Smartphone GPS Tracking Systems

Smartphone GPS Tracking Systems

Consider that there is a basic difference between smartphone GPS Tracking and Navigation. GPS phone tracking is usually related to someone keeping records of either real-time or historical smartphone position, while Navigation deals with the smartphone  user figuring out the way to get from point A to point B.

As someone moves from one cellular tower to a new, the radio base stations monitor the strength of the cell phone's signal. As the cell phone goes toward the edge of one cell, the signal strength decreases. At the same time, the next radio base station within the cell being approached notices the strength of the signal strengthening. As smartphones move from cell location, to cell location, the towers exchange the signal from one to the next.

In remote areas, cell towers might be dispersed too much to deliver a good signal. Even when cell towers are abundant GPS satellite signals could be impeded by large buildings, or perhaps mountains. Signals don't penetrate building interiors very well and sometimes people have a hard time receiving very clear signals inside of buildings, in particular within elevators.

Even without having a GPS receiver, or whenever a satellite signal is not available, smartphones may give details about cell phone position. This method of calculating smartphone position is termed as Triangulation or Mobile Location Services (MLS). Cell Tower Triangulation uses signal analysis data, which includes signal strength, to calculate the time it takes signals to go from your cell phone to at least three cell towers to estimate smartphone precisely its position. There are many variables influencing estimates and this technique is often less trusted than GPS techniques.

In the US following the awful events of September 11, the requirement for enhanced 911 (e911) emergency calling ability, obligated improved GPS tracking engineering in smartphones. At the end of 2005, all cellular phone network carriers were compelled to provide the ability to trace cell phone calls to a position correct within 100 meters or less.

Smartphones could have GPS and the unit may "know" preciselyits position, however it can't "notify" anyone else its position, until linked to a wireless network.

It can be worthwhile to remember that Wi-Fi complements the wireless network grid with additional conduits for position  information to pass along to the internet. Smartphones have a distinctive electronic identifier and when enabled can easily pass this data, locating handsets inside the geographical area covered by the wirelesss hotspot.

Using smartphone GPS as a user requires third-party technology to utilize features and functions inherent to GPS Cell Phone Tracking and Cell Phone Location.

Generally speaking it is a matter of what location tracking system is available, and the requirements for accuracy. Hybrid methods are emerging that use various techniques in tandem to offer best available location given available resources. It may be important to consider how GPS location software applications handle the data and controls smartphone settings. Having real time tracking on demand, or preferring to minimize battery use and data transmission should be expected. Generally the application determines the location with a GPS receiver and transmits the tracking data to a server through a cellular packet data connection. The data connection to the server is usually made using the Internet. How often GPS samples are taken and how often and by what method the information is sent to the server impact usefulness and costs. {Mobile Spy|Phone Monitoring|Spy Phone Software} [l]