Vehicle Devices
Vehicle devices are the most commonly thought of trackers from television. These can be locator devices or global positioning system devices. The first type simply sends out a signal that can be tracked. The second, and rapidly becoming more common, is the GPS device, which actually links to a satellite. Using the satellite, the GPS signal can be pinpointed to within a few feet. The GPS also can be used by the driver to find out where he is and map a route to where he wants to go.
Cell Phones
Since a cell phone must seek and connect to a signal from a cell tower, it can be tracked as long as it is on and doing that. Because of a law passed in 2005, cell phones---whether it is advertised or not---must be trackable by law enforcement officials and emergency services personnel. Families also can pay for tracking services to allow family members to be able to locate other members using cell phones.
Watches That Watch
GPS technology now is available in the form of wristwatches. Since many people wear wristwatches, they now can replace the standard watch with a GPS device that can be used by the wearer to keep track of where he is. These watches also can be monitored by other people, so they can be used by parents monitoring children, or campers and hikers can use them to find each other if they get separated.
Article Written By Richard Nilsen
Richard Nilsen writes poetry, fiction, features and news stories in upstate New York. He was an emergency mental-health consultant for 20 years and directed a mentoring agency for a decade. Nilsen is a black-fly control technician in the Adirondack Park, where he enjoys hiking, biking and boating.
