Gps Tracking Systems May Be Used For Invasion Of Privacy
GPS tracking systems utilize a network of geosynchronous satellites in orbit to determine the location of an object or person down to a few feet resolution. GPS tracking systems were initially deployed to assist the military in locating targets of value as well as in navigation. In recent years, the price of GPS hardware has decreased, while the military has suspended the degradation of the signal, allowing more accurate placement for civilian use.
The technology of GPS has been of great benefit to companies for keeping track of the vehicles within their fleets and also providing a way for drivers to be more efficient in making deliveries and estimating time of delivery. GPS tracking systems for vehicles have even been useful for finding the best way for drivers to get to their locations.
One of the negatives that has come about more recently is invasion of privacy. As these devices are used more and more frequently in our lives, they will continue to present these challenges. Truck drivers were among the first to be tracked and their movements are now analyzed as well. Spies have long known that GPS tracking can be very effective in tracking the movement of individuals.
GPS has become a consumer tool as well; several new tools allow laymen to use GPS systems to plan hikes, find locations for fishing or camping, and find their way around unfamiliar places. Commercial GPS devices have given rise to "geocaching," a pastime where participants search for hidden items using their latitude and longitude coordinates.
GPS tracking systems can now be purchased from an automotive dealer as an additional feature to a new car. They can be mounted directly into the dash of the car for easy access to the driver. These devices provide searches which include restaurant and hotel mapping. It is nearly impossible to get lost with one of these devices in the car.
The use of GPS for various purposes will likely increase as the cost of devices continues to decrease. GPS technology is very flexible and can serve as a replacement for current technologies such as paper maps, and may play a role in future advances. Perhaps in the future GPS tracking will allow us to know the location of all of our possessions at all time, making theft and loss a thing of the past.
Satellites allow GPS units to locate and track objects and people. GPS was first used by the United States military for targeting and navigation. Accuracy of the GPS signal for the general public has improved since the military stopped degrading the signal available to civilians. Delivery companies make widespread use of GPS vehicle tracking systems for scheduling and route efficiency. In private automobiles, GPS tracking systems simplify navigation. Outdoor enthusiasts have made GPS devices common in recreational pursuits. "Geocaching" is a hobby that uses a GPS tracking device to find hidden treasures. As prices drop, the use of the GPS system will continue to render older methods of navigation obsolete.
Published November 7th, 2007
Filed in Auto, Management
