Vehicle tracking is the process of showing the location of the vehicle on the map. GPS satellites are used for location determination. Also known as Satellite Vehicle Tracking due to the use of GPS satellites. There are 4 basic types. GSM based systems, Satellite based systems, black box systems and hybrid systems. Radio tracking is also among the methods used, but this method has not become widespread.
Automated vehicle discovery is a powerful tool for managing fleets of vehicles such as service vehicles, emergency vehicles, and public transport such as buses and trains. It is also used to monitor mobile assets such as non-wheeled construction equipment, non-motorized trailers and mobile power generators. The AVL is often used by Public Safety and government agencies such as Parks and Recreation to monitor the movement of patrol units, emergency responders, and field workers.
Another purpose of monitoring is to provide graded service or to effectively manage a large crew of drivers and crew. For example, let's say an ambulance fleet has a goal of reaching the service call location within six minutes of receiving the request. Using an AVL system allows to evaluate the positions of all vehicles in service with drivers and other crews, allowing to select the vehicle that will arrive at the destination the fastest (meets the service target).