Understanding GPS Tracking without Internet Connectivity
Many pet owners rely on GPS trackers to locate their animals when they go missing. However, a common question arises: if you have a GPS tracker on your phone and your pet has one as well, will the tracking work when you are both far out in the countryside without any Wi-Fi or cell service? Let's explore the intricacies of GPS tracking and how it functions.
How GPS Trackers Work
GPS trackers generally rely on satellite connectivity to update their location to a server. Satellites provide the necessary information to pinpoint exact locations. This is why even in remote areas, as long as there is a clear view of the sky, GPS coordinates can be accurately determined.
Non-Satellite GPS Trackers
Most GPS trackers, whether it's the one on your phone or a specialized pet tracker, still require an internet connection to transmit data. If you are in an area without any Wi-Fi or cell service, the tracker will not be able to send updates to the server. This is why GPS trackers often rely on the following:
Satellite connectivity: For less expensive devices, while more accurate, the data transmission can be slower and less frequent. Wi-Fi and cell service: These provide real-time updates and faster data transmission.If you are in a remote area and notice that your pet's tracker is not working as expected, it might be due to a lack of these connections. It's also important to note that some GPS trackers use a combination of methods, like satellite and cell service, to ensure continuous tracking.
Understanding the Mechanism of Satellite-Connected Trackers
Satellite-connected trackers are designed to work in remote areas without the need for internet service. They use satellites to transmit data and update the server. However, these devices are generally more expensive and might not be suitable for all pet owners.
Despite their high cost, satellite-connected trackers are reliable for remote tracking. They work by sending data to a set of orbiting satellites, which then relay the information back to the server. This ensures that you can track your pet even in the most remote areas, providing peace of mind.
Will a GPS Tracker on Your Phone Track Your Lost Dog?
If you and your lost dog are both far out in the country and there is no Wi-Fi or cell service, your phone's GPS tracker will not be able to track your dog. Even a satellite-connected tracker will not work if there are no satellites available to receive the data due to weather conditions or other factors.
It is important to remember that real-time tracking requires active internet or satellite connectivity. Without these, the device cannot transmit location data. However, many GPS trackers can store data locally on the device and upload it when a connection becomes available.
What Happens When There is No Connectivity?
If you and your lost dog are far out in the country, your GPS tracker will not be able to send real-time data back to the server. This means that the tracker will not update the server and, consequently, the tracking service will not show the current location of either the phone or the pet's GPS tag.
Many GPS trackers have a backup system that allows them to store data locally. Once you return to a location with internet or satellite connectivity, the device can upload the stored data. This is a good feature to have in case of temporary loss of service, but it does not provide real-time tracking.
Conclusion
In summary, GPS trackers on both your phone and your lost pet's GPS tag will not work without either Wi-Fi or cell service. Satellite-connected trackers can work in remote areas, but they still require some kind of connectivity to update the server. It is crucial to ensure that you have a reliable way to connect your devices, especially when you are in remote areas.
For the most accurate and effective tracking, it is recommended to use a combination of GPS trackers and ensures a reliable internet or satellite connection. This will ensure that you can always locate your pet, even in the most remote areas.