For many companies GPS car tracking is the solution that solves many security problems. In the attempt to limit criminality, the police as well as the government often use GPS car tracking, although, there are also civilians, private users that rely on such technology. The device is a small unit that when attached to a vehicle or a person provides precise information on the position of the asset. A GPS car tracking unit could also record the data or simply transmit it to a computer, a cellular or some other form of central database. The device requires a satellite, radio or cellular modem incorporated in order to be able to perform the transmission.

The data provided by a GPS car tracking system is displayed on a map, either in real time or as a later analysis using a customized software. Data can be later downloaded from the memory card of the device, which is very similar to a simple flash memory. Although the GPS car tracking system is popular for criminal investigations and the prevention of car theft, a GPS device is suitable when hiking or jogging too. Sometimes, one can also collect data to create a map with the help of a GIS software, particularly since a GPS receiver has geo-catching features incorporated as well.

GPS car tracking or GPS tracking through the mobile phone can serve well for more complex investigations from the business environment. The vehicles of commercial fleets always have GPS car tracking units incorporated. Such a GPS car tracking model is popular in both North America and Europe, and the collected data can be displayed on digital maps or in the form of reports, depending on the operational software.

Taxis and delivery vehicles, luxury automobiles and armored trucks are equipped with GPS car tracking units for a continuous monitoring of the vehicle location. With more special units, one can activate the tracker via a SMS but only in theft cases. The efficiency of the device is thus incredible for the police and the authorities that have to solve cases involving lost or stolen vehicles. Very often GPS car tracking systems can be used on race cars that have to follow long circuits in desert areas, and thus, the location of the vehicle is permanently watched.