Online GPS Tracking - Is It Possible?

Answer 1

With the advent of GPS technology and the inclusion of it in cell phones and smartphones, many people have become aware of the possibility of using GPS systems to track the whereabouts of people and vehicles for a variety of different reasons. Although some hoops may need to be jumped through, the ability to track and report movements and locations of nearly anyone and anything through the use of online GPS systems is possible today.

Online GPS systems are not just a glorified mapping system, although they can perform that function. Similar to the actual handheld GPS units, online GPS systems allow the user to locate, track and identify where the receiving unit is, whether that receiving unit is a cell phone or a stand alone unit. The uses for this technology are limitless – tracking company vehicles, checking in on a teenager's whereabouts, determining WiFi hotspots in the area and many more possibilities.

The first thing that needs to be realized with online GPS tracking systems is there needs to be a receiving unit of some kind. Many companies offer standalone units for vehicles. Some companies offer smaller units for pets. Other places advertise their products for covertly tracking people, although the same can be accomplished through other means without purchasing a separate unit, such as tracking their cell phone through an online GPS service.

This is the second part of the equation – the service. Most companies offering standalone units require the purchaser to use their service. Prices, coverage areas and reliability can vary, so a bit of research is recommended. If the company offers a trial service period, be sure to take advantage of this just to give the software and speed of tracking a whirl.

Lastly is what many people have in mind when they think of online GPS tracking – tracking a cell phone. With cell phones being used by so many people these days, even to the point of replacing traditional landlines, it is a natural extension to use this nearly ubiquitous piece of equipment. The trick is most services will not allow the user to covertly track a person or cell phone without the owner's knowledge or permission. Many systems will require installation of software on the target cell phone before the system can track it, making the covert tracking of random cell phones still the purview of the police and Hollywood.

Online GPS tracking is a very real possibility for those who need to do so. Although standalone tracking units can be purchased and installed, the easiest way is through the use of a cell phone's GPS capability. Online GPS systems, both the free ones and paid services, offer the ability to track a person's cell phone or locator unit from the comfort of one's home or office.