The Accuracy of Satellite Vehicle Tracking

Satellite vehicle tracking is a precise way to monitor the progress of a single vehicle or an entire fleet. So exactly how accurate is satellite vehicle tracking? Experts agree that GPS is so accurate that it can be used for countless purposes, including commercial use. Below, learn more about the accuracy of GPS.

Accuracy in Vehicle Location

GPS vehicle tracking is extremely precise. Considering the distance that signals must travel (from orbiting satellites to a small device in your truck), the accuracy is stunning. As a vehicle travels, it can be tracked within a few feet of its actual location. That means an observer back at dispatch can see exactly where a vehicle is located.

Can Anything Impair Accurate Readings?

Atmospheric conditions have been known to limit GPS accuracy, as satellites must have direct contact with the device on the ground. Significant overcast or an electrical storm can disrupt a signal and delay communications. Other factors that can negatively impact the accuracy of GPS tracking include poor orientation of the GPS antenna and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling. The faster it goes, the less precise a reading will be, although even those estimates are fairly accurate.

What Makes Satellite Tracking So Accurate?

Satellite tracking involves a science that has evolved for the good part of a century, and it’s highly accurate for that reason. Satellites launched by the U.S. Department of Defense are capable of communicating with ground devices, using triangulation to pinpoint a precise location. To garner an accurate reading, multiple satellites communicate with a single device on the ground, transmitting signals from different points in the sky. Based on the satellites’ proximity to one another and the time it takes for each signal to reach the GPS device, a specific location can be defined. The satellite tracking process was originally developed for military purposes, but has since become a tool for commercial and consumer use.

We encourage you to contact Track Your Truck to learn more about the accuracy of GPS satellite tracking. We carry a variety of satellite and cellular GPS tracking devices, with multiple options for frequency of updates. We also host our own Web-based tracking application that integrates user-friendly Google maps, available for use at any computer with an Internet connection. Our experts can help you determine what type of device would best suit your business purposes.