Personal GPS Locator Phone Device - Necessity or Luxury?

Image by larskflem via Flickr

Until recently, Global Positioning System tracking required people to purchase expensive hardware and software. With advances in technology, and mass production, GPS tracking solutions are now available through handheld devices such as phones and two-way radions.

GPS Tracking systems were developed in the 1970s by the United States Department of Defence, GPS Technology was then designed to help improve tracking of targets such as vehicles or people.

Following the tragic events of 9/11 in New York, the demand for GPS tracking in handheld devices such as Cell (Mobile) phones and two-way radios increased so that people were able to communicate and trace others in a crisis situation.

GPS Enabled Two-Way Radios

In the last couple of years, where communications have become of increased importance, certain two-way radios now have the capability to act as a GPS transmitter. This means that, not only can you hold a two way conversation on the radio but you can also be tracked by a central control team and in the unfortunate event of a crisis use it as a panic alert device.

Motorola were the first to introduce this technology into their two-way radio devices with the Mototrbo device.

With any portable device the downfall of a handheld GPS transmitter is that they run on limited battery life, so it is important that the devices are charged sufficiently before going on any long haul journeys, or if possible that provisions are made to take a charging unit with you. Some devices may have the option of purchasing a long life battery.

Why track people?

People can be vulnerable in many different environments, and its important that they feel safe and as comfortable as possible in any possible conflict situation. By using GPS tracking systems they have the knowledge that there is always someone watching over them, and someone that can respond to an SOS request.

About the Author:

Track 24 offer a range of GPS global tracking solutions for Personnel, Vehicles (land, air and sea), Static locations or a combination of the three. Track 24 have a proven record in providing military tracking solutions, maritime tracking solutions and aviation tracking solutions.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Using Global GPS Tracking devices to track people

Nokia N95 – GPS Demo

Related Personal Locator Phone Device Articles…

• Raveon Unveils the “Atlas PL” Advanced Personal Safety Device (prweb.com)
• Vodacom unveils personal tracking system (gps.arrivealive.co.za)
• Ctrack unveils personal tracking device (roadsafety.co.za)

Related Amazon.com Products…

GPS Personal Locator & Tracking Safety Cell Phone Amazing New GPS Locator Cell Phone Works Virtually Anywhere In The United States!…

Wherifone G560 GPS Locator Phone (Silver) $99.99 The Wherifone GPS Locator Phone is the world’s smallest GSM/Enhanced-GPS Locator Phone and provides a totally unique and affordable way for families with pre-teens, seniors, or those with special medical needs, to stay connected and in contact with each other. As well as two-way voice calling, the Wherifone features Enhanced-GPS location technology that lets it be located in lightly obstructed are…

G560 GPS Locator Phone Pink $124.95 The Wherifone is a GSM cell phone that features built-in GPS location technology and a “managed dial” keypad which lets parents program specific phone numbers for easy, safe one-touch dialing to key contacts. A parent can use the secure Wherify website or use their own cell phone to send a text message to “locate” a Wherifone by activating its built-in GPS technology….