Device pop ups

Clicking on a device icon from the radar screen shows a device pop up which contains key information, short cuts to additional functions and now a link to the latest activity report and tracks report.

The device pop up contains the following information

Device name

You can see the device name which appears on the icons on the radar screen. You can change the name by clicking on the device name and updating it. See more information on changing your device names.

Device vitals

Depending on what type of GPS device you have, you can see the power the device is receiving and the strength of the GPS signal.

Battery charge
Strong GPS signal
Weak GPS signal

Note: The time the status was received is shown under the icons. See more tips and advice about diagnosing faults with GPS Devices.

Device settings

Clicking the settings button allows you to easily show or hide the device from the radar screen. Find out more about showing or hiding your devices.

You can change the name of the device, allocate the device to an employee, change the device icon and update the telephone number where device alerts are sent.

Areas

Clicking the area button creates a new geofence area around the current location of the vehicle. This is ideal if you want to be alerted when your vehicle or engineers leaves its current position.

Find out more about how to create a geofence area around your vehicle and more information about Virtual Areas.

Tracking

If you have a portable GPS device, then you can also set tracking from the radar screen. Click the tracking button and set how long your device sends its location, turn off tracking or track for a journey.

Address and Directions

The address is shown for your vehicle. If we don’t have the address then the latitude and longitude is shown.

Clicking on the messages icon () opens the messaging dialogue prepopulated with a link to google maps for that direction. You can then send the location to a customer or colleague.

You can also get directions from the current location of the vehicle to a new address by entering the address in the address field. You can then view the directions in google map by clicking on the More icon () or you can send the directions by SMS.

Zooming in and Out

You can quickly zoom in and out to street level or out to country view.

Streetview

Click the street view button to view an image of the location of your vehicle.

Activity

Clicking Activity takes you to today’s activity report for the that vehicle. See more information about using the activity report.

If there is no activity available for that day then you change the time period by clicking Report Options and change the from and to dates.

Tracks

Clicking Tracks takes you to today’s tracks report for that vehicle.

If there are no tracks available for that day then you change the time period by clicking Report Options and change the from and to dates.

Center Pop up

If you do not have centering enabled, you can click the () icon to center your device on the screen. See more about centering your devices on the map.

GPS fitted phones save the day

With so many criminals getting away with theft these days, it’s encouraging to see those brought to justice with the aid of modern technology. I’ve just read an article in the paper describing an incident where the GPS fitted phone led police straight to the suspect. This particular thief had gone on a burglary spree, stealing valuables from about 25 – 30 cars and homes in a particular area. One of the stolen items was a mobile phone that was fitted with a GPS tracking device. The owner of the phone notified the police, who then managed to track the suspects exact location, catch him with the stolen goods and make an arrest. Thanks to the savvy owner of the mobile phone tracking device, many other victims of the robber managed to get their possessions returned.

Petty theft, even though not a life threatening offence, is rather an expensive nuisance. Yes, material things can be replaced, but we all know how extremely disruptive it can be when we have a phone stolen for instance. Mobile phones have become an office in our pockets. It’s a diary of important events, a carefully developed list of valuable contacts, a voice recorder of spur of the moment ideas and thought processes, a route planner and map for that crucial meeting we have to rush off to in the afternoon; the list goes on. When someone steals your mobile phone, they don’t just take a little electronic device, they take reams of personal and valuable information which sometimes cannot be replaced. In this instance, a tracking device can be an invaluable help.

A GPS unit has so many advantages. With regards to vehicle tracking it can help you to check your vehicle effectively, see exact driver locations, keep track on local traffic conditions, protect your vehicle from theft, send and receive alerts and so much more. This technology is not limited to vehicle tracking alone.

Here are some other practical examples:

• GPS personal tracking devices have been used in aiding the elderly or those who are more vulnerable. These devices allow the person to push a button to call for help, as well as enabling that person’s carer or personal assistant to find their exact position.
• Pet owners have attached these units to their pets’ collars to have peace of mind and knowledge that they’ll always be able to find an animal that may have wandered off.
• As mentioned before, a mobile phone fitted with a GPS unit can save a lot of potential hassle.

For such a readily available and affordable piece of equipment, it would be foolish not to add it to our pile of gadgets. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, we can arm ourselves with effective tools to protect and help us in managing our busy and demanding lives, and deter the thieves.

Find out more about AutoAlert GPS Tracking