Intro to GPS Apps
IVHS & Vehicle Tracking

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Contents

Introduction

Many automotive GPS applications fit within the description of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). ITS programs are intended to:

Automobile Navigation

Automobile navigation applications are intended to help the driver make the most efficient routing decisions.

Emergency Location

A relatively recent trend is to use GPS systems in connection with car-mounted cellular telephones to automatically locate cars involved in accidents. In this system, a microcomputer monitors the airbag deployment system installed in new cars. If it detects that the airbag has deployed, the computer calls a service center over the car's cell phone, passing it the last known location of the car as determined by the GPS receiver. The service center passes the information to the local emergency services who can then respond. I'll have more information on this as I find it.

Fleet Tracking

Many companies maintain large fleets of vehicles. Two of the problems associated with maintaining such a fleet is knowing the current location of any given vehicle and knowing it's physical condition. Fleet tracking systems are concerned with addressing these two issues. A fleet tracking system consists of:

A vehicle locating device
In some systems, GPS receivers perform this fuction. Other systems, such as Loran may be used. Systems such as Qualcomm's Omnitrax service use proprietary satellite-based location systems.

A vehicle mounted communications device
The vehicle being tracked must be able to transmit it's location back to the fleet control center by some means. Some national fleet management systems use low bit rate satellite data networks. Others may use some form of cellular telephony. Fleets located in small, geographically contiguous areas may use VHF or UHF two-way radio. The communications module may have additional components allowing the vehicle's condition to be monitored and to allow short messages to be passed to and from the vehicle's driver.

A communications network
Data being transmitted from the vehicle may be relayed back to the fleet management by any of several different means. Proprietary satellite communications systems may require dedicated leased data lines from the satellite service provider. Cellular telephone based tracking systems may rely on the public telephone systems. VHF and UHF radio systems used by police, fire and ambulance systems may use city owned and maintaned data networks or possibly packet radio.

A computerized information system
The vehicle location and condition information is imported into a computer system. The system may be designed to autonomously monitor the vehicle and alert the fleet manager in the event of anomolies.

Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems

Intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS) are being installed on particularly congested highways to help improve conditions on those roadways.

Commercially Available Cars with GPS Systems

BMW
BMW's web site indicates that a GPS navigation system is available on a concept car, but I can't determine if it is a standard option or not.

Cadillac OnStar
The OnStar system uses a GPS receiver and a built-in cellular phone to provide several safety and convenience services. First, in the event that the air bag deploys, cadillac customer service will notify emergency services for you. If the car is stolen, Cadillac can provide the police with the last known location. Roadside assistance can be dispatched based on GPS location. Other customer services, such as directions to the nearest hotel, are also available.

Lexus
Lexus' web site says that they have an on-board navigation system directs driver to destination by display screens and voice queues. Darned if I can find any details, though.

See Also...

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