Why our Trackers use GNSS & WiFi — and why that matters for your Fleet
When choosing a GPS tracker for your fleet, most providers throw around terms like "GNSS", "WiFi", and "cellular fallback", but what does it all actually mean for your business? And more importantly, how does it impact your ability to track vehicles, equipment, or cargo reliably and efficiently?
At Copenhagen Trackers we build devices that are designed for real-world performance. Our trackers use both GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) and WiFi-based positioning, a hybrid approach.
Read more to find out why this would matter for your fleet management.
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Firstly, what is GNSS and Why is it better than just "GPS"?
Most people refer to location tracking as "GPS" — but that's just one system. GNSS is the umbrella term that covers all satellite navigation systems, including for example:
• GPS (USA)
• Galileo (EU)
• GLONASS (Russia) — not utilised by Copenhagen Trackers for political and reliability reasons
• BeiDou (China)
• QZSS (Japan)
By tapping into multiple systems, this is how we ensure that our trackers:
• Access more satellites at once.
• Get faster, more accurate location fixes.
• Provide reliable tracking even in remote or difficult environments.
Real-world Benefit: Faster & More Precise Location in Urban or Remote Areas
For equipment in the middle of nowhere, where no other devices are present to boost the signal, satellite systems will be visible and available to find your asset.
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What about WiFi-based Tracking?
GNSS is incredibly accurate — but it has one limitation: it struggles indoors, under ground, or in dense areas. This is where WiFi-based positioning comes in.
Our trackers can scan for nearby WiFi networks and use their MAC addresses (not credentials!) to triangulate position. This works by comparing those networks to vast databases from providers like Google or Apple, who have already mapped their locations.
Real-world Benefit: Track inside Buildings, Cities, or Basements
When there is no direct line to the tracker from a satellite, this is what we call Urban Canyons. The signal has to go through physical objects such as tall buildings, and is reflected between these to reach the tracker. This is avoided through WiFi-based triangulation.
WiFi positioning is also faster and uses less battery than GNSS, although it can be slightly less precise. Our trackers intelligently choose between GNSS and WiFi based on which is likely to perform best in the moment.
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Why not use Both at Once?
Excellent question! It would make sense that a combination would provide the absolute most accurate positioning every time. However..
Two words: Battery-life.
Our devices (Gemstone) are designed to last up to 6 years on a single battery with one track a day, zero charging, or maintenance. Combining GNSS and WiFi in a single location fix would drain the battery much faster. That's why our firmware is designed to smartly choose one method at a time, depending on location, signal strength, and context.
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How does this Help my Fleet?
Imagine you're tracking:
• A van in central Copenhagen
• A trailer parked inside a logistics hub in Lyon
• Equipment being shipping through Rotterdam
• A bike stored in a basement in Berlin
You will need trustworthy location data, which means that giving the tracker multiple ways to find its position -utilising a hybrid GNSS/WiFi system- gives you:
• Higher reliability — fewer "no location" events
• Longer battery life — efficient positioning methods
• Smarter tracking — location data tailored to the environment
It's not just about Tracking. It's about Confidence
When a tracker doesn't report in, most systems simply say "no signal". But with our approach, we have further diagnostic insight into the latest type of connection attempt, not just the last location. This lets fleet manager see if the device is still active, even if the GPS fix failed.
This detail makes a large difference in operational efficiency, planning, and asset security, as you can always see what is happening inside the tracker, even it struggles for connection.
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Ready to Upgrade your Fleet Tracking?
If you're looking to gain more oversight over your assets, and want a system that is reliable, adaptable to various situations, and under constant improvement — get in touch with Copenhagen Trackers.
We are always ready to answer any questions you might have regarding specifications, pricing, and utilisation.
