Global Positioning System (GPS)
Also: GPS, Global Positioning System, GNSS, Satellitenortung, Satellitennavigation, GPS-Tracking, GPS-Ortung
AI-generated
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that transmits the precise geographic position to receiver devices worldwide. In logistics, it forms the technical foundation for vehicle tracking, shipment tracing, and transport planning.
Key facts
- GPS calculates positions from the signal travel times of multiple satellites and is the foundation for vehicle tracking and shipment tracing in transport logistics.
- Inside buildings, GPS does not work reliably; supplementary technologies such as UWB or BLE are required in these environments.
- A separate mobile network connection is required to transmit position data to external systems.
- Modern receivers frequently use multiple satellite navigation systems simultaneously to improve accuracy and failsafe operation.
- Data protection and works agreements must be taken into account without exception when using driver-related GPS tracking.
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system originally developed by the US military and now used for civilian purposes. It consists of a network of satellites in Earth orbit, ground stations for system control, and receiver devices that calculate their own position from the signal travel times of multiple satellites. Position determination works outdoors worldwide, around the clock, without the device itself needing to transmit data. However, an additional communication link — typically mobile network — is required to transmit the determined coordinates to external platforms.
GPS in practice: intralogistics and transport
In transport logistics, GPS is the core technology for telematics systems. Vehicles, containers, swap bodies, and mobile assets are equipped with GPS-enabled trackers that report their position to a Transport Management System (TMS) or tracking platform at configurable intervals or upon defined events. This gives rise to the following use cases:
- Real-time tracking of trucks and trailers en route
- Calculation and continuous updating of estimated times of arrival (ETA)
- Geofencing: automatic notifications when a vehicle enters or leaves a defined area
- Documentation of dwell times, routes, and border crossings for compliance and billing
- Track-and-trace for customers and dispatchers
Inside buildings — i.e., in classic intralogistics — GPS reaches its physical limits, as satellite signals are heavily attenuated by roofs and walls. Supplementary or alternative technologies such as Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or Wi-Fi-based positioning are used in these environments.
What to look for when selecting a solution
The accuracy of commercial GPS receivers is in the range of a few meters, which is sufficient for road navigation and geofencing at depot level. Higher precision — for example, for automated vehicles on company premises — requires correction signals such as DGPS or RTK. Other relevant criteria include:
- Update rate: How frequently are position data transmitted? Higher frequencies improve data quality but also increase mobile network and storage costs.
- Roaming and connectivity: International transport operations require mobile contracts with roaming coverage or dual-SIM solutions.
- Data protection: Personal data is generated as soon as GPS data can be attributed to drivers. Works agreements and GDPR requirements must be observed.
- Integration: Position data must flow reliably into TMS, ERP, or customer portals. Open APIs and standardized interfaces greatly facilitate this.
- Hardware robustness: Trackers for outdoor use must withstand temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and moisture.
In addition to GPS, there are other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the European Galileo, the Russian GLONASS, and the Chinese BeiDou. Modern receivers often use multiple systems simultaneously, improving accuracy and availability. In practice, "GPS"
Related terms
- API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined interface through which two software systems can exchange data in an automated and standardized way. In intralogistics, it connects systems such as WMS, ERP, or TMS with one another and with external services.
- Avisierung
Pre-advice refers to the advance notification of a delivery by the supplier to the recipient before the goods arrive. It enables the warehouse to plan staffing, dock capacity, and put-away processes in a timely manner.
- Blockchain
Blockchain is a cryptographically linked, distributed data structure in which transactions are stored in a tamper-resistant manner and are traceable by all participants.
- Carrier
A carrier is a transport service provider that physically moves goods from a point of origin to a destination. It assumes operational responsibility for the actual transport – as opposed to freight forwarders or logistics service providers, who often only coordinate.
- Cloud Computing für Logistik
Cloud computing for logistics refers to the operation of logistics software and data platforms via external cloud services instead of on-premises data centers. Typical applications include warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, track-and-trace, as well as BI and integration platforms.
- Datenanalyse
Data analysis refers to the systematic evaluation of raw data from logistics and IT systems in order to measure performance indicators, identify the causes of deviations, and make well-informed decisions.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.
- Dispositionssoftware
Dispatching software is a software solution for the operational planning, control, and optimization of transports, routes, and resources in logistics. It helps dispatchers efficiently coordinate orders, capacities, and time windows.
- Distributionslogistik
Distribution logistics encompasses all processes that move goods from the manufacturer or warehouse to the end customer – from network planning through storage and transportation to order fulfillment.
- Track-and-Trace
Track-and-Trace refers to the seamless tracking of shipments throughout the entire transport and handling process. Status events such as pickup, handling, and delivery are recorded in real time and made visible to all parties involved.