The latest LiveViewGPS gps tracking application for the Ipad/Iphone is now ready for download in the Itunes store. The application has been updated to support full screen Ipad usage, we must admit – the Google Maps native to the Ipad/Iphone Rock!
The application is free to download. The app does have a small additional monthly fee, and that is because the map system we use (Google Maps), were licensed by LiveViewGPS from Google. Google charges a very very large upfront license fee, as well as a per asset (per device) monthly fee!
We are getting ready to release another update to our GPS tracking application for the Iphone. The latest version 1.4 – will work fully with the Ipad, as well as fixes some other minor issues.
As always, the updated app was uploaded to Itunes for review – the review process can typically take 7-14 days! Once approved the app will be available for immediate download.
AVL – Data Communications
9 Nov 2010Passive Vs. Active GPS Tracking
There are many variables to take into consideration in the feature sets and cost/benefit equation to meet a customer’s needs – many of which change over time. Where a “passive”, data-logging system (gather and store data for later communication) will fit the need for some or many units in a fleet, there will be a number of units that require “active” real-time or near real-time wireless communications – of location data or text messaging or telemetry data. A “real-time” unit means there is close to instantaneous – usually measured in under a few (<10) seconds communication of data, where “near real time” represents a delay of 30 seconds up to several minutes, before the data is transmitted and received.
Passive Data Collectors
As mentioned above, some systems are passive data collectors that store the GPS and Telemetry data, and then require a physical connection (typically via a cable) to communicate the data, to a unit such as a handheld PDA. While typically the most inexpensive, this approach has broad operational issues to manage. These include, who is responsible to upload, how do they do it, using what hardware, owned and maintained by whom, and when is the data to be periodically uploaded. Additionally, the collection of the uploaded data from the PDAs and added into a single database from many different physical locations would be a very difficult logistics function given many fleet users implementation needs – many vehicles, many different users, units don’t park at common locations etc.
Wireless Data Transmission
There are quite a number of different wireless communication methods, all requiring varying levels of infrastructure, from relatively lower cost, VHF and UHF RF (radio frequency) to cellular tower or satellite based systems.
Radio Frequency (RF) – Simplex, Repeater or Trunking Radio Systems
Many organizations already have and use private or other type RF systems. Examples of this include public safety applications such as police and fire organizations, municipal, schools and other two-way radio users. Many of these systems can also be used to transmit data by connecting to an installed radio that has a data input capability. A data unit is then connected to a base radio to separate and collect the data transmissions and forward them to a computer for use by the customer’s application programs. If a customer has already invested in the RF infrastructure (antennas, towers, base stations, etc) and has the appropriate radio equipment this can provide a cost effective communications method for invehicle GPS, Telemetry and text data transfer.
AVL – GPS Terminals
8 Nov 2010
GPS systems come in many different configurations and can communicate the GPS
related data and other telemetry (door open/close, engine temperature/oil pressure,
etc. and message data in many different ways. The typical vehicle based GPS “black
box” contains the following:
A GPS receiver and related components, which must receive signals from a minimum
of 3 geo-stationary satellites (4 if altitude data is required) simultaneously. An
antenna must be positioned on the vehicle so it has a clear “line of sight” to the sky.
A processor and memory to manipulate the GPS data and provide for other external
inputs and outputs (e.g. telemetry and/or message data), along with temporary
storage of the data.
Components for communicating the stored data from the “black box” which can be as
simple as a serial data connector to plug in a device (a Palm PDA, or other computer)
to various wireless communications methods. Wireless communications employ a
modem (a device that converts digital data to modulated radio frequency data and
back) and a transmitter, with a connected antenna. Wireless communications can
either be one-way, a transmit only unit, or two-way, a transmit and receive
(transceiver) unit. Depending on the one or two-way ability, the functionality of the
system is greatly impacted.
Support items such as a power supply/converter, one or more printed circuit boards
to mount the three major components to, various leads and connectors and an
enclosure – the black box, in or on which all is mounted and connected.
Today’s GPS receivers can handle from 8 to 66 simultaneous signals, with more
signals improving the accuracy of the position fix. There are generally not significant
differences between GPS receivers from reputable mobile vehicle tracking system
manufacturers.
The type, capacity and functionality of the processor and memory and associated
programming of the units “firmware”, vary a great deal. As in any computer system
it will take a manufacturer several “versions” along with several thousand installed
units to reach stability and a reasonably robust feature set. An example of a key
feature is downloadable “geo-fencing” and “route segments” via the wireless
communications link – this feature is important in route management applications,
especially where the routes change with some degree of frequency.
AVL – Automatic Vehicle Locate
5 Nov 2010GPS – Global Positioning System is a system of 24 satellites orbiting the earth.
GPS is the shortened form of NAVSTAR GPS. This is an acronym for NAVigation System with Time And Ranging Global Positioning System. GPS is a satellite-based system that uses a constellation of 24 satellites to give a user an accurate position. Depending on the type of GPS receiver used and the technique employed, positions can be reported within 15m to 1cm or less. Each GPS satellite has several very accurate atomic clocks on board. Each satellite continuously transmits a signal with the exact time and satellite identification. Using this data, any GPS receiver on earth can calculate it’s position on earth and express it in latitude, longitude and altitude at a known time. By comparing two sets of that data, a GPS receiver can also determine the speed and direction the receiver is traveling over a measured period of time.
GPS was originally designed for military use. However, anyone with a receiver and the technology to use it were free to do so. It was quickly adopted into civilian use, initially with accuracy restricted by the U.S. Government for military reasons. Two of the first major civilian applications to emerge were marine navigation and surveying. In May 2000 the “signal degradation” by the government was turned off and all now have access to the native accuracy of the GPS system. As GPS receiver, antenna, and installation costs have come down and accuracy costs less, many other applications have followed.
