About GPS for Locating Animals

Global Positioning System technology can track and locate a wild or domestic animal fitted with a tracking device. GPS collars and tags can help locate lost pets, track animal populations and aid scientific research.

  1. The Facts

    • A GPS receiver uses satellite technology to triangulate the position and altitude of the receiver's location on the Earth's surface. By communicating with two or more satellites, the system can measure the precise location and direction of travel of the GPS device. A monitoring device can find the transmitted location of the GPS receiver.

    Significance

    • GPS tracking offers a possible solution for pet owners who fear losing their pets. A radio receiver GPS collar can track a dog while it roams off-leash in a park or wooded area, while a cellular GPS collar can track a dog that has run away or been taken. Scientists monitor wild animal populations with GPS tags attached to a representative sample of migratory herds.

    Types

    • GPS animal tracking requires three components: the GPS receiver itself, a transmission system to broadcast this information and a monitor to view the broadcast. These broadcast systems differ; some use various forms of radio and have a limited working range, while others use cell phone technology and can be used anywhere within cellular network coverage.

    Geography

    • Numerous GPS satellites allow a GPS receiver to do a triangulation calculation from anywhere on Earth. In practice, GPS requires line-of-sight connections with available satellites. Indoor locations, ravines or canyons, foliage cover, and other obstructions can reduce GPS accuracy. Transmitter range to the monitoring system also limits GPS trackers.

    Misconceptions

    • It is not possible to implant a GPS receiver into an animal (or human). GPS trackers, as of late 2009, locate an animal via an external device, such as a collar or tag.