4 Common Problems with Location Tracking

Location tracking technology, such as GPS trackers, has become an integral part of modern life. From navigation and logistics to personal safety, it offers numerous benefits. 

However, like any technology, GPS tracking comes with its own set of challenges, some of which can have significant implications. 

Understanding these issues is essential for making informed decisions about when and how to use location tracking technology responsibly and effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common problems associated with location tracking, delve into the technical limitations, and highlight proactive solutions to enhance your GPS tracking experience.

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1. Signal Interference and Accuracy Challenges

GPS systems rely on signals from satellites to determine location. However, these signals are vulnerable to interference from physical obstructions like buildings, trees, and tunnels. 

Weather conditions, such as heavy rain or dense fog, can also weaken GPS signals, resulting in location inaccuracies.

These inaccuracies can cause significant issues in critical scenarios such as navigation, emergency response, or asset management. 

For example, “GPS drift”—where location data bounces inaccurately—can occur when signals reflect off nearby surfaces, creating errors.

To address this, advanced GPS technologies are integrating additional data sources such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to improve accuracy. 

Solutions like IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor fusion in modern SDKs can even predict movements when GPS signals are weak, making them indispensable for high-precision applications.

2. High Battery Consumption

One of the most common complaints about GPS trackers is their impact on battery life. 

GPS devices continuously communicate with satellites and process data, which can drain a device’s battery quickly. 

This is particularly problematic for mobile users who need to balance location tracking with conserving power for other critical tasks. Manufacturers and developers are addressing this challenge with energy-efficient tracking algorithms and smarter hardware. 

For instance, native Android and iOS APIs now provide adjustable tracking modes that allow users to balance accuracy with energy consumption. 

Choosing a GPS tracker with optimised power settings or extended battery life can help users get the most out of their devices without constant recharging.

3. Hardware Failures and Outdated Technology

Older GPS devices or cheap tracking systems often lack the latest features necessary for reliable tracking

These devices may struggle to maintain a strong GPS signal or be prone to hardware failures like blown fuses, poor power connectivity, or incorrect configurations (e.g., time zones or COM ports). 

Without proper maintenance, even high-end trackers may become unreliable. Updating to newer hardware and ensuring regular maintenance are critical. 

Additionally, using trackers with advanced firmware ensures compatibility with updated maps and system protocols, preventing issues like missing roads or inaccurate directions.

4. Privacy Concerns

As GPS tracking technology becomes more pervasive, privacy concerns are growing. Users are increasingly worried about how their location data is collected, stored, and used. 

Unauthorised access to sensitive location data can expose individuals to privacy breaches or even security threats.

Addressing these concerns requires transparency and robust security measures. Businesses must implement clear opt-in processes and explain why location data is being collected. 

They should also comply with privacy regulations, such as GDPR, and ensure data is encrypted to prevent unauthorised access.

Ethical considerations are equally important. Tracking someone’s movements without their consent can raise serious legal and moral issues. 

By prioritising user consent and maintaining secure data practices, companies can build trust while offering the benefits of location-based services.

Common Problems with Location Tracking

The Effects of Encountering Problems with Location Tracking

Issues with GPS tracking can have wide-ranging consequences, from minor inconveniences to severe impacts. 

Here are some of the key areas affected:

  • Delayed Emergency Response

Inaccurate location data can delay emergency responders, jeopardising lives in critical situations. For instance, imprecise tracking during a rescue operation can lead to wasted time and resources.

  • User Experience and Trust Concerns

Inaccurate or unreliable tracking frustrates users and can erode trust in location-based services. When users doubt the technology, they may hesitate to share their location data, undermining the service’s value.

  • Financial and Resource Wastage

For businesses, inaccuracies in GPS tracking can lead to costly errors, such as misrouted deliveries or inefficient operations. Troubleshooting and repairing these issues further strain resources.

  • Psychological and Legal Implications

On a personal level, users may experience anxiety or stress if they feel monitored or uncertain about how their data is being used. Legally, inaccurate location data used as evidence in court can lead to wrongful convictions or disputes, highlighting the importance of accurate tracking systems.

The Effects of Encountering Problems with Location Tracking

Proactive Solutions to GPS Tracking Challenges

Addressing GPS tracking issues requires a combination of reliable hardware, regular maintenance, and user awareness.

By implementing these solutions, users can enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall performance.

  • Regular Maintenance and Updates

To ensure accurate tracking, devices must be kept up to date with the latest software and firmware. This prevents issues like outdated maps or missing roads.

  • Choosing Reliable GPS Trackers

Investing in high-quality GPS trackers, such as those with advanced tamper-detection and geofence management features, can address many common issues. Reliable devices with extended battery life and modern features provide a better user experience and reduce the need for troubleshooting.

  • Utilising Advanced SDKs

Developers can leverage advanced SDKs (Software Development Kits) to enhance the performance of their GPS solutions. Features like IMU sensor fusion, Wi-Fi triangulation, and adaptive power settings ensure better accuracy and energy efficiency.

  • User Education

Educating users on how to optimise their tracking devices is essential. Simple steps like calibrating settings, avoiding signal-blocking environments, and monitoring battery usage can significantly improve performance.

Proactive Solutions to GPS Tracking Challenges

Why a Solid GPS Tracker is the Solution to Your Location Tracking Problems?

A Solid GPS tracker stands out as the ultimate solution for overcoming location tracking challenges. 

By offering unmatched precision and reliability, it eliminates frustrations linked to inaccurate or outdated systems. 

Its extended battery life ensures long-term usability, while tamper-detection and geofence management features add extra layers of security and efficiency.

In a world where accurate location data is crucial for navigation, logistics, and personal safety, the Solid GPS tracker provides dependable tracking capabilities for a wide range of applications.

Why a Solid GPS Tracker is the Solution to Your Location Tracking Problems

Conclusion

Location tracking technology has revolutionised navigation, logistics management, and personal safety. However, challenges such as signal interference, geofence errors, privacy concerns, and tampering risks can impact its effectiveness.

By proactively addressing these issues and investing in reliable GPS trackers, users can fully harness the benefits of this powerful technology.

To help you make the most of your GPS tracking experience, we’ve included an FAQ section below, offering insights on troubleshooting and ensuring data security.

Frequently Asked Questions

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All you need to do is download the Solid GPS app from the Google Play Store (Android 4.4+) or the App Store (iOS 13+).

You can also track your vehicle on any device connected to our website, from your tablet to your computer.

Yes, you can cancel your subscription during your 31-day free tracking period, and you won’t be charged anything.

You can easily cancel your subscription in your account settings or by contacting us via email or phone.

We guarantee that Solid GPS works in Australia and New Zealand, and we also support payments in each currency.

Yes, you can. All you need to do is connect your Solid GPS tracker to your vehicle through a standard USB port.

The battery in your tracker is rechargeable, so there’s no need to replace it.

You’ll also receive reminders to your phone and email when your tracker’s battery is low, at 30%.

Since the tracker is recharged infrequently (every 3, 6, or 12 months), it will last longer than most electronic devices, with the battery beginning to deteriorate after 500 recharges.

Your tracker is designed to be tucked away inside your vehicle, hidden, and away from any harsh elements.

However, if you’re concerned that it might come in contact with dust or water, we suggest putting it in a sealed container or a ziploc bag to give it some extra protection.

Yes, and it’s super easy to keep track of all your trackers – you can add as many as you want to your account.

To make sure each one is easy to identify, you can give each of them a unique name and colour.

This can be done quickly by heading over to the account settings section on the Solid GPS app or website.

The tracker does not make any noise and it ONLY emits light while being recharged.

Your Solid GPS tracking device uses the full Telstra & Vodafone network in Australia and Spark & Vodafone network in New Zealand, whichever has the strongest signal at that point in time.

If your tracker enters an area with no mobile coverage, don’t worry! It will save the locations your vehicle travels to and will upload where it went when your vehicle is back in an area with coverage.

The subscription covers the cost of the SIM card inside your tracker and the data it uses.

Instead of negotiating with telcos and finding the best SIM card and plan prices, we organise your SIM card for you, all for a flat competitive rate.

We’re able to achieve such a low-cost subscription because we have tens of thousands of SIM cards in our system, unlocking bulk discounts for you!

The subscription also covers the cost of the Solid GPS app, local customer support, & so much more.

We also don’t plan on and have never increased the price of our subscription.

As your vehicle moves, your tracker will update its location every 2 minutes and gradually increase the time between updates to every 10 minutes.

You can also turn on ‘Emergency Mode’ to lock the tracking intervals to every 2 minutes.

Additionally, you can set geofences/boundaries to receive alerts if your vehicle begins to move.

To see what the dashboard/app looks like, please create an account at solidgps.com/registration/, and you’ll be taken to our demo dashboard.

Yes, multiple people can download the same app and log in to the same account to view the same tracker.

You can also securely share your tracker with friends or family through our sharing feature.

For example, if you’re going on a trip, share your private tracking link with others, and they can see where you are without being able to change any settings. You can cancel this link at any time too.

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