A global positioning system, GPS is one of the advanced features that is used to keep track of the current location of a car, mobile phone, and many electronic devices. Its advantages are many. A fleeting company is able to monitor the movements of their vehicles and it's possible to trace a stolen car and a phone. Most of the GPS tracker's that can be bought are readymade. Nothing else is needed to be done once you have it installed. However, it’s possible to create GPS mobile apps. These mobile apps are often what you refer to as a GPS tracker once you have it installed on your phone.

How to program a GPS tracker

Well, if you need to program anything there are major things you should consider for an app these are listed below.
1. A programming language: A programming language is a requirement if you need to create an app. A GPS tracker app will most need a web-based app. Most of the time it will need an Internet connection to give the location of your car or phone. The most common programming languages are Python, C, Java, and PHP. A good programming language should be easier to use and compatible with the GPS hardware.
2. Geolocation: This is an important part if the app is to maintain its goal to provide the current location of the vehicle or mobile phone. Geolocation is giving the current location based on world maps. This feature is common in many smartphone devices. It makes the use of Google maps to be able to get the location. Others are capable of giving a street view of the location.
3. SMS module: Not all, users of the application will have the time and internet connection to check for the fleet’s location all the time. Incorporating an SMS module to send them messages of the locations at specified intervals. However, this is optional but it is important to have it in your app.
4. Security: There is a need to prevent unauthorized access to the data that is collected from the GPS. This can be done by creating an account whereby authorized users can log in. These accounts can be created by using social media accounts such as Facebook, Gmail, and Twitter.
5. Downloads for reports: The app should be able to produce reports based on the current location of the device. An added advantage would be to download the reports when needed SK that it can be stored for future uses and when needed.
6. Calculate distance: A good GPS tracker should be able to calculate the distance from where the device from the user is .for those cars operating in a specific route, it should be possible to calculate the distance travelled and the remaining distance.

Having good knowledge in programming will give you an upper hand in making the app. The process is not an easier one though. It requires a lot of effort and time. A GPS tracker App should contain the above.