisor to see what time the bus left school and where it is on its route. While current GPS technology only allows school officials to track students, eventually parents will be able to log into the system and check on the location of their children. This system allows parents to give students a little more freedom, but also the ability to check on them if necessary.
The cost for the system is reasonable. The Chicago school district paid $16,000 to outfit ten buses, including the ID cards for the students. This cost is minimal compared to the benefits, and parents might well be willing to share a portion of this cost once the system proves its worth. The GPS tracking system for students is an investment that is well worth it in this day and age. A school district would be wise to purchase the system, which would put parents’ minds at rest, protect students and allow schools to provide parents with instant accountability of their children. As this idea catches on, no doubt many schools will embrace this technology.
As surely as fall comes each year bringing crisp air and colorful leaves, kids begin boarding buses each day to begin another year of school. And no doubt there will be reports of children left all night in buses after falling asleep and a driver neglecting to check the bus before parking or a child forgetting to get off at a particular stop. This could be a thing of the past as school systems invest in new GPS tracking technology that records students getting on and off the buses.
A Chicago suburban school district put a student tracking system into place this year that allows a transportation supervisor to track when and where each student got on and off their respective buses. Every child carries or wears an ID card that was assigned the first day of preschool or kindergarten and as he or she enters or exits the bus, there is a quiet beep and a flash of green light confirming that a child has entered or exited a school bus.
GPS tracking systems offer peace of mind for parents, reduce liability for schools, and most importantly, keep children safe. The system also allows a school supervisor to see what time the bus left school and where it is on its route. While current GPS technology only allows school officials to track students, eventually parents will be able to log into the system and check on the location of their children. This system allows parents to give students a little more freedom, but also the ability to check on them if necessary.
The cost for the system is reasonable. The Chicago school district paid $16,000 to outfit ten buses, including the ID cards for the students. This cost is minimal compared to the benefits, and parents might well be willing to share a portion of this cost once the system proves its worth. The GPS tracking system for students is an investment that is well worth it in this day and age. A school district would be wise to purchase the system, which would put parents’ minds at rest, protect students and allow schools to provide parents with instant accountability of their children. As this idea catches on, no doubt many schools will embrace this technology.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
GPS Can Keep An Eye on Your Teen
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/cQRuV)
Article Written by Gregg Bartlett
When a child turns sixteen, parents step into a whole new world. Teen tracking can help them make the adjustment from youth to teenage years with less upheaval in the family and emotional status quo. Teens like to assert independence, and a driver’s license is their ticket into the world of adulthood. Americans traditionally value cultivating that independence, but changes in the world means that parents face many fears that cause them to hold back. GPS tracking technology is a positive change that can parents keep an eye on teenagers.
Teenagers may not like to admit it, but their parents do influence them, and surveys reveal that the greatest influence on teen driving habits is their parents. If parents can convince their teens that they really do believe safe driving is important, their teens will listen. Reforming their own driving habits is the first critical step for parents, who need to give their teens a good example. The next step is monitoring their teens and rewarding good driving, and this is where GPS teen tracking comes into play.
Tracking devices can be easily attached to any car, and the information collected can be extremely useful for parents. The device becomes a miniature chaperon, allowing the young person to go places and spend time with friends while still keeping their parents updated on their activities and whereabouts. The GPS tracking device communicates with satellites to record where the car is at any given time. Then software coordinates that information and relays to parents what they choose to be alerted to, such as when the car exceeds the speed limit or when the car goes to particular locations.
Like any technology, a GPS tracker only does good if it is used properly. Parents should increase or decrease the intensity of their monitoring based on their child’s performance. If the teenager shows consistently that he can handle a certain level of independence, parents can ease up on the frequency of when they check in on their son or daughter. On the other hand, if the teenager is breaking traffic laws or going to off-limits places, parents may need to monitor more closely.
Keeping children safe while allowing them to expand their horizons is a tricky balancing act for parents. GPS teen tracking can assist parents as their children move through a, sometimes scary, but always-exciting stage of life. It’s a less-intrusive way to keep tabs on young drivers, leading to rewards for parents and teens alike.
Article Written by Gregg Bartlett
When a child turns sixteen, parents step into a whole new world. Teen tracking can help them make the adjustment from youth to teenage years with less upheaval in the family and emotional status quo. Teens like to assert independence, and a driver’s license is their ticket into the world of adulthood. Americans traditionally value cultivating that independence, but changes in the world means that parents face many fears that cause them to hold back. GPS tracking technology is a positive change that can parents keep an eye on teenagers.
Teenagers may not like to admit it, but their parents do influence them, and surveys reveal that the greatest influence on teen driving habits is their parents. If parents can convince their teens that they really do believe safe driving is important, their teens will listen. Reforming their own driving habits is the first critical step for parents, who need to give their teens a good example. The next step is monitoring their teens and rewarding good driving, and this is where GPS teen tracking comes into play.
Tracking devices can be easily attached to any car, and the information collected can be extremely useful for parents. The device becomes a miniature chaperon, allowing the young person to go places and spend time with friends while still keeping their parents updated on their activities and whereabouts. The GPS tracking device communicates with satellites to record where the car is at any given time. Then software coordinates that information and relays to parents what they choose to be alerted to, such as when the car exceeds the speed limit or when the car goes to particular locations.
Like any technology, a GPS tracker only does good if it is used properly. Parents should increase or decrease the intensity of their monitoring based on their child’s performance. If the teenager shows consistently that he can handle a certain level of independence, parents can ease up on the frequency of when they check in on their son or daughter. On the other hand, if the teenager is breaking traffic laws or going to off-limits places, parents may need to monitor more closely.
Keeping children safe while allowing them to expand their horizons is a tricky balancing act for parents. GPS teen tracking can assist parents as their children move through a, sometimes scary, but always-exciting stage of life. It’s a less-intrusive way to keep tabs on young drivers, leading to rewards for parents and teens alike.
Friday, September 10, 2010
GPS - The Cost Effective Way to Repossess a Vehicle
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/0sI9I)
With unemployment rates rising, many people are being forced to choose between paying a home mortgage and making car payments. In almost every case, car payments fall by the wayside while mortgage payments become top priority. Repossessing a car after a borrower has defaulted on a loan can be tricky. Not only does a dealership have to have all the legal paperwork in order, but many people attempt to hide vehicles that are about to be repossessed. GPS tracking technology can make this process a lot easier.
Even though it is illegal for someone to hide a vehicle that is in default, many people attempt to prevent repossession by concealing defaulted vehicles. When this happens, finding a car becomes something of a bounty hunt. In order to retrieve hidden cars, many car dealership owners hire professional "repo experts." Not only can this process take a long time, but it can also be very expensive.
The average cost of hiring a repossession specialist to track down a vehicle with a good address is $400. The cost of tracking down a hidden vehicle increases by roughly $1 per mile. Since most people hide vehicles out of state, the total cost of finding a hidden vehicle can easily reach more than $1500.
Repossession costs can be avoided by equipping all cars on a car lot with GPS tracking technology. GPS trackers such as the Smart Tracker and Smart Tracker Elite will provide car dealers with the exact location of a vehicle day or night. Whether a borrower has decided to hide a vehicle in another state or in a junkyard, a GPS tracker will locate a vehicle no matter where it has been hidden.
When it becomes necessary to repossess a vehicle, there’s no need to spend a large amount of time and money tracking down the location of an auto. GPS tracking technology is efficient, inexpensive, and ready to locate any vehicle at any time.
With unemployment rates rising, many people are being forced to choose between paying a home mortgage and making car payments. In almost every case, car payments fall by the wayside while mortgage payments become top priority. Repossessing a car after a borrower has defaulted on a loan can be tricky. Not only does a dealership have to have all the legal paperwork in order, but many people attempt to hide vehicles that are about to be repossessed. GPS tracking technology can make this process a lot easier.
Even though it is illegal for someone to hide a vehicle that is in default, many people attempt to prevent repossession by concealing defaulted vehicles. When this happens, finding a car becomes something of a bounty hunt. In order to retrieve hidden cars, many car dealership owners hire professional "repo experts." Not only can this process take a long time, but it can also be very expensive.
The average cost of hiring a repossession specialist to track down a vehicle with a good address is $400. The cost of tracking down a hidden vehicle increases by roughly $1 per mile. Since most people hide vehicles out of state, the total cost of finding a hidden vehicle can easily reach more than $1500.
Repossession costs can be avoided by equipping all cars on a car lot with GPS tracking technology. GPS trackers such as the Smart Tracker and Smart Tracker Elite will provide car dealers with the exact location of a vehicle day or night. Whether a borrower has decided to hide a vehicle in another state or in a junkyard, a GPS tracker will locate a vehicle no matter where it has been hidden.
When it becomes necessary to repossess a vehicle, there’s no need to spend a large amount of time and money tracking down the location of an auto. GPS tracking technology is efficient, inexpensive, and ready to locate any vehicle at any time.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Free GPS Tracking Key Giveaway With RMT!
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/Q1AcY)
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to own a GPS tracking device? Now’s your chance to find out. One lucky RMT Facebook fan will have the power to track anyone, anywhere, at any time with a Free Tracking Key (valued at $199). RMT is giving away a Tracking Key to one lucky winner on September 30, 2010 -- will that winner be you?
To enter the Rocky Mountain Tracking Free GPS Tracking Key Giveaway, simply “like†RMT on Facebook, and comment on one of our articles. New articles are posted to the RMT blog and Facebook page every day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to enter our contest. You’ll also find that our articles are filled with useful information about how GPS tracking can benefit your world – no matter what line of business you might be in.
The Tracking Key device is one of RMT’s most popular products, which is why RMT wants to share this product with you. This device allows users to map the location of any vehicle from the comfort of a home computer. Stop times, speed, and other detailed route information can also be viewed with this device.
Easy to install and easier to use, the Tracking Key will quickly become your number one resource for useful information. The RMT Tracking Key contest ends September 30, 2010, so make sure to keep your eye on our Facebook page. The winner of the RMT giveaway will be announced on RMT’s blog.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to own a GPS tracking device? Now’s your chance to find out. One lucky RMT Facebook fan will have the power to track anyone, anywhere, at any time with a Free Tracking Key (valued at $199). RMT is giving away a Tracking Key to one lucky winner on September 30, 2010 -- will that winner be you?
To enter the Rocky Mountain Tracking Free GPS Tracking Key Giveaway, simply “like†RMT on Facebook, and comment on one of our articles. New articles are posted to the RMT blog and Facebook page every day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to enter our contest. You’ll also find that our articles are filled with useful information about how GPS tracking can benefit your world – no matter what line of business you might be in.
The Tracking Key device is one of RMT’s most popular products, which is why RMT wants to share this product with you. This device allows users to map the location of any vehicle from the comfort of a home computer. Stop times, speed, and other detailed route information can also be viewed with this device.
Easy to install and easier to use, the Tracking Key will quickly become your number one resource for useful information. The RMT Tracking Key contest ends September 30, 2010, so make sure to keep your eye on our Facebook page. The winner of the RMT giveaway will be announced on RMT’s blog.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
GPS Helps College Students Remain Safe
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/MMfgh)
Article Written By Greg Bartlett
Parents sending their kids off to college for the first time, or even for a second or third year may be a little nervous about their child’s safety.  Whether a college student is living in the dorms or off campus, staying safe is important. There are many ways to protect valuables from being lost and stolen, but one fairly recent technology many people use is GPS theft prevention devices or alarm systems.  GPS tracking devices can be attached to items of value like computers and vehicles.
These tracking devices allow the owner to monitor the location of their valuable possessions at all times.  If a student is worried about his laptop computer or cell phone being lost or stolen, a GPS tracking device may be an option to consider.  Many students simply use locks for their laptops, which is a cheaper option, but GPS theft prevention devices have proven to be quite effective. GPS can also be used to track vehicles. Usually a small tracking device is placed in or on the car in an inconspicuous place (so that a car thief will not see the device and remove it).  This amazing technology allows the owner (or police) to track the vehicle’s exact location and speed.
Some devices send signals that can be tracked online, while others send signals directly to a cellphone. GPS tracking devices can also be used for bicycles, sine hundreds of bicycles are stolen from college campuses every year. In a dorm room or apartment, students can install a GPS security system.  Although many security options are available, these security systems  are becoming more and more popular.  These systems can include cameras as well as GPS devices, and they have proven to be very effective.
Unfortunately, personal safety for college students is a big issue as well.  In the last several years, there have been several cases of murdered students that have made the national news.  Most of these students were killed by acquaintances, usually fellow students.  GPS devices can also be sewn into clothing, and various devices can be slipped inside a backpack or folder. On a less serious level, GPS technology can also be used during extracurricular activities like shopping or trying out new restaurants around town. Navigational devices are also very helpful in reaching an unfamiliar destination quickly and easily.  Whether for fun or safety, GPS can give parents of college students peace of mind.
Article Written By Greg Bartlett
Parents sending their kids off to college for the first time, or even for a second or third year may be a little nervous about their child’s safety.  Whether a college student is living in the dorms or off campus, staying safe is important. There are many ways to protect valuables from being lost and stolen, but one fairly recent technology many people use is GPS theft prevention devices or alarm systems.  GPS tracking devices can be attached to items of value like computers and vehicles.
These tracking devices allow the owner to monitor the location of their valuable possessions at all times.  If a student is worried about his laptop computer or cell phone being lost or stolen, a GPS tracking device may be an option to consider.  Many students simply use locks for their laptops, which is a cheaper option, but GPS theft prevention devices have proven to be quite effective. GPS can also be used to track vehicles. Usually a small tracking device is placed in or on the car in an inconspicuous place (so that a car thief will not see the device and remove it).  This amazing technology allows the owner (or police) to track the vehicle’s exact location and speed.
Some devices send signals that can be tracked online, while others send signals directly to a cellphone. GPS tracking devices can also be used for bicycles, sine hundreds of bicycles are stolen from college campuses every year. In a dorm room or apartment, students can install a GPS security system.  Although many security options are available, these security systems  are becoming more and more popular.  These systems can include cameras as well as GPS devices, and they have proven to be very effective.
Unfortunately, personal safety for college students is a big issue as well.  In the last several years, there have been several cases of murdered students that have made the national news.  Most of these students were killed by acquaintances, usually fellow students.  GPS devices can also be sewn into clothing, and various devices can be slipped inside a backpack or folder. On a less serious level, GPS technology can also be used during extracurricular activities like shopping or trying out new restaurants around town. Navigational devices are also very helpful in reaching an unfamiliar destination quickly and easily.  Whether for fun or safety, GPS can give parents of college students peace of mind.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
How GPS Helps Make Your Neighborhood Safe
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/6WsLw)
Article Written By Greg Bartlett
Law enforcement departments across the country must constantly balance the demands of protecting citizens against the costs of department operations. In a perfect world, performance of duty would never suffer due to lack of funds. Unfortunately, the reality is that the costs of purchasing equipment and meeting payroll demands weigh heavily on law enforcement administrators, which forces them to make various budget cuts. That’s why many law enforcement departments across the world have turned to GPS tracking as a way to cut costs.
GPS tracking devices act as an extra set of eyes for labor-strapped law enforcement departments. By reading reports that a tracking device sends to a computer, police officers can monitor the movements of any vehicle. In addition, the number and length of the stops being made can be monitored from one central location.
One of the primary uses for a GPS device is following suspected criminals. Rather than paying an officer for long hours of observation in a stake-out, a department can attach a tracking device to a suspect’s car, thereby keeping track of all his movements. They can also use current personnel more effectively to take care of known problems while letting the tracking device keep an eye on suspected criminal activity. Police departments across the country have used GPS tracking technology successfully and report not only cost savings, but also more effective observation since tracking devices never fall asleep or lose the trail of the criminal. Yet, despite the effectiveness of GPS tracking, the tracking practive has not been without criticism by privacy rights activists.
However, tracking criminals has just become lega. A recent judgment by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that attaching a tracking device to the car of a suspected criminal does not violate that person’s privacy (even if the car is parked in a private driveway). The ruling also stated that law enforcement officials can continue supplementing police duties with the tracking devices.
This is good news for both the cash-flow and the performance effectiveness of law enforcement in the states affected by the ruling. GPS tracking allows officers to apprehend criminals who might otherwise go unpunished for crimes such as drug trafficking or theft, enabling them to better protect citizens who might become victims of criminal activity. At the same time, those departments will require fewer personnel to perform observation tasks, enabling them to remain under budget and to allow officers to focus on carrying out other urgent responsibilities.
Article Written By Greg Bartlett
Law enforcement departments across the country must constantly balance the demands of protecting citizens against the costs of department operations. In a perfect world, performance of duty would never suffer due to lack of funds. Unfortunately, the reality is that the costs of purchasing equipment and meeting payroll demands weigh heavily on law enforcement administrators, which forces them to make various budget cuts. That’s why many law enforcement departments across the world have turned to GPS tracking as a way to cut costs.
GPS tracking devices act as an extra set of eyes for labor-strapped law enforcement departments. By reading reports that a tracking device sends to a computer, police officers can monitor the movements of any vehicle. In addition, the number and length of the stops being made can be monitored from one central location.
One of the primary uses for a GPS device is following suspected criminals. Rather than paying an officer for long hours of observation in a stake-out, a department can attach a tracking device to a suspect’s car, thereby keeping track of all his movements. They can also use current personnel more effectively to take care of known problems while letting the tracking device keep an eye on suspected criminal activity. Police departments across the country have used GPS tracking technology successfully and report not only cost savings, but also more effective observation since tracking devices never fall asleep or lose the trail of the criminal. Yet, despite the effectiveness of GPS tracking, the tracking practive has not been without criticism by privacy rights activists.
However, tracking criminals has just become lega. A recent judgment by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that attaching a tracking device to the car of a suspected criminal does not violate that person’s privacy (even if the car is parked in a private driveway). The ruling also stated that law enforcement officials can continue supplementing police duties with the tracking devices.
This is good news for both the cash-flow and the performance effectiveness of law enforcement in the states affected by the ruling. GPS tracking allows officers to apprehend criminals who might otherwise go unpunished for crimes such as drug trafficking or theft, enabling them to better protect citizens who might become victims of criminal activity. At the same time, those departments will require fewer personnel to perform observation tasks, enabling them to remain under budget and to allow officers to focus on carrying out other urgent responsibilities.
Monday, September 6, 2010
iPhone Thief Nabbed With GPS Tracking
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/XsRAO)
Have you ever wondered what you would do if someone suddenly snatched your purse, or your wallet, or any other item of value that you carry around every day, ripping it out of your hands and taking off with it? You might often be out of luck in recovering your stolen valuables. How about your phone? It turns out if you have a phone linked to a GPS tracking system, you might be able to recover it faster than you think.
That’s how it worked for Jordan Sturm, who had just stepped outside of her office in San Francisco holding an iPhone. Moments after she left the building, a man on a bicycle rode up to her, grabbed the phone, and took off down the street. Sturm ran back inside and called the police. Ten minutes later, officers found and arrested 31-year-old Horatio Toure for grand theft and possession of stolen property. He probably wondered how they caught him so fast. He had no idea that the phone was part of a GPS tracking system, and more than that, the phone’s owner, David Kahn, was using the phone to demonstrate the tracking system right at that moment.
A GPS tracking system uses GPS devices on virtually anything the user wants to keep tabs on, from people to vehicles to computers. Each device relays signals to satellites which calculate the location of the device, and thus whatever the device is attached to, and communicate that information to the system user. Kahn, chief executive of Covia Labs of Mountain View, was demonstrating his company’s Alert & Respond system to the public relations department of the company. He sent Sturm outside with his phone so that they could watch her movements in real-time, and it appeared that she took off running at an unreal speed. When she came back inside without the phone, they were able to tell police right away exactly where the phone was and what direction it was moving.
Toure probably felt like this was the most unlucky day of his life. Kahn was more well-prepared than lucky. The odds might be low that he would be already watching the phone at the moment it was stolen, but in any case he would have been able to track his phone with just the few seconds delay that it would take to open a program on his computer. If more consumers become just as prepared by using a GPS tracking system on their phones and other valuables, would-be thieves might have to give up.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if someone suddenly snatched your purse, or your wallet, or any other item of value that you carry around every day, ripping it out of your hands and taking off with it? You might often be out of luck in recovering your stolen valuables. How about your phone? It turns out if you have a phone linked to a GPS tracking system, you might be able to recover it faster than you think.
That’s how it worked for Jordan Sturm, who had just stepped outside of her office in San Francisco holding an iPhone. Moments after she left the building, a man on a bicycle rode up to her, grabbed the phone, and took off down the street. Sturm ran back inside and called the police. Ten minutes later, officers found and arrested 31-year-old Horatio Toure for grand theft and possession of stolen property. He probably wondered how they caught him so fast. He had no idea that the phone was part of a GPS tracking system, and more than that, the phone’s owner, David Kahn, was using the phone to demonstrate the tracking system right at that moment.
A GPS tracking system uses GPS devices on virtually anything the user wants to keep tabs on, from people to vehicles to computers. Each device relays signals to satellites which calculate the location of the device, and thus whatever the device is attached to, and communicate that information to the system user. Kahn, chief executive of Covia Labs of Mountain View, was demonstrating his company’s Alert & Respond system to the public relations department of the company. He sent Sturm outside with his phone so that they could watch her movements in real-time, and it appeared that she took off running at an unreal speed. When she came back inside without the phone, they were able to tell police right away exactly where the phone was and what direction it was moving.
Toure probably felt like this was the most unlucky day of his life. Kahn was more well-prepared than lucky. The odds might be low that he would be already watching the phone at the moment it was stolen, but in any case he would have been able to track his phone with just the few seconds delay that it would take to open a program on his computer. If more consumers become just as prepared by using a GPS tracking system on their phones and other valuables, would-be thieves might have to give up.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Prevent Vehicle Theft with GPS Tracking
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/2Djiq)
Motor vehicle theft happens every day and not only is it a nuisance, messing up your daily schedule and causing much hassle, but it also could run into a bit of money and time, depending upon how well the car is insured and how high the deductible. There is a solution to this common problem and it comes in the form of a GPS tracking device. They come in a variety of sizes such as handheld or small and magnetic to be unobtrusively attached to an object or placed in a suitcase.
A GPS tracking device uses the Global Positioning System, a constellation of twenty-seven satellites orbiting the Earth and maintained by the U.S. Military, to determine the coordinates of a receiver on earth. The way the GPS receiver works is to locate four or more satellites, calculate distance to each, and then figure its own location based on that information.
In a recent case, Mississippi State Senator Terry Burton’s Impala was stolen. When he realized what had happened, he contacted On-Star so that they could activate the GPS unit in his car. They verified the theft with police and then provided officers with the exact location of the vehicle. It was quickly recovered with no damage or loss to the senator. The usual course of events would have been that the car ended up in a chop shop, parts shipped out to various locations, abandoned somewhere or even purchased by someone else who had no knowledge of its history. Because GPS is built into many newer car models, the police are given a huge advantage in making a quick recovery and thereby minimizing possible damage to the vehicle.
There are many advantages to having a GPS tracking device in your personal vehicle. Aside from the obvious navigational reasons, insurance companies love them and will give you better rates accordingly. They not only considerably raise the odds of recovering your stolen vehicle which insurance companies always like, but they allow your driving to be monitored for safety purposes. If you’re a good driver, you’ll have more proof than just your word and the fact that you’ve managed to avoid speeding tickets. So, while your primary purpose for installing a GPS  may be to thwart a thief, it will prove beneficial in many other ways.
Motor vehicle theft happens every day and not only is it a nuisance, messing up your daily schedule and causing much hassle, but it also could run into a bit of money and time, depending upon how well the car is insured and how high the deductible. There is a solution to this common problem and it comes in the form of a GPS tracking device. They come in a variety of sizes such as handheld or small and magnetic to be unobtrusively attached to an object or placed in a suitcase.
A GPS tracking device uses the Global Positioning System, a constellation of twenty-seven satellites orbiting the Earth and maintained by the U.S. Military, to determine the coordinates of a receiver on earth. The way the GPS receiver works is to locate four or more satellites, calculate distance to each, and then figure its own location based on that information.
In a recent case, Mississippi State Senator Terry Burton’s Impala was stolen. When he realized what had happened, he contacted On-Star so that they could activate the GPS unit in his car. They verified the theft with police and then provided officers with the exact location of the vehicle. It was quickly recovered with no damage or loss to the senator. The usual course of events would have been that the car ended up in a chop shop, parts shipped out to various locations, abandoned somewhere or even purchased by someone else who had no knowledge of its history. Because GPS is built into many newer car models, the police are given a huge advantage in making a quick recovery and thereby minimizing possible damage to the vehicle.
There are many advantages to having a GPS tracking device in your personal vehicle. Aside from the obvious navigational reasons, insurance companies love them and will give you better rates accordingly. They not only considerably raise the odds of recovering your stolen vehicle which insurance companies always like, but they allow your driving to be monitored for safety purposes. If you’re a good driver, you’ll have more proof than just your word and the fact that you’ve managed to avoid speeding tickets. So, while your primary purpose for installing a GPS  may be to thwart a thief, it will prove beneficial in many other ways.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
GPS Tracking Enters the Mafia II Gaming World
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/nykvy)
2K Czech has just released the much anticipated Mafia II videogame for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. While the game has garnered mixed reviews thus far, there’s no denying the fact that this version of the videogame has something the first one didn’t: GPS tracking technology.
You may be wondering how a videogame that’s supposedly set something during the 1940s includes modern day technology. Well, you’re not alone. While the addition of GPS tracking devices into the video game have some avid Mafia fans puzzled, this modern day mix-up does make the game more exciting. Now that the police in the game have GPS trackers, it’s hard to escape the “wanted†list.
Gamers will have to find a way to bring down their “wanted†level why also trying to stump tracking technology – not an easy feat! The game is modeled on real-life police stories that now frequently include tracking technology. Police all across the country rely on GPS to capture and find criminals – a reality that has now crossed into the videogame world.
As for the rest of Mafia II, many gamers are finding this version frustrating. Aside from attempting to escape well-equipped police officers, gamers must also go on personal missions that some may find rather tedious. Mafia II can now be found in gaming and electronics retail stores across the country. If you’re looking for a way to pass the time, check out Mafia II, and let us know what your opinion of this newly released game is. Already played the new game? Sound off on your Mafia II experience.
2K Czech has just released the much anticipated Mafia II videogame for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. While the game has garnered mixed reviews thus far, there’s no denying the fact that this version of the videogame has something the first one didn’t: GPS tracking technology.
You may be wondering how a videogame that’s supposedly set something during the 1940s includes modern day technology. Well, you’re not alone. While the addition of GPS tracking devices into the video game have some avid Mafia fans puzzled, this modern day mix-up does make the game more exciting. Now that the police in the game have GPS trackers, it’s hard to escape the “wanted†list.
Gamers will have to find a way to bring down their “wanted†level why also trying to stump tracking technology – not an easy feat! The game is modeled on real-life police stories that now frequently include tracking technology. Police all across the country rely on GPS to capture and find criminals – a reality that has now crossed into the videogame world.
As for the rest of Mafia II, many gamers are finding this version frustrating. Aside from attempting to escape well-equipped police officers, gamers must also go on personal missions that some may find rather tedious. Mafia II can now be found in gaming and electronics retail stores across the country. If you’re looking for a way to pass the time, check out Mafia II, and let us know what your opinion of this newly released game is. Already played the new game? Sound off on your Mafia II experience.
Friday, September 3, 2010
GPS and Electronic IDs Spark Schoolbus Concerns
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/Ga27P)
Many school districts across the nation are playing a grown up game of “I Spy†using GPS tracking technology and electronic Identification tags. In addition to the numerous GPS tracking devices that have been installed in many school buses throughout the nation, some districts now require students to carry electronic identification cards.
Student ID cards work the same way that employee identification cards do, which means that a school district can keep a close eye on all children throughout the day. As soon as a student (including Kindergarten students) enters a school bus, these students are required to swipe an identification card in front of an ID machine. A quick flash and a beep means that a student has entered a school bus effectively giving some parents peace of mind. Yet, not all parents believe that this kind of identification process is necessary.
At the moment, only school officials have access to child identification information, though many districts report that this information will soon be available to parents too. While many school districts throughout the U.S. currently use GPS tracking technology in order to keep track of school buses, electronic identification cards are a relatively new type of safety measure.
Due to the popularity of these cads, it is safe to assume that electronic ID cards will soon become a part of many young lives throughout the next couple of years. Implementing an identification system of this manner will cost school districts around $16,000. Is all of this child tracking technology too much?
Many school districts across the nation are playing a grown up game of “I Spy†using GPS tracking technology and electronic Identification tags. In addition to the numerous GPS tracking devices that have been installed in many school buses throughout the nation, some districts now require students to carry electronic identification cards.
Student ID cards work the same way that employee identification cards do, which means that a school district can keep a close eye on all children throughout the day. As soon as a student (including Kindergarten students) enters a school bus, these students are required to swipe an identification card in front of an ID machine. A quick flash and a beep means that a student has entered a school bus effectively giving some parents peace of mind. Yet, not all parents believe that this kind of identification process is necessary.
At the moment, only school officials have access to child identification information, though many districts report that this information will soon be available to parents too. While many school districts throughout the U.S. currently use GPS tracking technology in order to keep track of school buses, electronic identification cards are a relatively new type of safety measure.
Due to the popularity of these cads, it is safe to assume that electronic ID cards will soon become a part of many young lives throughout the next couple of years. Implementing an identification system of this manner will cost school districts around $16,000. Is all of this child tracking technology too much?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tracking Teens With GPS -- Worth Every Penny
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/0xjus)
Article Written by Greg Bartlett
It’s every parent's worst nightmare. Your teen is driving. You panic. Suddenly, everything you ever thought you believed about providing a child with independence and responsibility goes out the window. You think of the strictest rules possible. No driving after five. No driving by yourself except with explicit permission. If you do end up driving by yourself, check in every ten minutes. But do these types of rules do your child good? And are the really helpful to your relationship with your teen and to his or her own growth and development? If not, what alternatives does a parent have for keeping a teen driver safe? GPS tracking may be the answer to keeping teens safe.
With teen driver fatality rates rising, a solution is needed. Alabama, for example, is currently trying to solve the problem through increasingly strict laws regarding drivers under 18. However, what if these laws fail? Or what if your teenager doesn’t follow them and ends up in an accident? What can you, the parent, do to ensure their safety and well-being?
Consider GPS tracking devices. These devices allow parents to monitor where their teen is, what stops he may have made, and what traffic laws he may be breaking. Notifications can be sent to the parents cell phone or email. Also, some of these devices have voice recordings which warn teen drivers when they’ve broken a traffic law.
Of course, no electronic device can replace your parental care and attention. Yes, they can help, but teens need you, not GPS tracking devices, to teach them good driving skills. However, the devices can assist your teen in situations where you can’t go. In addition, they provide your teen with added accountability. What teen will consistently break the speed limit if mom gets a text message on her cell phone every time? And, in the end, although teens may initially rebel against restrictions, the devices can open up communication and encourage deeper trust between parent and child.
For those parents with teen drivers, don’t hesitate to consider GPS technology. Sure, you may be afraid of upsetting a teen. Or the expense of the devices may not seem worth it. However, all that hassle, fear of disapproval, and expense will seem worth it when a GPS tracking device saves your child’s life.
Article Written by Greg Bartlett
It’s every parent's worst nightmare. Your teen is driving. You panic. Suddenly, everything you ever thought you believed about providing a child with independence and responsibility goes out the window. You think of the strictest rules possible. No driving after five. No driving by yourself except with explicit permission. If you do end up driving by yourself, check in every ten minutes. But do these types of rules do your child good? And are the really helpful to your relationship with your teen and to his or her own growth and development? If not, what alternatives does a parent have for keeping a teen driver safe? GPS tracking may be the answer to keeping teens safe.
With teen driver fatality rates rising, a solution is needed. Alabama, for example, is currently trying to solve the problem through increasingly strict laws regarding drivers under 18. However, what if these laws fail? Or what if your teenager doesn’t follow them and ends up in an accident? What can you, the parent, do to ensure their safety and well-being?
Consider GPS tracking devices. These devices allow parents to monitor where their teen is, what stops he may have made, and what traffic laws he may be breaking. Notifications can be sent to the parents cell phone or email. Also, some of these devices have voice recordings which warn teen drivers when they’ve broken a traffic law.
Of course, no electronic device can replace your parental care and attention. Yes, they can help, but teens need you, not GPS tracking devices, to teach them good driving skills. However, the devices can assist your teen in situations where you can’t go. In addition, they provide your teen with added accountability. What teen will consistently break the speed limit if mom gets a text message on her cell phone every time? And, in the end, although teens may initially rebel against restrictions, the devices can open up communication and encourage deeper trust between parent and child.
For those parents with teen drivers, don’t hesitate to consider GPS technology. Sure, you may be afraid of upsetting a teen. Or the expense of the devices may not seem worth it. However, all that hassle, fear of disapproval, and expense will seem worth it when a GPS tracking device saves your child’s life.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Go Green and Save Some Green With GPS Tracking
(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/noUT0)
Article Written by Greg Bartlett
Times are tough in the business world. Companies continually look for ways to save money while at the same time reducing environmental impact. With gas prices swelling and the cost of doing business increasing, environmental efforts are not always as easy as they seem. Fleet managers especially need a way to evaluate how they use resources and how they can save money and incorporate green management practices at the same time. One of the best ways to accomplish both goals is to incorporate GPS Tracking devices for each vehicle in the fleet.
By equipping each vehicle in a fleet with a GPS tracking device, fleet managers can monitor driver habits and vehicle efficiency accurately. They can determine fuel efficiency, idle time, speed and routes taken. With this information in hand, they can map out a plan to reduce costs by taking shorter routes, reducing idle time, maintaining the speed limit, and using each vehicle to its greatest potential. While GPS tracking systems do require an initial expenditure that can seem daunting, most estimates reveal that companies can recoup their expenses in nine months or less. As savings continue to increase over the life of the system, most companies find that incorporating a tracking system for fleet vehicles is well worth the investment.
In addition to the direct savings garnered by monitoring drivers and vehicles with GPS tracking devices, companies can also realize greater productivity and savings by taking advantage of tracking data. If every driver in a fleet can make one extra stop every day by taking shorter routes, both the company as a whole and the drivers individually will enjoy increased earnings. If vehicles can be used more efficiently, managers can forego additional purchases, resulting in thousands saved each year.
All these cost saving measures also result in greener companies. Reducing idle time and driving fewer miles results in fewer emissions, giving fleet managers an even greater reason for incorporating GPS tracking into their vehicles. As responsible care for the environment becomes more urgent every day, companies looking to go green can take huge steps in the right direction simply by equipping themselves with knowledge. Once they have specific information in hand, it’s only a matter of incorporating new habits and practices into their employees’ training in order to create an environmentally friendly business that operates at its full potential while saving money at the same time.
Article Written by Greg Bartlett
Times are tough in the business world. Companies continually look for ways to save money while at the same time reducing environmental impact. With gas prices swelling and the cost of doing business increasing, environmental efforts are not always as easy as they seem. Fleet managers especially need a way to evaluate how they use resources and how they can save money and incorporate green management practices at the same time. One of the best ways to accomplish both goals is to incorporate GPS Tracking devices for each vehicle in the fleet.
By equipping each vehicle in a fleet with a GPS tracking device, fleet managers can monitor driver habits and vehicle efficiency accurately. They can determine fuel efficiency, idle time, speed and routes taken. With this information in hand, they can map out a plan to reduce costs by taking shorter routes, reducing idle time, maintaining the speed limit, and using each vehicle to its greatest potential. While GPS tracking systems do require an initial expenditure that can seem daunting, most estimates reveal that companies can recoup their expenses in nine months or less. As savings continue to increase over the life of the system, most companies find that incorporating a tracking system for fleet vehicles is well worth the investment.
In addition to the direct savings garnered by monitoring drivers and vehicles with GPS tracking devices, companies can also realize greater productivity and savings by taking advantage of tracking data. If every driver in a fleet can make one extra stop every day by taking shorter routes, both the company as a whole and the drivers individually will enjoy increased earnings. If vehicles can be used more efficiently, managers can forego additional purchases, resulting in thousands saved each year.
All these cost saving measures also result in greener companies. Reducing idle time and driving fewer miles results in fewer emissions, giving fleet managers an even greater reason for incorporating GPS tracking into their vehicles. As responsible care for the environment becomes more urgent every day, companies looking to go green can take huge steps in the right direction simply by equipping themselves with knowledge. Once they have specific information in hand, it’s only a matter of incorporating new habits and practices into their employees’ training in order to create an environmentally friendly business that operates at its full potential while saving money at the same time.
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