The Difference Between A Data Logger and Data Pusher GPS Tracking Unit

Posted by on 25 June 2012 | 0 Comments

When researching and looking into GPS Tracking Units, here at Verilocation we discovered that 76% of our customers were unsure what exactly they were looking for. Therefore we have devised this article to inform our customers exactly what the different types of GPS trackers are.

A GPS tracker can fall into either a data logger or data pusher category. A data logger is a GPS logger that simply logs the position of the device at regular intervals it its internal memory. Modern GPS loggers use a memory card slot or an internal flash memory and a USB port. Some also act as a USB flash drive. This allows for downloading of the track log data for further analysing in a computer.  Most digital cameras save the time a photo was taken. Therefore providing the camera clock was accurate, the time can be correlated with GPS log data, to provide an accurate location. Cameras with GPS receiver built in can directly produce a geotagged photograph.

A Data pusher on the other hand is the most common type of GPS tracking unit and is used for asset tracking, personal tracking and vehicle tracking. This kind of device sends the position of the device as well as well as other information like speed or altitude at regular intervals to a determined server. Most modern GPS trackers provide data ‘push’ technology which enables sophisticated GPS tracking in business environments. Typical GPS tracking systems used in commercial fleet management have two core parts: location hardware (tracking device) and tracking software. The combination is often referred to Automatic Vehicle Location system.

It’s a great idea to have a GPS tracker in your car as if your car is stolen you can easily locate it. Also a GPS tracker can log how many miles you have travelled as well as downloading information about your car and journeys completed.