The personal GPS tracker market is growing exponentially as more and more people are utilizing the technology in their everyday lives.
But this developing tech has more applications than just asset monitoring.
In this blog, we’ll discuss GPS technology, investigate how the industry is making giant leaps, and compare it to rival tech such as Bluetooth.
First, though, let’s dive a little deeper into what personal GPS trackers are.
Table of Contents
- What is a Personal GPS Tracker?
- How Small are Personal GPS Trackers?
- What Are Personal GPS Trackers Used For?
- Is It Legal To Use GPS Tracking on a Person?
- What Is The Range on A Personal GPS Tracker?
- GPS vs. Bluetooth Trackers: Which Is Better?
- Conclusion
What is a Personal GPS Tracker?
Personal trackers are smaller devices that leverage GPS technology to monitor the position of a person or asset anywhere in the world.
GPS tech uses a combination of satellites orbiting the earth and signals receivers on the ground to pinpoint geolocation.
Because of their diminutive appearance, personal GPS trackers offer more options regarding installation, concealment, and movement.
How Small are Personal GPS Trackers?
Tracker technology has now progressed enough that these devices can get smaller than an inch wide.
The Nut F6 is one of the smallest devices on the market. The tiny tracker weighs around 0.4 ounces. With dimensions like 1.43 x 0.96 x 0.21 inches, it’s smaller that the average thumbnail.
But personal GPS tracking is as lightweight and indetectable as possible. Making them perfect for several applications.
Man holding a small tracker
What Are Personal GPS Trackers Used For?
The personal tracker market had a net worth of around $1.8 billion in 2020. But consistent growth has seen value projections rise to place the sector at nearly $5 billion by 2030.
But why is it so popular? What are people using it for?
The main 4 applications of trackers are:
- Tracking vulnerable elderly people
- Remaining visible when exploring harsh environments
- Tracking family pets
- Vehicle tracking
- Inexpensive monitoring option
Man navigating remote terrain using GPS
Using GPS Trackers to Monitor the Elderly
The isolation of the Covid pandemic encouraged more people to think about the advantages of GPS tracking.
The technology is especially popular in the treatment of dementia patients. Many use tracker technology to keep tabs on elderly relatives with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s to prevent or monitor wandering behavior.
In addition, it’s not just location that GPS trackers can help determine. Devices now also have the added functionality of being able to monitor the vital stats of the wearer.
Helping With Remote Safety
Personal GPS trackers have been prevalent in mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and rambling sectors for years.
This ability to pinpoint where a person is anywhere in the world ensures adventurous individuals don’t get lost when climbing on a trail.
Some trackers also feature an SOS button. This emits a worldwide signal to alert authorities to the wearer’s position if they are in trouble or need of assistance.
Keeping Pets Safe
Family pets have a habit of getting out and running off. Fortunately, the diminutive nature of modern tracker technology means they are easily located again.
Whether you get your dog microchipped or attach wearable tech to their collar, the powerful trackers ensure you know exactly where they are.
Dog wearing a tracking collar
You also can know that the tiny tech isn’t bothering them or stopping them from enjoying your walk.
Professional or Personal Vehicle Tracking
Many fleet owners use small GPS trackers to keep tabs on their vehicles when out in the field.
But you can also install this tech in your automobile. Concealing a tracker underneath your steering wheel is a great way to monitor the whereabouts of your vehicle without would-be criminals learning of its whereabouts.
Affordable GPS Technology
The main reason more business owners are turning to personal GPS tech for tracking their fleet vehicles is the inexpensive nature of this global system.
The US Government maintains satellites used in GPS tracking. So you have access to this incredibly potent resource without paying a premium.
However, many tech businesses do offer a subscription plan to use their tech.
Is It Legal To Use GPS Tracking on a Person?
Yes, it is legal to use personal GPS tracking to monitor a person. But the key element here is an authorization.
It’s legal if you have a lawful reason or consent from the person you monitor.
This is how guardians can leverage this technology for tracking elderly or vulnerable relatives and children.
However, you start moving into the illegal realms of stalking when the person being monitored never gives consent.
Additionally, any evidence in criminal or family courts obtained by trackers planted without legal confirmation is inadmissible in court proceedings.
Man spying on women sitting on a public bench
What Is The Range on A Personal GPS Tracker?
It’s understood that a good GPS tracker is accurate to within 6 feet. However, that performance is dependent on 3 main factors:
- Software
- Hardware
- Signal
To get the best or most accurate performance from your tracker, it helps if the signal from the satellite has a clear line of sight to your receiver.
Mountainous terrain or dense forest can block the signal, so it can be more difficult to get an accurate position when the receiver is in those more arduous locations.
So would it be better to use a device that utilizes Bluetooth technology in that instance?
GPS vs. Bluetooth Trackers: Which Is Better?
Generally speaking, Bluetooth trackers are not as useful as their GPS counterparts. Bluetooth devices are more suited to everyday, close-range use.
You’ll find that a Bluetooth device only has a max range of around 200ft, which is not serviceable for tracking relatives or positional data in remote locations.
It may be more useful when keeping tabs on your dog when out on a walk.
Two people using trackers to monitor fitness progress
Conclusion
The smaller stature of Personal GPS trackers is resulting in them having more everyday uses. Their range, simple concealability, and lightweight design make them perfect for many applications.
However, getting consent when tracking another person is important to stay on the right side of stalking regulations.
