Tracking Technologies

Voyage Tracker's technologies include smart phones apps, tracking devices and satellite phones. Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages. We will help you determine which technology is best for you.

Smart Phone Apps

Smartphone apps are a convenient way of tracking. Smartphones have become essential in everyday life, and almost every employee has a smart phone, be it a personal phone or a company phone. Once the Voyage Tracker app has been installed an registered the app will start tracking.


Tracking apps are not necessarily the best option though, as the apps do affect the phones' batteries, and can be costly to use abroad, unless the traveller has an international data package or a local SIM card.

Voyage Tracker Devices

Pros
Single deviceThere is no need to carry additional tracking devices
AccuracyTracking apps can use GPS, cell tower and wifi data to provide location information
User InterfaceUsers can use the app to determine where they are, with coordinates and maps.
Cons
Roaming CostsData roaming costs can be very high for certain countries
BatteryPhone batteries only last between 1 to 2 days
PrivacyUsers may not want to have their phones tracked

Tracking Devices

Tracking devices are small portable devices that send their location at set intervals. Once the devices have been configured they just send their locations a pre-set frequency. The most common devices get their locations using GPS and communicate the data to the tracking server using GSM/GPRS.


Tracking devices are small, easy to carry and easy to conceal. They have no user interface so once a device is switched on there is no need access the device until the battery needs recharging. Whereas a smartphone is a desirable target for criminals, tracking devices have little resell value, are difficult to steal and criminals are unlikely to know what to do with them.


Voyage Tracker Devices
Pros
Roaming CostsData roaming costs are low as the devices do not receive or transmit much data
BatteryPhone batteries last between 7 and 10 days
PrivacyPeople may not want to have their phones track. Tracking devices are less personal and will cause less concern
SizeTracking devices are very small and can easily be carried and concealed
Cons
Additional DeviceThe tracking device is an additional device the user must have with them.
AccuracyTracking devices use GPS and sometimes cell tower information to determine location. Indoor tracking is less accurate.

Satellite Phones

Satellite devices give you global tracking coverage, from pole to pole, across oceans and deserts. If you are looking for a tracking solution that works anywhere, even in the remotest corners of the world, satellite tracking devices are the only option. Voyage Tracker uses Iridium based devices, as they provide the best coverage.


Iridium Tracking
Pros
Remote AreasSatellite devices work anywhere in the world
Running CostPrices are fixed regardless of location
RuggedSatellite devices are more rugged than other devices
Cons
Purchase CostSatellite devices are more expensive than mobile network based devices
Outdoors OnlySatellite devices will only work outdoors.
SizeSatellite tracking devices and phones are larger and heavier than their mobile network counterparts