How to Build a GPS Vehicle Tracking System

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The topic of discussion here is how you can build a GPS vehicle tracking system, which is influential and doesn’t exceed your budget.

The use of Global Positioning System(GPS) technology for navigation was popular in industries like marine and aviation. Today, it is a global phenomenon incorporated across different business verticals for tracking deployed conveyance, movement of remote workers and goods carrying vehicles.

It was tough for logistics firms to monitor trucks prior to GPS tracking systems. The managers on-premise were unaware of the route followed by the driver, the traffic on the specific route, the approximate time is taken to reach the destination and periodic halts taken by the team during the journey. They had no option than to trust the truck driver for real-time information. At times, this resulted in arguments over late delivery and lame excuses from the transportation team.

Therefore, to track better and eliminate discrepancies, GPS vehicle tracking systems were introduced. The system proved beneficial for cab, logistics and all other transportation service providers.

If you are seeking answers on how to get started with location-based app development, what paraphernalia is required for GPS app development, how much does it cost to build a tracking system and more questions like these, then keep reading because we have addressed each aspect in detail in the following sections.

Before we start unfolding aspects as equipment needed, cost of hardware and cost to be incurred by application development company for its software, let’s study-

How does a GPS vehicle tracking system work?

A tracking device is installed on the vehicle that communicates regularly with the satellite to receive and transmit the desired information.

With the help of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network and the device installed on the vehicle, the data about the vehicle’s location, speed and time are transmitted from satellites to GPS (Global Positioning System) enabled devices, which are installed at home or workplace via microwave signals.

The process of tracking can be carried out in two ways- Active and Passive.

Active vehicle tracking means real-time tracking. Data about the vehicle’s location, time and speed are sent to the centralized system in real-time. Whereas, in the case of Passive tracking, the vehicle’s position is recorded in multiple timeframes. The data gets stored either in the device’s internal memory or a storage device prior to transmitting to the main system.

What are the hardware components required for the GPS vehicle tracking system?

You require five things to build your own GPS vehicle tracking system.

1. Microcontroller unit (MCU)

It is a small computer on a single integrated circuit that consists of a core processor, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. A good quality MCU will cost you somewhere around $30.

2. GSM module

The next thing you’ll need is a GSM module. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communication- used to establish a connection between a computer and a GSM system. It operates in the same manner as a cell phone and is compatible with the SIM card. It will cost you around $100.

3. GPS module

You need a GPS tracking device or you can say a GPS module that will be installed in the moving vehicle for determining its exact location and time, at various time intervals. You’ll get a standard device for $50.

4. Relay circuit

It is integrated into the GPS tracker circuit that communicates with the vehicle’s engine circuit when in motion.

5. Display screen

It’ll be installed at your desired location (home or workplace) for monitoring the location of deployed vehicles.

Get in touch with a reputed application development company

Once you are through gathering essential hardware components, it’s time to get associated with an experienced bunch of professionals for software building.

Conduct research for finding a capable application development company. Get connected to a few, interact with them and ask for their past work, preferably a location-based app development project. Check out if they have an extensive list of patrons under their belt. Shortlist the companies based on their competence, experience and reviews submitted on third-party feedback websites by their existing or past clients.

The cost of hiring software developers will depend on their market reputation, experience and expertise. While some work on an hourly basis, there are others who fix a lump sum amount at the beginning of the project. Depending on your requirements and time when you want your app to be ready to be deployed, will together affect the final cost of software development. Make sure you do market research and get quotes from multiple service providers before putting handing it over to anyone.

Why invest in a GPS vehicle tracking system?

A GPS vehicle tracking system can bring the following advantages:

  • Reduce the pain of tracking consignment
  • Monitoring becomes easy
  • Reduction in communication costs
  • Workers become more responsible
  • Rapid response in case of adverse conditions
  • Regular bird-eye view on vehicles/employees on duty
  • Efficient direction plan can reduce the volume of fuel consumed
  • Traffic-prone areas can be avoided
  • Theft protocols can be established
  • An affordable and reliable solution
  • Easy-to-build and integrate

Want to build your own GPS vehicle tracking system

Tracking the on-duty vehicles is essential if you want to eliminate arguments and scuffles between management and transportation departments. A customized tracking system can not only solve your transportation woes but can also make employees more accountable for their assigned jobs than they were earlier.

With substantial experience in building technology products, we can assist you in building a GPS vehicle tracking system. Drop us your requirements and our rep will get in touch at the earliest.

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About Author
Manish Jain

Manish Jain

Manish Jain is the co-founder and Managing Director at Konstant Infosolutions. He is responsible for the overall operations of the company and has played a major role in bringing Konstant up from its humble beginnings and, with his immense energy and drive, transforming it into a globally trusted name in IT solutions.

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