GPS animal tracking

GPS animal tracking is a process whereby biologists, scientific researchers, or conservation agencies can remotely observe relatively fine-scale movement or patterns in a free-ranging wild animal using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and optional environmental sensors or automated data-retrieval technologies such as Argos satellite uplink, mobile data telephony or GPRS and a range of analytical software tools.

A GPS tracking device will generally record and store location data at a predetermined interval or on interrupt by an environmental sensor. These data may be held pending recovery of the device or relayed to a central data store or internet-connected computer using an embedded cellular (GPRS), radio, or satellite modem. The animal's location can then be plotted against a map or chart in near real-time or, when analysing the track later, using a GIS package or custom software.

GPS tracking devices may also be attached to domestic animals, such as pets, pedigreelivestock and working dogs. Some owners use these collars for geofencing of their pets.

GPS wildlife tracking can place additional constraints on size and weight and may not allow for post-deployment recharging or replacement of batteries or correction of attachment. As well as allowing in-depth study of animal behaviour and migration, the high-resolution tracks available from a GPS-enabled system can potentially allow for tighter control of animal-borne communicable diseases such as the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

Animal telemetry is defined as the transmission of data from animals at a distance, usually through the use of electronic devices. The traditional method of telemetry was the use of very high frequency (VHF) radio tracking. In this method, the researchers had to follow the animals and locate them by using a receiver. Although this method was successful, it was a tedious task. GPS animal tracking can be considered an advancement over the traditional method of telemetry. In this method, the GPS device sends accurate location information at a given time interval.

Biologging is a more comprehensive approach to the study of the movements and behaviors of animals. In this approach, a device is deployed on an animal to monitor both movement and other related information. While GPS tracking devices are mainly deployed for the determination of the location of an animal, biologging devices can be deployed for the determination of the behavior and other related information. In this regard, GPS tracking can be regarded as a part of a biologging system. Difference between GPS tracking and multi-sensor data collection