Active vs Passive GPS
The GPS stands for Global Positioning System. As the name indicates GPS is used for the purpose of tracking something like locations, persons etc. This technology is used in almost all fields of science and others for hi-tech purposes, and by individuals for driving, exploring, running, fishing, etc. The USA defence ministry used the GPS technology at very first for military purposes. Simply the GPS is a satellite based navigation system, which can send and receive data to/from satellite. The GPS operation uses data from satellites to calculate the location, Usually it requires data from at least three satellites to triangulate the position. There is a concept known as Time To Fix First (TTFF). TTFF is the time lapse required to download the data before the commencement of calculations. TTFF depends on the frequent use of the device. If the chip is not used frequently, then TTFF will be high. Usually, the transmission rate of data from satellite is around 6bytes per second. It takes for a GPS receiver about 65 to 85 millisecond to receive a radio signal from GPS satellite. If the device is used frequently, then the TTFF will be small as the data have already been downloaded.GPS devices or trackers which are available in the market can broadly be divided into two types those are active GPS devices and passive GPS devices.
Active GPS
Active GPS trackers monitor movement in real-time. When, one uses an active GPS tracker, user can be able to follow every last movement of the tracked person or object. In active GPS devices, the user can view the speed, location, and other tracking details soon after the implementation of the device from any place. In active GPS trackers, GPRS module is in-built, which allows the device to transmit the data to the saver; that’s why one is able to track on real-time. If one has a web based tracking interface and source and map sources then the user will be able to track from anywhere; provided internet connection is available.
Passive GPS
Passive GPS devices do not allow the user to view tracking information in real time. The information in the device can only be viewed after that information is downloaded to a computer. Tracking details normally include the date of the information, time of the information, direction traveled and stops made. There are a couple of softwares, which could convert the downloaded data into a human readable or understandable map.
When selecting a GPS device, one must consider his/her present and future needs, and then can select according to the needs identified. Though all GPS devices seems to be the same, there are some distinguishing features that differentiate them from other.
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What is the difference between Active GPS and Passive GPS? – Active GPS allows theuser to view real time information, whereas that is not possible with passive GPS. – The data received from active GPS device is real time data, while data obtained from passive GPS is historical data. – In general, a passive GPS device is cheaper than an active GPS. – Active GPS devices have in-built GPRS facility, while passive GPS trackers do not necessarily have. – Internet connection is important to active GPS devices, while internet connection is not necessary for a passive GPS tracker.
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