Our time was made a lot more interesting by the invention of GPS (Global Positioning System). With the technology constantly evolving, an increasing number of fleets across the globe are using it for driving directions as well as vehicle tracking and monitoring. However, despite having growing demand, many people remain unaware of what a GPS device is, what it does, how it works, and its applications. Read on to discover everything you need to know about GPS tracking devices and how they can benefit you. Decoding A GPS Tracking Device GPS trackers are nothing but portable devices which can be monitored and tracked to find out its location in real-time. The most common application of these devices is in tracking vehicles. However, tracking devices differ from in-car navigation systems in several ways. GPS navigators display drivers’ locations on a digital map and provide driving instructions for getting to a specific location. In contrast, GPS trackers allow tracking a vehicle’s location and history of trips based on GPS technology. Computers, smartphones, and tablets can then access GPS data. How GPS Devices Work Vehicle tracking devices collect information such as speed, diagnostics, idle time, etc. about a vehicle (or equipment or asset). They track the location of equipment or vehicles at all times using GPS satellites. The devices inside the vehicles store the information gathered from them. Providers then transmit this data via a wireless or cellular network. A cellular network is used to send the data back to a server. In a nutshell, the server serves as the “cloud,” making the information available regardless of which device you are using – a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. Tracking the location of your vehicles and equipment in real-time is the most basic information reported from the vehicle. A map displays the location data in real-time.