What is the Difference Between Active and Passive GPS?

The main difference between active and passive GPS devices lies in their ability to transmit data in real-time. Here are the key differences between the two types of GPS devices:

Active GPS Devices:
These devices can be tracked in real-time using a mobile phone, personal computer, or any other external monitoring device.
They can provide statistics such as coordinates, altitude, speed, time in use, and distance traveled.
Active GPS devices have an in-built SIM card and can transmit location data in real-time.
They are generally more expensive than passive GPS devices due to the additional features and software.
Passive GPS Devices:
Also known as data loggers, these devices store information through an internal memory, memory card, or a USB stick.
They record statistics like distance traveled, time and date, active driving time, and sudden speed or acceleration.
Passive GPS devices do not provide real-time updates and only receive satellite signals on their internal GPS module.
They are cheaper than active GPS devices, as they do not require an ongoing network connection to transmit data.

Examples of passive GPS devices include GPS watches, GPS navigation devices, and anything that can log location data without transmitting it. Active GPS devices, on the other hand, are typically used for real-time tracking and monitoring of assets, vehicles, or personnel. Fleet managers, for instance, often opt for active GPS trackers to increase productivity and profit due to the precision provided by real-time data. Ultimately, the choice between active and passive GPS devices depends on your specific needs and budget.