Positioning accuracy
The accuracy of determining the coordinates provided by the tracker. It is indicated by the error in metres, which the device provides; accordingly, the lower the error value, the higher the accuracy. In modern models, this indicator varies from
2 to
10 m — this is quite enough to solve most problems related to the use of GPS trackers.
GPS channels
The number of GPS channels supported by the tracker. In fact, this is the number of navigation signals that the device can simultaneously receive.
Note that the number of channels is not just the number of satellites that the device can “see” at the same time. From a point on the Earth's surface, about 20 navigation satellites are simultaneously visible (9 – 10 GPS and the same number of GLONASS); in this case, the number of channels in the receiver can be noticeably larger. This is done taking into account the fact that modern navigation chipsets are able to process not only direct, but also reflected (from walls, trees, etc.) signals, thereby increasing the speed and accuracy of work. Accordingly, the more channels — the more advanced the device is, the wider its capabilities for processing reflected signals, all other things being equal.
Positioning
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aGPS. An auxiliary function that reduces the cold or warm start time of the GPS receiver. The principle of aGPS is that the device loads data on the position of satellites not directly from the satellite, as with a traditional launch, but through the mobile network. This can significantly speed up the start. aGPS can be especially useful in cities, where the signal from satellites is greatly distorted by high-rise buildings, but mobile communications, on the contrary, work clearly.
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GLONASS. The tracker supports the GLONASS navigation system. This system is positioned as a Russian alternative to GPS. It provides slightly less accuracy, so it is usually used as a complement to traditional GPS. Processing signals from two satellite networks at once allows you to improve positioning accuracy and the speed of determining coordinates.
—Galileo. European satellite navigation system, created as an alternative to American GPS. Note that it is under the control of civilian departments, not the military. With a full fleet of 24 active satellites, the system provides an accuracy of up to 1 m in public mode and up to 20 cm with the GHA service. Working in conjunction with GPS, Galileo provides more accurate position measurements, especially in densely populated areas.
— BeiDou. The device supports the BeiDou navigation system, a Chinese alternative to traditional GPS. The system's s
...atellite flotilla includes 48 spacecraft, of which about 35 are in operation. BeiDou provides positioning accuracy up to 10m. Typically, navigation is combined with other satellite systems to improve the overall positioning performance.
— QZSS. QZSS (Quazi-Zenith Satellite System) is a Japanese global navigation system designed primarily to provide high accuracy positioning near the Land of the Rising Sun and in the Asia-Pacific region. The function of receiving signals from Japanese QZSS satellites in addition to other GPS-type systems helps improve the accuracy and stability of coordinate determination.
- GNSS. The term GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) covers various navigation systems around the world and provides a wide range of satellites for improved positioning accuracy in a variety of environments. GNSS emphasizes the integration of the world's navigation systems in one device (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS).
- LBS. Unlike GPS tracking, which uses satellite signals to determine coordinates, the LBS (Location-Based Service tracking) function relies on data from mobile operator base stations. LBS tracking is especially useful in dense urban areas or indoors, where there are often problems with multiple reflections of satellite signals, which affects the accuracy of location determination.
- Wi-Fi Detect. A feature that allows you to use nearby Wi-Fi networks to accurately determine geolocation. The obtained data on Wi-Fi networks can be used to clarify the location, especially in conditions of a weakened signal from navigation satellites - this is often observed in dense urban areas or indoors.
