People typically track others by mobile or phone number in order to track someone down. While this sort of GPS technology is perfect for everyday situations, it does not work when you need something more effective and advanced.
To track someone using GPS technology, there are several methods available to you. One method is through the use of cell phone triangulation while another way is via a device called a GPS tracker. Both of these devices track the location of the other person relative to your own position.
How to Find Your Way Around Using GPS Location Tracking
The first step in tracking anyone with a GPS device or a cell phone’s assistance is getting access to their phone number. Once you have obtained this information from them, request that they send out a text message from their cellular device containing some keyword that only you know of. For example, one could send out a text message with the word “wombat” inside of it.
Once you have received this text message, you will now track the person using your GPS tracking device or through their cellular service provider. Usually, if they are using a cell phone carrier’s tracking service, there is usually no charge as long as the numbers track within their own network (you would need to check with them first to be certain). If they track outside their normal reporting area, however, then there may be an extra fee for those services which will depend on how much additional information is provided and what company provides those services.
GPS trackers, on the other hand, can track someone by cell phone number that shares data through just about any cell phone service provider. These devices can be purchased at many department stores and do not require a contract or monthly fee; instead, they simply report their location back to you based on what GPS coordinates they receive. This may work only within the United States depending on where you purchase them from.
Locate Someone By Using Spying Apps
Spying apps can also be used to locate someone using GPS technology. These are commonly used in conjunction with social media platforms, but they work for any device that connects to the internet or has a cellular connection. A downside is that you will need access to the target’s online accounts in order to use them, which may give your position away if they are not already aware of their account being monitored.
There has been an increase in location-based services recently designed to share images and videos via personal accounts on various social media platforms including SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook etc. These applications usually require that one user send another user their current location or photo/video within specific geographical boundaries (i.e., “within 5 miles”) so that it may be used as an explicit location marker.
Location-based applications are designed in such a way that the user must accept the request by allowing applications to access their geo-location data, or state it when prompted (e.g., “Allow SnapChat to use your current location?”).
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, GPS technology and its location-based applications have become a staple of our daily lives. Examining how it works not only provides insight into the potential benefits of such technologies, but also uncovers some of their inherent risks. With new location-aware mobile apps becoming available every day, we as users must remain aware of what we are allowing to access our geo-location data. The way we opt-in requires a careful balance between the potential benefits and risks of using GPS technology. As researchers, developers, inventors, and users, it is important for us to understand what these technologies can do – as well as where they fall short.
