Never feel lost again, ensure your vehicle uses an effective wireless location service
Imagine yourself driving through an unfamiliar area without any knowledge of the local landmarks and you feel lost. It can cause anyone considerable anxiety and frustration, besides costing precious time. However, if the vehicle is enabled with a good wireless location service, it will serve to be the perfect mobile guide - a ready reckoner that can provide intelligent information to help one find location-specific information immediately whether it be a particular type of restaurant or a lodging unit or an entertainment center to name a few.

Wireless location services provide location based information through portable wireless devices that have automatic and accurate positioning hardware. These services are available and easily accessible through most of the ubiquitous personal gadgets such as mobile phones and handheld PDAs.

How do wireless location services work
The actual mechanism used by the location service could depend on the type of gadget used. Some of the most common mechanisms are explained below:

Location tracking with the mobile phone network
The mobile phone ID is used to identify the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and its location. The accuracy of the information depends upon the size of the cell. The location based tracking service that can be provided through a mobile phone include hotel and restaurant information, maps and directions, travel schedules and weather forecasts to name a few. The size of the phone can have a bearing on the accuracy of the location information provided, though the inaccuracy is generally well within acceptable limits. The benefits of such tracking using a portable device that is now almost an inseparable component of a traveler's life far outweigh the lack of pinpoint accuracy.

Use of satellites for wireless location tracking
These location tracking services are provided using Global Positioning System (GPS), which is controlled by the US Department of Defense. Using a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting the earth, GPS tracking is probably one of the most accurate methods wherein the GPS determines the position of the mobile device based on the differences in time signals from various satellites to reach the receiver. Of course, this requires that the mobile device has some extra hardware that will consume battery charge when in use.

Short-range positioning beacons
Local area networks, equipped with devices such as Bluetooth, can provide location based services in small areas including single buildings.

Use of PDAs / smartphones
With some of the latest PDAs equipped with sufficient capacity to carry information equivalent to that of a city guide as well as wireless connectivity, it is very easy to easily track the location of a person or find specific information about a particular place.
The benefits of instant connectivity and trackability cannot be overstated-whether it be from a personal perspective or from a business standpoint. Thankfully, GPS technology has enabled this to levels unimaginable even a few years ago.

GPS North America provides completes GPS tracking solutions and real-time vehicle tracking systems, with the help of state-of-the-art technology and a combination of powerful hardware and tracking software. Contact us to find out how we can help you with your vehicle tracking or fleet management and make a significant impact to your bottom line.