Common GPS Tracking Device Problems

Like anything more complicated than a hammer, the global GPS tracking system has its own particular set of weaknesses. You will want to understand these weaknesses before purchasing your next GPS tracking device. Here are a few of those problems:

Some GPS tracking devices, particularly devices that use “cell tower assisted fix” technology do not always know their exact location. The device may actually be using the location of a cell tower. This is  a common problem with assisted fix GPS tracking devices. You can solve this by only purchasing devices that use autonomous fixes. Assisted fix devices usually have a tiny GPS antenna and rarely live up to their potential.

Another problem occurs when the GPS tracking system installed on your vehicle does not report your vehicle’s direction of travel or speed. For example, you may want to know if the vehicle is stopped at the corner pub or just driving by. Some devices simply don’t report this information.

Also, if you drive in areas with many underpasses and tunnels, chances are your GPS tracking device will be confused by weak or reflected GPS signals and locate you in the wrong place. The best way to solve this one is print out a MapQuest or a Google Map so that you can use an old-school, paper map.

These problems are not created by manufacturing defects, but rather are inherent weaknesses in the GPS system itself. You may get a better product by buying a familiar brand name GPS, but no brand of GPS can protect you from inherent GPS system deficiencies.

In the end, GPS tracking devices should not be considered as the only means of tracking your location and getting to a destination. Only a few years ago all of humanity managed to get around the world with nothing more than a paper map. Although GPS can greatly ease our trouble in tracking or pinpointing a location, GPS tracking devices should be used to assist our common sense, not replace it. Whether we are travelling or are trying to track a stolen vehicle, GPS devices are enormously useful, but they aren’t perfect, so don’t forget to bring your common sense along for the ride.