Blue background

GPS in the spotlight

Published on July 14, 2014 in Fleet Management by Jason Widla |  2 minute read


GPS technology works when signals are sent from a network of satellites that orbit the earth in its atmosphere to your GPS device.

In its most basic form, vehicle tracking and fleet management systems help managers, dispatchers, and supervisors track the position of their assets in real-time using GPS – global positioning systems. Like most modern day technologies, it’s easy to take for granted how extraordinary these everyday instruments are.

 

See also: 

History of GPS satellites and commercial GPS tracking

Introduction to GPS Technology

In short, GPS technology works when signals are sent from a network of satellites that orbit the earth in its atmosphere to your GPS device situated on, or near, the Earth’s surface. These signals are read and interpreted by your GPS receiver, which then provides your relative location.

 

A standard GPS receiver must be able to detect the broadcasts from at least four satellites in order to calculate your position:

  • Three of the satellites are used to determine your position
  • The fourth is used as validation in the case that the other three produce inconsistent data

The time it takes for each of the three satellite signals to reach the GPS receiver is used to calculate the distance of the GPS receiver from the three satellites. This data is then used to determine your:

  • Longitude and latitude within about three meters of accuracy
  • Altitude
  • Velocity
  • Synchronized time

Factors that can impact GPS performance

On the spectrum of signals, signal strength is considered to be relatively weak. This means that your GPS can be impacted by certain uncontrollable factors. Here are some situations in which the performance of your GPS receiver may be compromised:

  • There are poor weather conditions, such as dense clouds or heavy precipitation
  • The receiver is in an environment where physical obstructions, such as mountains, deep valleys, tall buildings, overhangs, bridges or tunnels are apparent
  • The receiver is obstructed by something within the vehicle

Understanding GPS jamming

To address the last point about local interference, otherwise known as jamming, it is important to note that the Geotab GO6 device and other newer models are able to detect the occurrence of local GPS jamming. In the case that local jamming occurs, the GPS modem will report a “debug log” which can be found in the Log Details within MyGeotab: “GpsJammingDetected”

 

See also: What are GPS jammers and how do you combat them?

 

If you find that your device is unable to accurately track your assets, you will want to check for any instances of this debug log being reported. If the debug log has been reported, you can begin to identify what may be causing the GPS jamming. In some trucks, certain metal components in the driver’s steering column can obstruct the GPS signal. In other vehicles, such as limousines, the GPS signal can be obstructed by a special metallic coating on the windshield, which is not visible to the eye. It is not always easy to identify what is causing the jamming. For instance, some newer models of Hino trucks use a certain Jensen radio system, which includes a CD laser reader that has been proven to cause interference with GPS signals.

 

If you are unable to determine what is jamming your GPS signal, it is best to contact your authorized Geotab reseller who can assist you in identifying the possible causes and suggest resolutions.

 

Let us know what you think of this blog post, and if you have any questions, by placing your questions and comments in the area below.


If you liked this post, let us know!


Disclaimer

Geotab's blog posts are intended to provide information and encourage discussion on topics of interest to the telematics community at large. Geotab is not providing technical, professional or legal advice through these blog posts. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this blog post is timely and accurate, errors and omissions may occur, and the information presented here may become out-of-date with the passage of time.

Get industry tips and insights

Sign up for monthly news and tips from our award-winning fleet management blog. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Republish this article for free

Other posts you might like

Geotab Connect illustration image

Geotab 2024 discussion recap: A Data-Driven Journey in Fleet Maintenance

This session at Geotab Connect 2024 highlighted best practices to use data for an effective fleet care plan.

March 11, 2024

Two women in a business meeting sitting in front of charts and a laptop

Empowering Success: Unleashing the Domino Effect of Connected Women

Insights from Women in Fleet Leadership at Geotab Connect

February 16, 2024

Person standing behind a container with signal illustration

How asset tracking drives risk management and lower insurance costs

Learn how asset trackers improve risk management and reduce insurance costs in transportation and logistics, featuring expert insights from Marsh, a leader in insurance and risk advice.

February 15, 2024

multiple vehicles on the road

What is ADAS?

ADAS are in-vehicle technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and assist the driver in better controlling the vehicle.

January 12, 2024