There's more to GPS tracking systems than just tracking: There are many GPS based tracking systems available in the market today. Other than tracking, these systems are expected to provide the users with a lot of other benefits in the near future. The Cellular based tracking system is one of the common tracking systems which are used. $500 is its initial setting up cost. This system is basically used for safety against theft. The system transmits about the location of the vehicle every five minutes over a global network. The monthly cost for this system is $35.

A satellite based tracking system is good for trucking and shipping companies. Initial cost for setting up this system is $700. The monthly charges can range from $5 to $100 depending upon the extent of detailed reporting required by the company. It works throughout the nation but doesn't give complete information. 

Details like speed, location and heading are stored by Wireless passive tracking system. The data is downloaded at the end of the drive and then evaluated. The drawback with this system is that there is no genuine information available. You cannot know about the position of the vehicle. What you can know is that where the vehicle had been and that too when it returns to base. This system is therefore of no use in thefts. To overcome this problem wireless modems are now being attached to these passive tracking devices. With this, the location and speed of the vehicle can be known. The tracking information can also be viewed on a computer live. This type of system has only a setup cost, there are no monthly charges.

To provide customers with other benefits, some companies are offering them to sign and run credit cards through the unit. GPS systems are expected to have internet access in future. This way the driver or mechanic can use the GPS unit to repair the vehicle in case of a breakdown.

To improve these systems some are trying to generate methods by which directions can be sent directly to the driver's GPS unit. The directions will be sent from a central unit and this will help the drivers to re-route. Constant work is going on in the field of GPS based tracking systems and some great products can be expected shortly!