Live GPS Tracking vs. Historical GPS Data Logging

If you're interested in GPS tracking devices, one of the things that you may have some questions about is the difference between Live GPS tracking and historical GPS logging. While both of these tracking methods can help you determine the location of a vehicle, person, or important asset, the method each type of tracking uses is very different. 

Live or "Real Time" GPS tracking allows you to see the location of the tracker at the exact moment you want to locate it, hence the term "live". Live GPS trackers use GPS satellites in sky to locate the position of the tracker, and then that location information is transmitted over the cellular network. This is the same network that cell phones use.

Because GPS location information is being transmitted in real time, live GPS trackers always have a monthly service cost, just like your cell phone, to cover the cost of sending the tracker's location data to the tracking portal, where you can view it. 

Historical GPS data logging is slightly different, because while these tracking devices use the same GPS satellites to determine location information, that information is saved to the device itself rather than being transmitted live. To view the GPS location information from a historical GPS logger, the device must be retrieved from the vehicle, and then connected to a computer to download and view the information.

Since the data is not being transmitted live over the cellular network, there is no monthly service costs or fees to transmit the data. So for those who don't need live GPS data, a GPS data logger like the iTrail GPS Logger is a good solution.

This handy chart breaks down the differences between Live GPS Trackers and Historical GPS Loggers:

• Parents of Teenage Drivers
• Suspicious Spouses or Partners
• Law Enforcement or Government Agencies
• Fleet Vehicle Owners
• Private Investigators

As always, if you have any questions about choosing a GPS tracking device, or would like any more information about the differences between live/real-time GPS trackers and historical GPS loggers, please contact one of our XtremeTrakGPS product experts, and we'll be glad to discuss with you the differences and help select the best tracking device to fit your needs.