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GPS tracking unit

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by UrusHyby (talk | contribs) at 13:53, 18 September 2025 (→Applications: Revised "Applications" section for improved flow; integrated the use cases into the Fleet Management and Personal Safety subsections for better context.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

A GPS tracking unit, commonly referred to as a GPS tracker, black box, or simply tracker, is a device used to track the location of the asset it is connected to. It uses a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to determine its geographic position. This location data, along with other vehicle or asset telemetry, is then transmitted to an Internet-connected device or a central server using an embedded cellular (such as GPRS, LTE, or 5G), radio, or satellite modem. This enables the real-time monitoring and management of vehicles, assets, personnel, and animals from a remote location. The global market for these devices is substantial, valued at over $2.5 billion in 2022 and projected to grow at a CAGR of over 13% to reach $4.76 billion by 2027.[1]

While widely used by consumers, GPS tracking units are a foundational hardware component in the commercial sector's adoption of fleet digitalization. In this context, the data collected by these devices is typically sent to specialized fleet management software platforms. While many modern vehicles are equipped with a factory-installed telematic control unit (TCU) from the manufacturer, aftermarket GPS tracking units are essential for managing mixed fleets (with vehicles from different brands) and for equipping vehicles that lack native telematics systems. The market for these devices is substantial and served by a diverse ecosystem of specialized hardware manufacturers.[2][3]

Architecture

A GPS "track me" essentially contains a GPS module that receives the GPS signal and calculates the coordinates. For data loggers, it contains large memory to store the coordinates. Data pushers additionally contain a GSM/GPRS/CDMA/LTE modem to transmit this information to a central computer either via SMS or GPRS in form of IP packets. Satellite-based GPS tracking units will operate anywhere on the globe using satellite technology such as GlobalStar or Iridium. They do not require a cellular connection.

Types

GPS tracking units can be categorized by their primary application and form factor. While most modern devices transmit their location in real-time (a function known as data "pushing"), some specialized units may only log their position history for later download (data "logging"). The main distinction is between devices designed for personal/asset use and those designed for vehicle integration.

Personal and Asset Trackers

Personal and asset trackers are typically small, portable, battery-powered devices designed to track people, animals, or high-value mobile assets. Their compact size allows them to be carried, attached to equipment, or fitted to a pet's collar.

Common applications include:

  • Personal Safety: Used for monitoring the location of children, the elderly, or vulnerable individuals. Many devices include an SOS button that can send an alert and location to a caregiver.
  • Lone worker Safety: These devices provide location data and panic alerts for employees in remote or hazardous environments.
  • Asset Tracking: Used to track mobile assets like shipping containers, generators, and other non-powered equipment.
  • Animal Tracking: Placed on pets or wildlife to monitor their location and movement patterns.

Vehicle Trackers

Vehicle trackers are devices designed for installation in vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and heavy machinery. The commercial vehicle segment is the largest end-user of GPS tracking devices, driven by the need for real-time fleet monitoring and management.[4] These devices are a core component of modern fleet management systems and are often referred to as Automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems. The global market for this hardware is served by numerous specialized manufacturers, with companies like CalAmp, ORBCOMM, Queclink, and Teltonika among the leading suppliers.[1][5][6]

Vehicle trackers can be further categorized by their installation method:

Hardwired Trackers

Hardwired trackers are wired directly into a vehicle's electrical system, providing a constant and reliable power source. This installation allows for deep integration, enabling the tracker to monitor ignition status, control a starter interrupt for vehicle immobilization, and connect to a wide range of third-party sensors to monitor variables such as fuel level, cargo temperature, and tire pressure. Furthermore, they can often connect directly to the vehicle's CAN bus to read detailed operational data. This type is most commonly used in professional fleet digitalization for commercial vehicles.

OBD Plug-in Trackers

OBD plug-in trackers are designed for simple installation by connecting directly into a vehicle's OBD-II port. This connection method requires no special tools. In addition to providing location data, OBD trackers can read a wide range of diagnostic information from the onboard computer, including engine RPM, fuel level, and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), which are useful for maintenance purposes.

Battery-Powered Trackers

Battery-powered trackers are self-contained, wireless devices that operate on their own long-life batteries. This design provides flexibility in placement, as they can be attached to any vehicle or asset without requiring wiring. They are often used for tracking non-powered assets like trailers and containers, or for covert security applications.

Applications

The use of GPS tracking units is widespread across commercial, governmental, and personal applications. While the technology is the same, the implementation and goals vary significantly by use case.

Commercial Applications

The largest application for GPS tracking units is in the commercial sector, where devices are installed in vehicles and equipment to provide real-time data to a central software platform.

Fleet Management

In commercial fleet management, GPS tracking is a cornerstone of fleet digitalization.[4] It enables a wide range of functions:

  • Operational Efficiency: Monitoring vehicle location to optimize routes, dispatching, and delivery schedules. In humanitarian aid operations, this data is also used to enhance operational visibility and increase the cost-effectiveness of fleets to ensure donor funds are used efficiently.[7]
  • Driver Safety and Performance: Tracking behaviors such as speeding, harsh braking, and idling to enable driver coaching and reduce accident rates.
  • Maintenance: Using mileage and engine hour data to automate preventative maintenance schedules.

Precision Agriculture

GPS tracking is a core technology in modern precision agriculture, used to improve the efficiency and productivity of farm operations.[8] Trackers are installed on tractors and other farm machinery to:

  • Monitor Location and Status: Providing real-time information on the location and operational status of agricultural machinery.[8]
  • Enable Parallel Driving: Assisting operators in creating precise, parallel driving paths to avoid overlap and gaps during field work like planting and spraying.
  • Control Fuel Consumption: Tracking fuel usage across different machines and tasks to identify inefficiencies.[8]

Asset and Equipment Tracking

This application involves placing battery-powered trackers on mobile assets that are non-powered or intermittently powered.

  • Trailers and Containers: Logistics companies use trackers to monitor the location of trailers and shipping containers.
  • Construction Equipment: Tracking the location of valuable machinery like generators and excavators helps prevent theft and manage inventory across job sites.

Vehicle Security and Recovery

A primary use for both consumers and businesses is vehicle security, a vertical often referred to as Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR). In this application, a covertly installed tracker provides the vehicle's location to the owner or law enforcement in the event of a theft. The demand for SVR solutions is particularly strong in regions and emerging markets where vehicle crime rates are a significant problem.[9] Some systems, like LoJack, are specifically designed for vehicle recovery.

Personal Safety and Tracking

Compact, battery-powered trackers are widely used for personal safety.

  • Vulnerable Persons: Devices are used to monitor the location of children or elderly family members with conditions like dementia, often including an SOS button to call for help.[10]
  • Lone Worker and Field Staff Safety: Employers, including humanitarian aid organizations, use these devices to monitor and protect employees who work in remote, isolated, or high-risk environments.[7]
  • Sports and Recreation: Hikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts use trackers to share their location with family or to call for rescue in an emergency.
  • Animal Tracking: GPS collars are used to track pets and for scientific studies of wild animal migration patterns.

Legislation

See also: Geo-fence warrant and Location-based service § Privacy issues

Australian law

There are no Australian Federal Laws for surveillance and GPS tracker legality. However, most states have statutes covering the use and restrictions of tracking devices used for surveillance.

The below states have formal statutes. At present, only Queensland and Tasmania do not have legislation.

  • Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW) [11]
  • Surveillance Devices Act 1998 (WA)
  • Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (VIC)
  • Workplace Privacy Act 2011 (ACT)
  • Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NT)

United States law

In the United States, the use of GPS trackers by government authorities is limited by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. So police, for example, usually require a search warrant.[12] While police have placed GPS trackers in vehicles without a warrant, this usage was questioned in court in early 2009.[13][14]

Use by private citizens is regulated in some states, such as California, where California Penal Code Section 637.7 states:
(a) No person or entity in this state shall use an electronic tracking device to determine the location or movement of a person.
(b) This section shall not apply when the registered owner, lesser, or lessee of a vehicle has consented to the use of the electronic tracking device with respect to that vehicle.
(c) This section shall not apply to the lawful use of an electronic tracking device by a law enforcement agency.
(d) As used in this section, "electronic tracking device" means any device attached to a vehicle or other movable thing that reveals its location or movement by transmission of electronic signals.
(g) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
(f) A violation of this section by a person, business, firm, company, association, partnership, or corporation licensed under Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Business and Professions Code shall constitute grounds for revocation of the license issued to that person, business, firm, company, association, partnership, or corporation, pursuant to the provisions that provide for the revocation of the license as set forth in Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Business and Professions Code.[15]

Note that 637.7 pertains to all electronic tracking devices, and does not differentiate between those that rely on GPS technology or not. As the laws catch up with the times, it is plausible that all 50 states will eventually enact laws similar to those of California. [original research?]

Other laws, like the common law invasion of privacy tort as well as state criminal wiretapping statutes (for example, the wiretapping statute of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which is extremely restrictive) potentially cover the use of GPS tracking devices by private citizens without consent of the individual being so tracked. Privacy can also be a problem when people use the devices to track the activities of a loved one.[16] GPS tracking devices have also been put on religious statues to track the whereabouts of the statue if stolen.[17]

In 2009, debate ensued over a Georgia proposal to outlaw hidden GPS tracking, with an exception for law enforcement officers but not for private investigators. See Georgia HB 16 - Electronic tracking device; location of person without consent (2009).[18][19]

See also: Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act

United Kingdom law

The law in the UK has not specifically addressed the use of GPS trackers, but several laws may affect the use of this technology as a surveillance tool.

Data Protection Act 1998

It is quite clear that if client instructions (written or digitally transmitted) that identify a person and a vehicle are combined with a tracker, the information gathered by the tracker becomes personal data as defined by the Data Protection Act 1998. The document “What is personal data? – A quick reference guide”[20] published by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) makes clear that data identifying a living individual is personal data. If a living individual can be identified from the data, with or without additional information that may become available, is personal data.

Identifiability

An individual is 'identified' if distinguished from other members of a group. In most cases, an individual's name, together with some other information, will be sufficient to identify them, but a person can be identified even if their name is not known. Start by looking at the means available to identify an individual and the extent to which such means are readily available to you.

Does the data 'relate to' the identifiable living individual, whether in personal or family life, business or profession?

Relates to means: Data which identifies an individual, even without an associated name, may be personal data which is processed to learn or record something about that individual, or the processing of information that affects the individual. Therefore, data may 'relate to' an individual in several different ways.

Is the data 'obviously about a particular individual?

Data 'obviously about' an individual will include their medical history, criminal record, record of work, or their achievements in a sporting activity. Data that is not 'obviously about' a particular individual may include information about their activities. Data such as personal bank statements or itemised telephone bills will be personal data about the individual operating the account or contracting for telephone services. Where data is not 'obviously about' an identifiable individual it may be helpful to consider whether the data is being processed, or could easily be processed, to learn, record or decide something about an identifiable individual. Information may be personal data where the aim, or an incidental consequence, of the processing, is that one learns or records something about an identifiable individual, or the processing could affect an identifiable individual. Data from a Tracker would be to identify the individual or their activities. It is therefore personal data within the meaning of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Any individual who wishes to gather personal data must be registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and have a DPA number. It is a criminal offense to process data and not have a DPA number.[21]

Trespass

It may be a civil trespass for an individual to deploy a tracker on another's car. But in the OSC's annual inspection, the OSC's Chief Surveillance Commissioner Sir Christopher Rose stated "putting an arm into a wheel arch or under the frame of a vehicle is straining the concept of trespass".[22]

However, entering a person's private land to deploy a tracker is clearly a trespass which is a civil tort.

Prevention of Harassment Act 1997

At times, the public misinterprets surveillance, in all its forms, as stalking. Whilst there is no specific legislation to address this kind of harassment, a long-term pattern of persistent and repeated efforts at contact with a particular victim is generally considered stalking.

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 created two new offenses of stalking by inserting new sections 2A and 4A into the PHA 1997.[23] The new offences which came into force on 25 November 2012, are not retrospective. Section 2A (3) of the PHA 1997 sets out examples of acts or omissions which, in particular circumstances, are ones associated with stalking. Examples are: following a person, watching or spying on them, or forcing contact with the victim through any means, including social media.

Such behavior curtails a victim's freedom, leaving them feeling that they constantly have to be careful. In many cases, the conduct might appear innocent (if considered in isolation), but when carried out repeatedly, so as to amount to a course of conduct, it may then cause significant alarm, harassment or distress to the victim.

The examples given in section 2A (3) are not an exhaustive list but an indication of the types of behavior that may be displayed in a stalking offense.

Stalking and harassment of another or others can include a range of offenses such as those under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997; the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; the Sexual Offences Act 2003; and the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

Examples of the types of conduct often associated with stalking include direct communication; physical following; indirect contact through friends, colleagues, family or technology; or, other intrusions into the victim's privacy. The behavior curtails a victim's freedom, leaving them feeling that they constantly have to be careful.

If the subject of inquiry is aware of the tracking, then this may amount to harassment under the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997. There is a case at the Royal Courts of Justice where a private investigator is being sued under this act for the use of trackers. In December 2011, a Claim was brought against Richmond Day & Wilson Limited (First Defendant) and Bernard Matthews Limited (Second Defendant), Britain's leading Turkey Provider.

The case relates to the discovery of a tracking device found in August 2011 on a vehicle supposedly connected to Hillside Animal Sanctuary.[24]

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

Property Interference: The Home Office published a document entitled "Covert Surveillance and Property Interference, Revised Code of Practice, Pursuant to section 71 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000" [25] where it suggests in Chapter 7, page 61 that;

General basis for lawful activity

7. 1 Authorizations under section 5 of the 1994 Act or Part III of the 1997 Act should be sought wherever members of the intelligence services, the police, the services police, Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or Office of Fair Trading (OFT), or persons acting on their behalf, conduct entry on, or interference with, property or with wireless telegraphy that would be otherwise unlawful.

7. 2 For the purposes of this chapter, "property interference" shall be taken to include entry on, or interference with, property or with wireless telegraphy.

Example: The use of a surveillance device for providing information about the location of a vehicle may involve some physical interference with that vehicle as well as subsequent directed surveillance activity. Such an operation could be authorized by a combined authorization for property interference (under Part III of the 1997 Act) and, where appropriate, directed surveillance (under the 2000 Act). In this case, the necessity and proportionality of the property interference element of the authorization would need to be considered by the appropriate authorizing officer separately to the necessity and proportionality of obtaining private information by means of the directed surveillance.

This can be interpreted to mean that placing a tracker on a vehicle without the consent of the owner is illegal unless you obtain authorization from the Surveillance Commissionaire under the RIPA 2000 laws. Since a member of the public cannot obtain such authorizations, it is therefore illegal property interference.

Another interpretation is that it is illegal to do so if you are acting under the instruction of a public authority and you do not obtain authorization. The legislation makes no mention of property interference for anyone else.

Currently, there is no legislation in place that deals with the deployment of trackers in a criminal sense except RIPA 2000 and that RIPA 2000 only applies to those agencies and persons mentioned in it.

Uses in marketing

In August 2010, Brazilian company Unilever ran an unusual promotion where GPS trackers were placed in boxes of Omo laundry detergent. Teams would then track consumers who purchased the boxes of detergent to their homes where they would be awarded a prize for their purchase. The company also launched a website (in Portuguese) to show the approximate location of the winners' homes.[26]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "GPS Tracking Device Global Market Report 2023". GlobeNewswire. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  2. ^ "Global fleet management platform Wialon reveals 2023 Top 10 GPS Hardware Manufacturers ranking". GPS World. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  3. ^ "Wialon names top ten GPS hardware makers". IoT M2M Council. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  4. ^ a b "GPS Tracking Device Market - Forecast(2024-2030)". IndustryARC. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  5. ^ "Berg Insight ranks the leading vehicle telematics hardware suppliers". IoT Business News. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Wialon reveals most popular GPS hardware manufacturers across globe". Fleet World. 3 January 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Humanitarian Organisations' Struggle with Fleet Management" (pdf). Fleet Forum. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  8. ^ a b c "Information system for satellite monitoring of agricultural machinery using Wialon IPS communication protocol" (pdf). BIO Web of Conferences. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  9. ^ "The stolen vehicle recovery and asset tracking markets". Berg Insight. Retrieved 18 September 2025. The SVR market is still very important in a number of regions, not the least in emerging markets such as Brazil, where car theft is a major problem.
  10. ^ Tovia Smith (29 August 2006). "Technology Lets Parents Track Kids' Every Move". NPR. Retrieved 25 April 2011.
  11. ^ Brownings, Jeff (11 December 2020). "NSW GPS Legality Act 2007". Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Jail deputies find over 1,000 fentanyl pills strapped to suspect's leg". 24 July 2024.
  13. ^ Claburn, Thomas (4 March 2009). "Court Asked To Disallow Warrantless GPS Tracking". InformationWeek. Retrieved 18 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ "State of Tennessee PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 169 HOUSE BILL NO. 457" (PDF). fas.org. State of Tennessee. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  15. ^ "California Penal Code Section 637.7 - California Attorney Resources - California Laws". law.onecle.com. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  16. ^ Koch, Wendy (12 February 2009). "Cheatin' hearts pump up economy on Valentine's Day". USA Today. Retrieved 5 April 2010.
  17. ^ Bello, Marisol (12 December 2008). "GPS, hidden cameras watching over Baby Jesus". USA Today. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  18. ^ "Legis.ga.gov". Archived from the original on 15 February 2009.
  19. ^ "Georgia Bill Would Ban Hidden GPS Tracking Devices". WSB-TV. 29 January 2009. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  20. ^ "What is personal data? – A quick reference guide". ICO.ORG.UK. Information Commissioner's Office. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  21. ^ "A brief guide to notification". ICO.GOV.UK. The Information Commissioner's Office. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  22. ^ "Government officials track cars and trespass on private property, report shows". The Telegraph. 21 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  23. ^ "Stalking and Harassment". Crown Prosecution Service. Archived from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  24. ^ "Animal campaigner claims car was bugged by Bernard Matthews". The Mirror Newspaper. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  25. ^ "Code of practice for covert surveillance and property interference". GOV.UK. 5 April 2016.
  26. ^ Wentz, Laurel (29 July 2010). "Is Your Detergent Stalking You?". Retrieved 7 August 2010.
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