Garmin devices are used by anyone looking to go off-grid, whether for an epic hiking excursion, skiing in the mountains, or for lone workers operating remotely in isolated regions such as woodland. We provide a range of handheld Garmin satellite communicators and trackers that map the device carrier’s location and GPS coordinates so emergency contacts, friends, family, or colleagues can track them from a central, online hub.
Stay in touch, no matter where you are
Of all the satellite networks that exist, Iridium is the one with a truly global reach, and it is this network that makes Garmin inReach® tracking possible. The Iridium network consists of 66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operating in a mesh system where one satellite will always pick up a device signal, meaning no matter where in the world you are, you will always achieve a reliable connection from one of the Iridium satellites.
Communication is key for the safety of remote lone workers
Dispatching groups of, or individual, specialists into isolated regions beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks demands the need for reliable, unbroken contact and communication in order to address safety as well as performing a general duty of care on behalf of the organisation they are working for. A Garmin satellite tracker or communicator, something like the new inReach® Messenger for example, would be ideal for this due to its many advanced capabilities including two-way messaging, one-touch check-in, SOS, and seamless connectivity over all types of networks including WiFi, mobile, and satellite.
A brief history in location tracking
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was initially designed for military and intelligence applications in the 1960s. Comprised of a network of satellites orbiting the earth at fixed points, beaming down signals to anyone with a GPS tracking device, the GPS system was not considered final until the start of 1994 when all 24 GPS satellites were launched into space.
Now, GPS and location tracking are considered par for the course when it comes to remotely operating workforces or fleet management teams looking to track individuals, assets, or vehicles.
Three important questions to ask
- Which tracker is best for me?
We offer a range of powerful and advanced satellite tracking devices, but, for something like remotely tracking lone workers, we would suggest a device that is rugged with built-in SOS so that, in case of an emergency, the device carrier can alert and trigger a rescue mission to their precise location.
- Do I need a subscription?
Yes, for Garmin inReach® tracking devices, a subscription is required. Garmin inReach Mini subscription plans, for example, are available in varying tiers, so be sure to choose the most suitable one for you.
- What about battery life and charging?
A flagship device like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 has an internal, rechargeable lithium battery that gives the device carrier up to 14 days use at the default 10-minute tracking mode and up to 20 days in power saving mode. It comes with a USB cable so charging can be achieved by plugging into most modern ports or piggy-backed off laptops.
Tracking work devices and vehicles
Garmin satellite trackers aren’t just limited to tracking the precise location of dispatched personnel. They can also be used to monitor the whereabouts of valuable assets and vehicles. Users can be sure their belongings are where they are supposed to be at all times, especially through the use of geofencing, a feature where the user sets or draws a prescribed or custom boundary, and, if their asset or vehicle crosses beyond the boundary lines, receives an alert to notify them that their vehicle is on the move, allowing them to act accordingly.
As always, our team of experts is here to help. So, if you need any advice about Garmin satellite devices, contact us via:
- Email: info@gtc.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 112 3919