A New Era of Safety: Location Tracking Apps Explained
Security is a basic need of every person. We try to protect ourselves at every stage of our lives. We may be especially concerned about the protection of our children, since they cannot yet provide it for themselves.
The questions then arise: How can we do this effectively, but also unobtrusively, especially when it comes to teenagers, who often require more independence, but still need parental protection? In such cases, mobile apps, for example, Number Tracker, come to the rescue. That is what we will talk about today.
Operating Principles
Location tracking apps use a combination of technologies to track the location of a device (smartphone or tablet). They may be used for various purposes: navigation, fitness tracking, family safety, and more.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
GPS is a satellite-based system that provides location and time information anywhere on or near the Earth. It consists of a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, ground stations and receivers. The receiver in the device picks up signals from multiple satellites to calculate the precise location.
Accuracy is typically within 5-10 meters. It is a very good one, that is why it is ideal for navigation and location-based services.
Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS)
WPS uses the location of Wi-Fi hotspots to determine the device's location. The device scans for nearby Wi-Fi networks, and the app uses a database of known Wi-Fi hotspot locations to estimate the device's position.
WPS is generally accurate within 20-30 meters. It is useful indoors or in urban areas where GPS signals might be weak.
Cellular Network Triangulation
This method uses the device's connection to cellular towers to estimate its location. The app measures the signal strength from multiple cell towers and triangulates the device's position based on the known locations of these towers.
Accuracy varies and depends on the density of cell towers. However, it is typically less accurate than GPS and WPS.
Bluetooth Beacons
Bluetooth beacons are small devices that emit a signal used for indoor positioning. The device detects signals from nearby Bluetooth beacons, and the app uses these signals to estimate the device's location.
It is a highly accurate method, often within a few meters.
Sensor Fusion
This solution combines data from various sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) with location data to improve accuracy. The device's built-in sensors provide additional context to refine location estimates, especially useful in environments where other signals are weak.
If to speak about accuracy, it enhances overall reliability of location tracking.
How Data is Processed and Used
1. Data Collection
Location tracking apps collect data from various sources to determine the device's location. These sources include:
GPS Signals: Receivers in the device collect signals from GPS satellites.
Wi-Fi Networks: The app scans for nearby Wi-Fi networks and uses their known locations.
Cellular Towers: The app measures signal strengths from cell towers.
Bluetooth Beacons: The device detects signals from nearby Bluetooth beacons.
Device Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer provide additional data for refining location accuracy.
2. Data Processing
Once the data is collected, the app processes it to determine the device's precise location. This involves several steps:
A. Signal Analysis
GPS: The app calculates the device's position based on the time it takes for signals to travel from multiple satellites to the receiver.
Wi-Fi: The app compares the detected Wi-Fi networks against a database of known Wi-Fi hotspot locations to estimate the device's position.
Cellular: The app uses triangulation to estimate the device's location based on signal strengths from multiple cell towers.
Bluetooth: The app determines proximity to beacons and refines the location estimate.
B. Sensor Fusion
The app integrates data from various sensors to enhance location accuracy. For example, combining GPS data with accelerometer and gyroscope readings helps maintain accuracy when GPS signals are weak.
After this, algorithms filter and smooth the data to remove noise and provide a stable location estimate.
3. Location Determination and Data Storage
The processed data is used to calculate the device's current location. This can be done in real-time for live tracking or periodically for less frequent updates.
For apps that require continuous tracking, e.g., navigation or fitness tracking, the location data is processed and displayed in real-time. Many apps store historical location data on the device or in the cloud. So users can review past movements and analyze trends.
4. Data Utilization
Location data can be used in various ways. This depends on the app's purpose.
A. Navigation: Apps use location data to provide turn-by-turn directions. Real-time traffic data helps apps suggest the fastest routes.
B. Fitness Tracking: Apps use location data to track running, cycling and other activities. Users can review their routes, distances, speeds and progress over time.
C. Family Safety: Apps like Number Tracker allow family members to share their real-time locations and stay connected. Alerts are triggered when a device enters or leaves a predefined area.
D. Delivery Services: Apps like Uber and DoorDash use location data to match customers with nearby drivers or delivery personnel and provide real-time updates on their progress. Location data helps optimize routes and reduce delivery times.
E. Asset Tracking: Businesses use location tracking to monitor the movement of vehicles and goods for efficient and timely deliveries. Real-time location tracking helps recover stolen assets.
6. Privacy and Security
Data Encryption: Reputable apps encrypt location data to protect user privacy.
User Consent: Users must grant permission for apps to access their location data.
Data Anonymization: Some apps anonymize location data to enhance privacy.
Common Troubles and Solutions
1. Location Services Not Enabled
When the app cannot access the device's location, here is how you can try to fix it:
Enable Location Services: Go to the device's settings and ensure location services are turned on.
For iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Toggle on.
For Android: Settings > Location > Use location > Toggle on.
App Permissions: Ensure the app has permission to access location services.
For iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Select the app > Allow While Using the App.
For Android: Settings > Apps > Select the app > Permissions > Location > Allow.
2. Inaccurate Location
Sometimes the app can show the wrong location or may be not precise. Then you should do the following:
Clear View of the Sky: Move to an open area where the device has a clear view of the sky, avoid tall buildings and heavy foliage.
Calibrate the Compass: Move the device in a figure-eight motion to recalibrate the compass.
High Accuracy Mode:
For Android: Settings > Location > Mode > High accuracy.
Update Maps: Ensure the app and any associated maps are up-to-date.
3. App Crashes or Freezes
If the app frequently crashes or freezes, you may try the following steps:
Update the App: Ensure the app is updated to the latest version available.
Clear Cache: Go to the device's settings and clear the app's cache.
For Android: Settings > Apps > Select the app > Storage > Clear cache.
Reinstall the App: Uninstall and reinstall the app from the app store.
4. Battery Drain
The most common trouble of using location tracking apps is that they drain the device's battery. But there are some tips for these situations.
Adjust Location Settings: Use battery-saving modes when high accuracy is not necessary.
For Android: Settings > Location > Mode > Battery saving.
Background Activity: Limit the app's background activity.
For iOS: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Turn off for the app.
For Android: Settings > Apps > Select the app > Battery > Background restriction.
5. No Internet Connection
Note: The app cannot function properly without an internet connection.
Check Network Connection: Ensure the device is connected to Wi-Fi or has cellular data enabled.
Airplane Mode: Make sure airplane mode is turned off.
Network Issues: Restart the router or check with the internet service provider if there are ongoing outages.
6. GPS Signal Issues
When the app cannot get a GPS signal, try to follow the tips below.
Enable GPS: Ensure GPS is enabled on the device.
For iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Toggle on Compass Calibration.
For Android: Settings > Location > Use location > Toggle on.
Restart Device: Sometimes, restarting the device can resolve GPS signal issues.
7. Location Not Updating
If your trouble is that the app shows a static location and does not update, there are some recommendations for you.
Manual Refresh: Use the app's refresh button to update the location manually.
Background Data: Ensure the app is allowed to use background data.
For iOS: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Enable for the app.
For Android: Settings > Apps > Select the app > Data usage > Allow background data usage.
Common troubles with location tracking apps may be connected with location services, inaccurate location, app crashes, battery drain, no internet connection, GPS signal problems and location not updating, as we have discussed above. All of them can usually be easily solved thanks to the tips we provided. These steps help the app function correctly and provide accurate location data.
Best Location Tracking Apps Available
Number Tracker
Features: Family location sharing, driving safety features, location history, safe zones alerts, private circles.
Platforms: iOS
Pros: Great for family safety, driving reports, and emergency alerts.
Cons: Some users report occasional inaccuracies.
Google Maps
Features: Real-time location sharing, turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, public transit information, street view.
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
Pros: Highly accurate, widely used, frequent updates, integrated with Google services.
Cons: Can be heavy on battery usage, privacy concerns due to data sharing with Google.
Find My (Apple)
Features: Device tracking, family and friends location sharing, lost device mode, notifications for arrivals and departures.
Platforms: iOS, macOS, iCloud Web
Pros: Integration with Apple devices, highly secure, easy to use.
Cons: Limited to the Apple ecosystem.
Glympse
Features: Real-time location sharing with a temporary link, integration with calendar and messaging apps, location requests.
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
Pros: Easy to use, no sign-up required, customizable sharing duration.
Cons: Lacks advanced features like geofencing or driving reports.
Find My Kids
Features: Real-time location tracking, geofencing, SOS alerts, location history, family chat.
Platforms: Android, iOS
Pros: Focused on child safety, user-friendly, good customer support.
Cons: Premium features require a subscription, primarily designed for children.
These apps were chosen by user reviews and feedback. If you do not know which one to install, you should, first of all, understand that it depends on your own needs: family safety, fitness tracking, device security, etc.
Note: Most apps offer free versions with basic features and premium versions for advanced functionalities.
Safety First
Now you know more about modern technology, namely apps that track locations. To understand whether you really like them, just try to use them. To choose what suits you most, consider your goals and wishes. It is also important to read user reviews before downloading and installing.
Remember: the safety of family and friends is something for which one can pay any price. He who is forewarned is forearmed.
