How does a GPS vehicle tracking system work?

GPS is a satellite-based radio navigation system developed by the US Department of Defence. Anyone travelling with a GPS receiver can determine their own position and velocity, thanks to orbiting GPS satellites that are free to use, 24/7, anywhere in the world. This is the base for vehicle tracking systems.

TomTom was one of the first companies to bring this technology to everyday products, pioneering its use in turn-by-turn navigation. We've been innovating ever since and have developed, among other things, GPS vehicle tracking system for our business customers. Our GPS vehicle tracking system is enhanced by a communications channel that links your fleet to the office and provides detailed vehicle tracking data. This information is neatly presented online so that you can quickly see where your vehicles are, manage job dispatch and workflow via Bluetooth®, and improve fuel efficiency through the analysis of driving styles.

Linking vehicles to the office with a GPS vehicle tracking system

Every LINK (in-vehicle tracking system), has an integrated GPS receiver to enable GPS for vehicle tracking, and a GSM transmitter to broadcast a vehicle's location coordinates. Back in the office, fleet managers simply log on to our fleet management solution Webfleet, a secure online application, to monitor each vehicle's journey equipped with a vehicle tracking system. Location data is refreshed every minute, so you always have the up-to-date information you need to make important operational decisions.

How does GPS vehicle tracking work?

How does a GPS vehicle tracking system work?

A GPS vehicle tracking system relies on a transmitter inside a vehicle’s navigation device, which sends out a signal that is received by satellites in space. Through this, GPS tracking can pinpoint the exact location of a vehicle, down to its latitude, longitude, direction and speed. A passive GPS vehicle tracking system monitors a vehicle’s location and saves data that can be downloaded for later analysis. An active GPS vehicle tracking system automatically sends this information to a centralised database for real-time monitoring.

The advantages of a GPS vehicle tracking system

A GPS vehicle tracking system has several benefits for fleets:

Optimised route planning for increased efficiency and productivity.
Greater accuracy of service times, leading to more satisfied customers.
24/7 real-time access to location data, which can help detect and quickly react to theft or unauthorised use.
Access to important insights to help improve operations and profitability.
Reduced administration time thanks to less paperwork and fewer phone calls to drivers.

Monitoring driving styles with a GPS vehicle tracking system.

Monitor driving styles with a GPS vehicle tracking system

The LINK GPS vehicle tracking system also has a g-force sensor to detect acceleration and abrupt movements such as harsh braking and over steering, along with current speed and speeding. By tracking these movements [on Webfleet], you can quickly see which driving behaviours are pushing up your fuel bill and take steps to encourage a more efficient driving style. This way, you are making fleet management easy with the help of our GPS vehicle tracking system.

Enhancing GPS vehicle tracking systems

For an enhanced GPS vehicle tracking system just add one of our PRO Driver Terminals. They enable two-way communication with the office for easier time management and job dispatch. And they connect to the LINK unit using Bluetooth and let drivers know when they need to change their driving style through Active Driver Feedback. Besides this, they provide you with full navigation including precisely accurate traffic information.