Glossary
A
A-GPS
A-GPS stands for Assisted Global Positioning System. The key difference between an A-GPS and a GPS is that an A-GPS gets information from satellites by using network resources, such as mobile networks, whereas a regular GPS device communicates with at least 4 satellites to determine location coordinates.
Accelerometer
An accelerometer measures proper acceleration – the acceleration of an object in its instantaneous rest frame, as opposed to the acceleration of coordinate location.
Active Tracking
As opposed to passive tracking, active tracking is the act of continuously emitting a signal that can be tracked instantaneously.
D
Data logger
Typically compact and battery-powered, a data logger is a device containing an internal microprocessor, data storage, and sensor ports that when operating, records measurements at set intervals.
Data Puller
Also known as a “GPS transponder,” a data puller is a GPS device that remains on at all times and is queried as often as needed.
Data Pusher
A data pusher is a GPS tracking device that’s typically used for monitoring fleets of vehicles. These devices send current vehicle location information to dispatchers, who can also monitor vehicle speed, distress signals, and sudden breaking and hard turning based on the information the GPS pusher provides.
Driver Behavior
Certain potentially harmful driver behaviors, like sudden braking and hard turning, can be monitored through the use of vehicle GPS tracking devices.
E
Eco-driving
Eco-driving is a driving technique to reduce fuel consumption and increase fuel efficiency. GPS tracking can be used to maximize fuel efficiency by monitoring driver behaviors which decrease fuel efficiency and by optimizing routes to use the least amount of fuel.
F
Fleet management
Fleet management is the management of fleets of commercial vehicles. This involves logistics and route planning, driver dispatch, vehicle maintenance, and other aspects of vehicle operations.
G
Geocoding
Geocoding is taking text-based descriptions of areas or locations and providing the coordinates of and route to that location.
Geofence
A geofence is a perimeter established virtually to trigger an alert to a device when the perimeter is breached.
Geotagging
Geotagging is the act of adding geographic coordinates to any assets that are media-based to relay the location to a mobile device. Media-based assets include photos, videos, websites, text messages and QR codes.
GPS
A GPS or “Global Positioning System” is an entity owned by the U.S. government that provides users with data regarding positioning, navigation, and timing services.
GPS Data
Global Positioning System data includes positioning, navigation and timing of location and/or assets
I
Idle time
Idle time can be defined as the time frame in which a vehicle is not moving to its ultimate destination, despite the engine running.
Idling
Idling is when a vehicle is stationary with the engine running.
Installation
Installation refers to equipping a vehicle or asset with a GPS tracking device. GPS devices can come as plug-and-play systems or more manual systems that need to be hardwired.
J
Journey replay
Journey replay is a capability of GPS fleet management systems in which companies can recreate a detailed map of any route a company vehicle has taken.
M
Mileage tax
Mileage tax is a tax paid by commercial drivers based on miles driven. Taxable miles can be calculated with a GPS fleet management system.
N
Navigation
Navigation is the method of moving from one location to another. GPS navigation technology is used to plan and track routes.
O
OBD
OBD stands for “On-Board Diagnostic,” which refers to a vehicle’s capability to self-diagnose and report any issues within a vehicle.
OBD GPS tracker
OBD GPS trackers use a vehicles internal electronics to provide visibility into the performance under the hood. This can include fuel levels, emissions, battery voltage, and other diagnostic data.
OBD port
An OBD port is the space in which the OBD device reader connects.
R
Real-time tracking
Real-time tracking refers to a tracking method that uses global positioning system (GPS) data along with a logistics database to determine the current location of a vehicle or asset at any given moment.
Route optimization
Route optimization is the process of establishing the most efficient route between two points while considering weather conditions, construction sites that may obstruct paths, and number and location of all required stops.
S
Sampling rate
A sampling rate defines the number of samples per given unit (second, minute, etc.) taken from a continuous signal to make a digital signal.
Site
A site refers to a job site in the construction industry. GPS tracking technology can be used in combination with geofences to monitor the movement of construction vehicles and equipment in and out of job sites.
Stop
GPS technology can track when vehicles stop and are remaining idle.
T
Telematics
Telematics refers to disciplines such as telecommunications, vehicular technologies, electrical engineering, and computer science.
Telemetry
Telemetry is technology that automatically records data from a remote source and then transmits the data to a different system that monitors and analyzes the data.
Track & trace
Track & trace refers to tracking the current location of a certain asset and tracing where it has been.
Tracking system
A tracking system is a method for tracking the real-time location and historical movements of an object.
Ttff
TTFF means “time to first fix,” and refers to the amount of processing time a GPS device takes to acquire enough satellite signals to provide navigation information.