Location services give you real-time* visibility into vehicle operations. This article covers two key aspects: GPS data collection and trip calculations.
GPS Data
How GPS Data Is Collected
Location Services rely on GPS devices installed in vehicles to continuously capture and transmit location information. Devices collect precise data every 5 seconds, which is then processed to provide real-time* updates on the vehicle's location and movement. This data powers accurate tracking and route optimization.
The devices gather the following data:
- Longitude (Lon) and Latitude (Lat): Specifies the vehicle's exact position on the map.
- Altitude (Alt): Indicates the vehicle's elevation relative to sea level.
- Speed: The current speed at which the vehicle is moving.
- Bearing: The direction the vehicle is heading.
- Accuracy: Indicates the reliability of the GPS signal.
Benefits of Frequent GPS Data Collection
Frequent data collection means you can spot route deviations or delays quickly, and use the location history for analysis and compliance reporting.
Trip Calculations
What Defines a Trip?
A trip is recorded when specific movement criteria are met to ensure meaningful data capture:
- The vehicle must be traveling at 5 mph or more.
- The movement must continue for longer than 2 minutes.
This keeps brief or incidental movements from being logged as trips.
Idling Events
An Idling Event is triggered when a vehicle remains stationary for more than 2 minutes while the engine continues to run. This event captures instances where the vehicle is not in motion but consuming fuel, such as during prolonged stops at traffic lights, waiting in queues, or other stationary periods. Idling events help you spot wasted fuel and reduce unnecessary emissions.
* Subject to available cellular network connectivity.