GPS car tracking has become very popular with the increase of the need for car security. Government institutions, the police and the army heavily rely on GPS car tracking to limit criminality there are also civilians, private users that rely on such technology. Information on the position of an asset is provided by a small unit attached to the vehicle. A GPS car tracking unit regularly sends a signal to a cellular, a central database or a computer. The device requires a satellite, radio or cellular modem incorporated in order to be able to perform the transmission.

The data provided by a GPS car tracking system is displayed on a map, either in real time or as a later analysis using a customized software. that is very similar to a flash memory, which allows for later download of the data. Although the GPS car tracking system works great for criminal investigations and the prevention of car theft, many people use a GPS device while jogging or hiking as a means to analyze the duration and the length of the trip. Sometimes, one can also collect data to create a map with the help of a GIS software, particularly since a GPS receiver serves for such geo-catching purposes perfectly well.

GPS car tracking or GPS tracking through the mobile phone can serve well for more complex investigations from the business environment. The vehicles of commercial fleets always have GPS car tracking units incorporated. The data provided by the GPS car tracking system can also be displayed in the form of reports, a system that is widely used both in Europe and in North America.

Delivery and taxi vehicles, luxury automobiles and armored trucks are equipped with GPS car tracking units so that the location of the vehicle can be constantly monitored. The tracker can be activated only in case of theft for instance via a SMS. The device is thus incredibly efficient for the police and the authorities that have to solve cases involving lost or stolen vehicles. Very often GPS car tracking systems are installed on race cars particularly in the case of long circuits in areas that are more difficult to access.