Tech Explained: How Does Location Tracking Work? Get Answers to All Your Question

You can track a vehicle or an ordered item from anywhere in the world, right from the comfort of your home. But have you ever wondered how this technology works?

In today's world, it's difficult to hide. This means you'll find cameras everywhere. Whether your car is stopped at a red light or you're walking around in a store or office, cameras are watching you everywhere. Now, there's even technology that tracks you without cameras. We're talking about location tracking, which keeps an eye on your car, mobile phone, and online-ordered products. It doesn't require cameras or any bulky devices. You can see from thousands of kilometers away where a train has reached or which warehouse your ordered item is currently in. All of this is possible because of location tracking, but have you ever wondered how your screen shows you where your package is or which road your driver is on? Today, we're going to answer these questions. In today's explainer, we'll learn what location tracking is and how it works.

What is Location Tracking Technology?

Location tracking is not a single technology, but rather a mix of several different technologies used to create a system that can track inventory, animals, vehicles, and more. A similar system can be created to deliver location-based services on wireless devices like mobile phones. The location tracking systems we use today utilize the following technologies:

Geographic Information System (GIS) - For large-scale location tracking systems, capturing and storing geographic information is essential. A Geographic Information System captures, stores, analyzes, and reports this geographic information. Global Positioning System (GPS) - 27 satellites continuously orbit the Earth in space. The GPS receiver in your mobile phone or car uses four or more of these satellites to determine your location. Initially developed for military use, it is now used in many applications such as surveying, agriculture, and transportation. It is best for outdoor positioning.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - These are battery-less microchips that can be attached to goods, animals, vehicles, or other objects to track their movement. RFID tags are passive, meaning they only transmit data when prompted by a reader. This reader transmits radio waves, which activate the RFID tag, and then the tag transmits data via radio frequency.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) - This is a network of devices connected via radio frequency. It also transmits data using radio waves and can operate within a range of 70-300 feet.

The location-based service systems we use today utilize a combination of one or more of these technologies.

What are the types of tracking?

Wide-Area Tracking - When it comes to large-scale tracking, companies need to track their vehicles across the country. GPS is the best tracking technology for this. GPS receivers are fitted into the vehicles, making it easy to track them with the help of satellites.

Local Area or Indoor Tracking - While GPS is a great technology for large-scale tracking, its effectiveness decreases in indoor locations such as warehouses or hospitals. For such places, RFID tags are used. WLAN is also used in such locations. RFID tags are used to locate goods in large warehouses. Their use has increased significantly nowadays due to the rise of quick commerce. RFID tags are now also being used in amusement parks to track children. They are given a special wristband for this purpose, which eliminates the fear of children getting lost.

Location-Based Services

Nowadays, mobile phones are no longer just devices for making calls or sending messages. They offer a wide range of services, including shopping, via the internet. In the coming days, we will see even more location-based services on mobile phones. With the advent of location-aware technology, these services will offer personalized services to users based on their location. The biggest example of this right now is navigation systems. If you want to go to a cafe, this system will show you the direct route from your location and can even guide you to the cafe. It also includes services like traffic advisories and roadside assistance. Similarly, if we look at its use in smaller areas, WLAN is used in malls and other indoor areas. As soon as you enter a store, retailers send you coupons or information about offers.