Geofencing GPS Trackers – Everything You Need To Know!

So what exactly is geofencing, and why are so many companies utilizing real-time, location-based technology for asset tracking? Let’s start with the basics of how virtual fences are used alongside tracking software, tracking apps, and some simple definitions!

Geofencing is a tracking technology that allows you to set up virtual boundaries around geographic locations using a global positioning system (GPS). Once a tracking platform is activated, the user can receive real-time updates if an object/person/asset enters or exits the set pre-set perimeters. These real-time alerts are sent using intuitive tracking software notifying a business or person in the form of push notifications such as emails, or text messages. After setting up a tracking device, geofencing technology can be used as a security solution for unwanted situations or as a prevention measure to discourage security breaches. Whether it is targeted advertising on social media platforms, administering vehicle fleet management, or for security reasons alarm in the case of a breach, geofencing has become a vital tool for tracking technology.

What Is The Best Geofencing GPS Tracker?

GET PRICING!

Geofencing is a crucial feature for any tracking application, but what device is considered the best geofencing GPS tracker? According to online reviews, that would be the SpaceHawk GPS tracker. This GPS fleet tracking device is compact (only one inch in size), has a sturdy design, and comes with a powerful magnet mount that allows the device to be equipped to the outside of any vehicle without the driver ever knowing a thing! Additional features include:

• Ability To Legally & Secretly Track A Vehicle 24/7
• GPS Geofencing To Know When A Driver Leaves Any Location
• Real Time Speed Alerts
• Device Management To Enhance Driver Safety 

SpaceHawk is $99 per device and requires a monthly data plan of $19.95 per month so you can track any vehicle using a mobile app and find out where any driver is really going!

Related Content: The 7 Best Real Time Asset Tracking Devices 

How Geofences Work – Understanding Virtual Boundaries

A geofence can be simply created by an administrator by drawing a virtual boundary around a specific geographic location in GPS software. The administrator can then set up notifications to go off according to their customized criteria. Once all the perimeters of a geofence are established, users of the relevant mobile application or tracking device can receive alerts when they enter the vicinity of the geofence. Geofences are dynamic and can be tailored to fit the purposes of the administrator and users.

Once a geofence is created, it can be launched in various ways. Usually, a geofence is expressed in the coding of certain applications that you have on your phone. For instance, if you have the application of a retailer, you may receive notifications if you are near an outlet of that retailer. On the other hand, geofences can also be stored in a GPS tracking device. In that case, the GPS tracking device will be the medium to devise perimeters and regulations, and notifications can be received on the tracking device or a connected mobile phone. Lastly, you can also set up geofences for personal time tracking via mobile applications that provide reminders for certain times and places. 

What Is Geofencing Used For?

Although geofencing is most often applied on mobile applications for marketing targeted audiences, it can also be used as a tracker for fleets and vehicles, a tracking system for children, pets, and assets, or a surveillance device at job sites to monitor employees. The uses of geofences also extend to drones and other objects that remain mobile within a certain perimeter. In that case, a geofence is useful for setting up virtual boundaries for objects to only hover or move around the desired location. Again, the geofence must be programmed within each such device and have GPS signals to work. 

Geofencing has varied applications because it is a simple but resourceful technology. With the advancement in mobile technology, GPS signals can be accessed by anyone which greatly enhances the convenience and the scope of geofencing. The user just needs an application on their cellphone with geofence coded in it and allows location services to activate the geofence. 

Read What Harvard Law Says About Geofencing And The Fourth Amendment

What Are Some Disadvantages Of Geofencing?

• False positives: Geofencing may trigger notifications or actions even when you are not actually in the designated area, due to factors such as GPS inaccuracies or interference from buildings or other structures.
• Privacy concerns: Geofencing can raise concerns about your privacy, as it can be used to track your location without your knowledge or consent.
• Battery drain: Geofencing can drain the battery of your device, as it requires your device to constantly check its location and communicate with the geofencing system.
• Limited accuracy: The accuracy of geofencing may be limited, especially in urban areas with tall buildings or other structures that can interfere with GPS signals.
• Limited scalability: Geofencing can be difficult to set up and manage for large areas or large numbers of users.

Top 7 Geofencing Applications

Nowadays, geofencing is used for a whole variety of purposes. To list all its possible uses is impossible for us but down below we have come up with the 7 most effective and most often employed uses of geofencing.

Fleet management. Workplaces that require transportation of staff and cargo of goods, can use geofencing to keep an eye on their assets while they are being moved from point A to point B. Geofence alerts will go off if the prescribed route is not followed or if there exists potential harm to your asset. In case of an emergency, geofence technology can be used to control a vehicle.

Employee performance tracking. Geofencing is highly useful for managing human resources. With geofencing, time cards can be generated for when an employee enters or exits the workplace. Through this, the supervision of employees is made easy and the productivity of employees can be measured. 

Vehicle tracking. By tracking your vehicle, you can receive alerts for when the vehicle enters certain regions. This can be useful for parents to ensure the safety of their children. Moreover, geofencing can be used to turn off the engine of your vehicle if it gets stolen.

Keeping an on family members. Work for long hours and cannot keep a constant check on the children and the elderly in your family. Geofencing will provide you peace of mind as you will receive notifications every time your family members reach school, get back home, or exit the premises of your house. 

Effective marketing. Geofencing around commercial zones allows businesses to attract attention to their product and services. For example, a restaurant chain can do targeted advertising by sending notifications to the users of their mobile application if they are near other restaurants. Geofencing can also be instrumental in taking customers away from competitors. 

Asset management. By setting up geofences for assets, a person can be notified when that asset enters or exits a safe zone. GPS trackers can be put on valuable items such as heavy equipment on construction sites that will enable companies to monitor them if they move out of the set geographical location.

Smart appliances. As more and more appliances come stocked with computer technology, Bluetooth, and GPS capability, you can link your everyday appliances to your phone and receive smart notifications. For instance, the air conditioner can start working as you approach the geofence of your home or the fridge can send you an alert for food essentials when you drive by a grocery store.

In conclusion, geofencing is an extremely handy technology that people use every day due through mobile phones and GPS signals. You can easily use geofencing through an application or a GPS tracker and receive notifications from retailers when you are traveling or monitor your family members’ activities with it. In addition, geofencing is valuable for tracking vehicles, managing fleets, ensuring asset security, and expanding the capability of smart devices. With all that said, if you are currently in search of a GPS tracker with user-friendly geofencing features, then check out SpaceHawk for its compact and robust design, highly accurate GPS tracking, and powerful battery life.