Understanding GPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS Positioning: What You Need to Know

In the world of tracking technology, understanding the differences between GPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS positioning is essential. Whether you're keeping tabs on your child, pet, or senior loved one, each positioning method offers unique benefits and limitations. In this guide, we'll break down these three technologies that your Lil Tracker (or other GPS smartwatch) is equipped with in simple terms. We're here to help you find the right tracking solution for your needs!

GPS Positioning: GPS, or Global Positioning System, is perhaps the most well-known tracking technology. It relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to pinpoint the location of a device. Here's what you need to know about GPS positioning:

• Accuracy: GPS offers high accuracy, typically within a few meters (5-10m).
• Coverage: GPS works worldwide, making it ideal for tracking devices across different regions.
• Use: GPS is perfect for outdoor tracking, such as walking, driving, or locating lost items in open areas.

Wi-Fi Positioning: Wi-Fi positioning utilizes nearby Wi-Fi networks to determine the location of a device. Here are the key points to understand about Wi-Fi positioning:

• Accuracy: Wi-Fi positioning can be highly accurate, especially in urban areas with dense Wi-Fi networks.
• Coverage: Wi-Fi positioning is limited to areas with Wi-Fi coverage, such as homes, businesses, and urban centers. The range can vary from 10 - 200 m. 
• Use: Wi-Fi positioning is great for indoor tracking, such as locating the GPS smartwatch within a building.

LBS (Location-Based Services) Positioning: LBS a method used by GPS tracker watches to determine the device's location based on the cell towers in the vicinity. LBS positioning can provide location information when GPS signals are unavailable or weak, by using the signals from nearby cell towers to estimate the device's position. However, LBS positioning tends to be less accurate than GPS, typically with an accuracy range of several hundred meters to a few kilometers.

• Accuracy: LBS positioning accuracy can vary depending on the available technology and environmental factors. The range can vary from  100-1000m.
• Coverage: LBS positioning provides coverage in both outdoor and indoor environments, offering flexibility in tracking.
• Use: LBS positioning is versatile and can be used for a wide range of tracking applications where GPS or Wi-Fi positioning is unavailable, i.e. underground parking lots or a building with poor reception. 

Understanding the differences between GPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS positioning is crucial for selecting the right GPS tracking device for your needs. Whether you're looking for high accuracy in outdoor environments or reliable tracking indoors, each positioning method offers unique advantages. At Lil Tracker, we offer a range of tracking devices equipped with all of these advanced positioning technologies to help you keep track of what matters most.

Explore our products today and experience peace of mind knowing you're equipped with the best tracking technology available. Shop our GPS Devices here.