How Does a GPS Car Tracker Work?
A GPS car tracker uses signals from navigation satellites to calculate the vehicle's location. The tracker then uses a mobile data connection to send that information to an online tracking platform, where you can view the vehicle from your phone or computer.
Although we normally call them GPS trackers, modern tracking devices can use several satellite navigation systems — collectively known as GNSS — alongside mobile networks and tracking software.
In simple terms, there are three main parts working together:
Satellites help establish the location → the tracker sends the data → the tracking platform shows it to you.
Here's what is actually happening behind the scenes.
1. How does a GPS tracker know where your vehicle is?
A GPS tracker contains a satellite navigation receiver.
It receives signals from navigation satellites and uses those signals to calculate its position.
GPS — the Global Positioning System — is one satellite navigation system. Modern tracking devices can also support other satellite systems as part of GNSS.
The important point for the person using the tracker is simple:
Satellite positioning allows the tracker to work out where the vehicle is.
But that is only the first part of vehicle tracking.
2. How does the tracker send its location to you?
Knowing its position and telling you its position are two different things.
A cellular GPS vehicle tracker uses a mobile data connection to communicate with its tracking platform.
This is why vehicle trackers commonly contain a SIM card.
GPS/GNSS helps the tracker establish its location, while the mobile connection allows tracking information to be transmitted to the online platform.
With Global Trackers, the current vehicle tracking service includes a multi-network M2M SIM, so customers don't need to arrange a separate mobile SIM for the tracker.
For a fuller explanation, see Why Do GPS Trackers Need a SIM Card and Subscription?
3. How does the location appear on your phone?
Once tracking information reaches the tracking platform, it can be displayed in a useful format.
Rather than receiving coordinates or technical data, you can see your vehicle on a map and access the tracking information available for your device and account.
Global Trackers customers can use the GPS Monitor Plus app or access their tracking account through a web browser.
That means you don't need to be anywhere near the vehicle to check it.
We've explained this in more detail in Can I Track My Car From My Phone?
4. What information can a GPS vehicle tracker provide?
A tracking system can do more than simply show the current position of a vehicle.
Depending on the device, configuration and tracking service, information and features can include:
- Vehicle location
- Journey history
- Movement alerts
- Geofence alerts
- Previous routes and journeys
- Information about vehicle movement and activity
For example, a movement alert can let you know when a vehicle starts moving.
A geofence allows you to create a virtual boundary around somewhere such as your home, workplace or business yard and receive an alert when the vehicle enters or leaves that area.
For businesses with several vehicles, multiple trackers can also be viewed through the same tracking account.
5. What happens if the tracker loses mobile signal?
Satellite positioning and mobile connectivity perform different jobs.
A tracker may still be able to establish its position using satellite signals while temporarily being unable to send that information to the tracking platform.
If the device cannot connect to a suitable mobile network, live information may not reach your phone or computer until connectivity becomes available again.
Exactly how information is stored and transmitted following a loss of connectivity depends on the tracker and its configuration.
6. What happens if the tracker can't get a GPS signal?
Satellite positioning also requires suitable reception.
GPS/GNSS signals can be affected by the physical environment around the tracker.
For example, reception may be reduced in places such as:
- Underground car parks
- Tunnels
- Heavily enclosed buildings
- Other locations where satellite signals are significantly obstructed
This is one reason the installation position of a tracker matters.
A device needs to be installed appropriately for the vehicle and the type of tracking required.
7. What's the difference between GPS and GNSS?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't mean exactly the same thing.
GPS is the Global Positioning System, originally developed by the United States.
GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System and is the broader term for satellite navigation systems.
GNSS can include systems such as GPS as well as other satellite constellations.
So when people talk about a GPS car tracker, they're generally describing the type of product rather than necessarily saying that the device can only use GPS satellites.
For most customers, you don't need to understand the individual satellite systems to use a tracker. The technology works in the background to help the device determine its position.
8. Does a GPS tracker need to be hardwired?
Not necessarily.
The satellite-positioning principle is similar, but trackers can be installed and powered in different ways.
A hardwired GPS tracker connects to the vehicle's electrical system and can be installed discreetly.
An OBD GPS tracker plugs into a compatible vehicle OBD port and can provide a straightforward installation option.
The best choice depends on the vehicle and what you want from the tracker.
See Hardwired vs OBD GPS Trackers: Which Is Right for You? for a full comparison.
9. Can GPS trackers work outside the UK?
Yes, but satellite positioning is only part of the story.
A tracker may be able to determine its position abroad, but it also needs suitable mobile connectivity to transmit tracking information to the platform.
Global Trackers uses multi-network M2M connectivity across the UK and supported European networks.
If you're planning to travel abroad, see Will My GPS Tracker Work in Europe?
10. Can I use GPS tracking for more than one vehicle?
Yes.
Each vehicle has its own tracker, but multiple compatible devices can be displayed within the same tracking account.
This can be useful for households with several vehicles and particularly useful for businesses.
Instead of contacting individual drivers to ask where they are, a business can view its tracked vehicles from one account.
See How Can I Track All My Work Vans? for a straightforward explanation of multi-vehicle tracking for small businesses.
11. Does GPS tracking work for tools and equipment?
GPS tracking isn't limited to cars and vans.
Depending on the asset, available power and environment, GPS trackers can also be used for things such as plant, machinery, trailers and other valuable equipment.
The correct device matters, particularly when an asset doesn't have a permanent power supply or is exposed to harsh conditions.
See Can I Track My Tools and Equipment If They're Stolen? for more information.
12. How much does a GPS tracker cost?
There are normally two costs to consider:
The tracking device itself and the ongoing tracking service.
Global Trackers' current vehicle tracking subscription is £5.99 per month including VAT, including the multi-network M2M SIM and access to the tracking platform.
The price of the device depends on which tracker is suitable for your vehicle.
We've broken this down properly in How Much Does a Car Tracker Cost in the UK?
So, how does a GPS car tracker work?
The simplest explanation is:
The tracker uses satellite signals to establish where the vehicle is. It uses a mobile connection to send tracking information to an online platform. You then access that information from your phone or computer.
That's why a modern GPS tracking system isn't simply a box that “talks to satellites”.
Satellite positioning, mobile connectivity and the tracking platform all work together to turn the tracker's location into useful information you can actually access.
If you're unsure which type of GPS tracker is suitable for your vehicle, tell us what you have and what you'd like to achieve. We'll help you choose an appropriate option without making the technology more complicated than it needs to be.