GPS satellite tracking:
GPS tracking is very similar to that of Argos tracking, where a satellite flies overhead to collect the data from the transmitter. The difference between GPS tracking and Argo tracking occurs however in the information that the transmitter sends to the satellite overhead, as well as that instead of only one satellite being necessary, three satellites are actually required in GPS tracking. The transmitter is sent GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) at specific time intervals from two other satellites overhead in order to gain the transmitter's exact location. These coordinates can then either be stored in the transmitter to be retrieved at a later date, or sent to the Argos satellite, where they are once again sent to a terrestrial satellite and then to a data processing centre. This data can then finally be accessed by the researcher.
advantages:
+ Very accurate positions (within 10m of animals exact location)
+ Can get positions of animals whenever wanted
+ Regular recording intervals show more accurate path of the animal
+ Worldwide coverage
+ New avenues for biological and environmental research
+ Easy access to the data
+ Can get positions of animals whenever wanted
+ Regular recording intervals show more accurate path of the animal
+ Worldwide coverage
+ New avenues for biological and environmental research
+ Easy access to the data
disadvantages:
- Heavier tags must be placed on the animal
- Mainly used to only track large animals
- Quite expensive
- More complex system
- Animals must be captured to have a tracking device placed on them
- Does not work as well on marine animals
- Requires 3 satellites
- Mainly used to only track large animals
- Quite expensive
- More complex system
- Animals must be captured to have a tracking device placed on them
- Does not work as well on marine animals
- Requires 3 satellites