We all have worries about safety and security. No one can keep an eye on their children or elderly family members around the clock. 

The same goes for valuable possessions such as cars or electronics, which are prone to theft.

At a certain point, you have to trust that everything will be OK. But, if you need more peace of mind than that, modern technology offers a solution: their personal GPS tracker.

More and more people are turning to compact and feature-packed GS trackers to enhance the safety and security of the people and things important to them.

These devices offer real-time monitoring and advanced features like emergency alerts so that you can quickly locate and assist loved ones or valuable property.

This guide will cover the different types of GPS trackers available and explore the key features to look for.

By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best personal GPS tracker for you and how to use it effectively.

Here’s how to choose a GPS tracker for personal safety and security.

Who Needs a GPS Tracker?

While most people would enjoy the improved personal safety a GPS tracker offers, some need this technology more than others. Here’s who needs a GPS tracker the most:

• Parents of young children: The anxiety of a child wandering off in a crowded place or being late coming home from school is a feeling most parents know. GPS trackers allow parents to monitor their children’s locations in real time for unparalleled security.

• Caregivers for elderly family members: As our loved ones age, concerns about their safety grow. This is especially true if they have started to lose cognitive function and are prone to wandering. A discreet GPS tracker allows caregivers to quickly locate aging family members anytime.

• Vehicle owners: Many different technologies have tried to deter car thefts, but none offer more security than GPS. A tracker hidden in your vehicle can be configured to send alerts when it leaves a designated area or aid law enforcement in recovery efforts.

• Owners of valuable property: GPS devices can protect a wide range of valuable property, including trailers, boats, large equipment, or even your luggage when traveling.

• Outdoor enthusiasts: If hikers, bikers, or campers become lost, GPS devices can share their location with family, friends, or rescue teams. Some trackers can be programmed to automatically contact emergency services for faster response times.

Types of GPS Trackers: Which One Is Right for You?

Many different vendors produce a broad range of GPS devices.

Not all of them are suited to be a personal GPS tracker, as some are designed for business or industrial use. 

Here’s a look at the main categories:

Portable GPS Trackers

Compact, lightweight, and battery-powered GPS devices are typically labeled as portable trackers.

They are easy to carry, slip into a bag, or discreetly place within a vehicle.

The batteries eliminate the need for an external power source, giving you more flexibility in how and where they can be used.

LandAirSea 54 is a perfect example of a small yet powerful portable tracker.

Its compact design and long battery life make the 54 an excellent choice for tracking children or other family members, securing valuables, and other personal safety requirements. 

Like other LandAirSea devices, it provides reliable location updates when needed.

Vehicle GPS Trackers

Some GPS devices are specifically designed to monitor and secure cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

These types of trackers typically draw power from the vehicle’s electrical system, so that they can send regular updates without the need for battery charging or changes.

Some in this class are meant for personal use, while others are designed for business fleet management.

LandAirSea Sync connects directly to a vehicle’s OBD-II port, a standard feature on models produced since 1996.

With continuous power, the Sync provides up-to-the-minute location data, making it perfect for long-term vehicle monitoring and security.

Wearable GPS Trackers

GPS trackers can take the form of watches, pendants, or other small devices that can be easily worn or clipped to clothing.

Wearable GPS devices often feature an SOS button that sends location data to predefined contacts, making them a good solution for tracking children or the elderly.

Some devices in this category might also work well for outdoor adventurers, although their typically short battery life may make them less practical for longer journeys.

Key Features To Look for in a Personal GPS Tracker

Just as important as the type of GPS tracker is the feature set.

The right combination of functionality will ensure you can monitor your loved ones or valuables when needed. Here’s what to look for:

Real-Time Tracking vs. Passive Tracking

A GPS device with real-time tracking uses a satellite or cellular network to transmit location data, whereas a passive device stores information in its internal storage.

In most cases, you must plug the device into a computer to download the location data. This is why passive trackers are sometimes known as “data loggers.”

Real-time tracking is the gold standard for personal safety, as it provides continuous location updates that you can view on a map in a web browser or a smartphone app.

Passive devices provide data after the fact, which does little for peace of mind when tracking family members or valuables.

Battery Life: How Long Should It Last?

Battery life varies, depending on the tracker type, the frequency of location updates, and other usage factors.

But how long should it last? Each scenario is different. For example, if you want to track your child’s location from the time they leave for school to when they return home, you’ll need at least seven to eight hours of tracking time.

Consider your usage needs when comparing models.

LandAirSea GPS trackers are known for their long-lasting battery options and configurable update frequency..

Depending on how often it sends location updates, some LandAirSea devices can last for weeks or months between battery recharges.

Geofencing and Alerts: Extra Layers of Security

Geofencing is a powerful feature that allows you to define virtual boundaries, or “safe zones,” on a map like your home, a child’s school, or an elderly parent’s neighborhood.

You can receive alerts (typically via text, email, or push notification) when the tracker enters or exits the geofenced area.

It’s easy to see how geofencing and alerts provide extra layers of security when monitoring loved ones.

Geofencing can also help keep tabs on a vehicle or valuable equipment, so make sure your chosen device offers this feature.

Waterproof and Durability: Built for the Elements

If you’re tracking a vehicle, boat, or an outdoor enthusiast on an adventure, the device’s ability to withstand the elements suddenly becomes important.

Look for its waterproof rating and overall durability. LandAirSea trackers are designed with waterproof casings and robust construction to withstand the most harsh conditions.

Discreet and Compact Design

For many personal safety and security applications, it’s critical to conceal the GPS tracker. A small, unobtrusive design helps ensure the tracker doesn’t draw unwanted attention.

The LandAirSea 54 is renowned for being one of the most compact and discreet GPS units available. Its small size allows you to place it nearly anywhere for versatile, covert tracking.

How To Use a GPS Tracker for Maximum Safety and Security

After learning about the different types of GPS trackers and the features to look for, you have the tools to pick a device that will meet your needs.

The next step is to maximize your device’s utility for personal safety and security.

Here are some tips that can help you get the most out of your purchase:

Setting Up Your GPS Tracker

Getting your new GPS tracker operational is typically a straightforward process.

While specific steps may vary depending on the make and model, a few general steps will likely apply:

1. If your device runs on batteries, install a fresh set or charge its internal battery.

2. Activate the device, if required.

3. Choose your cellular data subscription plan, if applicable.

4. Power on the device and follow any initial configuration steps mentioned in the manual.

5. If applicable, follow the steps to pair it with a smartphone app. This typically involves downloading the app on your phone, creating an account and logging in, then adding the device to your account.

6. Customize the settings by configuring the location update frequency, defining geofencing, and enabling other features.

Best Practices for Tracking Vehicles and Valuables

When tracking a vehicle, place the device in the most discreet location possible.

For example, some trackers are magnetic and can be placed underneath the car on a flat, metal part of the frame. 

Other devices might have options for installing in the engine bay.

For tracking valuables, discreet placement is also important if the objects in question have the option to do so. In either case, utilize all of your device’s features to ensure you maximize its tracking capabilities.

In particular, take advantage of motion detection and anti-theft alerts if your device offers these features.

Sharing GPS Locations for Emergency Situations

Become familiar with your GPS tracker’s emergency features. Check the manual for how to share location updates with trusted contacts.

If your device has an SOS button or equivalent feature, configure the contacts and law enforcement agencies you want to share location data with.

Setting up these features ahead of time ensures they will work properly when needed.

Common Concerns About GPS Tracking: Answered!

When adopting new technology, it’s perfectly normal to have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns about GPS tracking for personal safety:

Is GPS Tracking Legal?

Laws vary in each state, but it typically comes down to issues of consent and ownership. It’s generally legal to track your personal vehicle or other property you own.

Things get a bit trickier when it comes to tracking people. ‘

Parents and legal guardians typically have the right to track their minor children for safety reasons.

However, it is usually not legal to track an adult, including an elderly loved one, without their explicit knowledge and consent. 

In cases of tracking elderly individuals with conditions like dementia, the legality often depends on guardianship status and the laws regarding vulnerable adults in your state.

Seek legal advice before proceeding in these instances.

Can a GPS Tracker Be Hacked?

While history has proven that most electronic devices can be hacked, there are things GPS providers can do to help secure location data.

Reputable GPS tracking systems use encryption to protect data so that the location information is unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it.

The best way to protect your personal information is to choose a GPS provider with a solid reputation for data security.

LandAirSea, for example, is known for employing strong security protocols and regularly updating its systems in response to emerging threats.

How Accurate Is a GPS Tracker?

A tracker’s location accuracy depends on several factors, such as having a clear view of the sky to receive clear signals from multiple GPS satellites, and the quality of the GPS chip and antenna in the unit.

LandAirSea uses high-sensitivity GPS receivers and technology that can utilize cellular networks to verify location for improved accuracy in challenging areas.

What Happens If a GPS Tracker Loses Signal?

A loss of signal from the GPS satellites or cellular networks can temporarily pause real-time location updates.

However, higher-quality devices, like those from LandAirSea, are designed to handle these situations by storing location data internally when a cellular signal is lost.

The device logs its position (or its last known position if the GPS signal was lost) and uploads the data once the connection is re-established.

Choosing the Best LandAirSea GPS Tracker for Your Needs

With years of experience as a leading GPS provider, LandAirSea offers a wide range of trackers for different use cases.

The right device for you will depend on your specific needs.

LandAirSea 54: Best for Discreet Personal Tracking

If your priority is a compact, versatile, and highly discreet tracker, LandAirSea 54 is for you.

The 54’s small size makes it easy to conceal, so it’s perfect for a wide array of personal safety and valuable asset tracking applications.

LandAirSea Sync: Best for Vehicle Protection

If you need to track a vehicle, check out LandAirSea Sync.

Since it connects directly to your car’s OBD-II port, it receives continuous power for real-time tracking without battery recharges or replacements.

LandAirSea Overdrive: Best for Long-Term Tracking

If a robust tracker with the flexibility of a battery-powered device is important, LandAirSea Overdrive is a must.

This powerful GPS tracker features long-lasting batteries designed to last weeks or months on a single charge, depending on your settings.

Find a GPS Tracker for Personal Safety and Security Today

The safety of our loved ones will always be a concern in an unpredictable world. Our prized possessions will always be at risk of loss or theft.

Fortunately, we live in a time when technology can help ease our anxiety and offer us peace of mind. A personal GPS tracker from LandAirSea will always tell you where your loved ones and valuables are.

And no matter your requirements — discretion, continuous vehicle power, or extended battery performance — LandAirSea has you covered.

And regardless of which one you choose, each device is backed by our commitment to quality, reliability, and user-friendly technology.

Invest in the right tracker for you by browsing the LandAirSea product catalog.