LandAirSea’s Victoria Tracking System is an active GPS tracking device which is impressive in both performance and design features compared to competitors. Most impressive is the short 10 second interval between position updates (when in vehicle tracking mode) compared with intervals of 10 minutes and up with other devices. An innovative design feature switches the unit from position reporting based on time intervals to distance traveled (20 feet) below a certain speed (10 mph). In effect, it automatically switches from a vehicle tracking device to a personal tracking device. The 6 feet (2.5 m) position accuracy achieved LandAirSea’s Victoria tracking device is market leading figure.

Like other active tracking devices, the Victoria unit utilizes the GPS satellite network to obtain position information and reports the information via a built-in GSM/GPRS modem through a cellular network to a tracking server. The tracking server provides the data base for a website to display both real time and historical position tracking information.

It’s important to note that this device is not suitable as a safety device for hiking, hunting, fishing or any activities outside cellular network coverage (urban areas) where position data cannot be transmitted. The is also no facility to send a distress signal,. For wilderness situations there are suitably robust tracking devices, such as one by SPOT, which use satellite communications.

The LandAirSea website is available only to authorised users who can set automatic alerts for speed or geographic limits (geo-fencing ). The website has the capacity for fleet managers to simultaneously track up to 500 vehicles on a single map field. There are several different map viewing choices available including; street level, birds-eye, aerial, satellite and hybrid which is a street map, superimposed over a satellite view. Streets, buildings, trees, ponds and any number of other geographic elements are shown. The 90-day Historical Playback feature allows any trip (or section of) to be reviewed up to three months after it occurs.

Some smartphones (iPhone) can provide a mapping interface as well. The iPhone, for example, will allow users to track a vehicle, but it can’t access travel history.

Vehicle tracking information is reported at an impressive 10 second frequency including latitude, longitude (convertible to street address), direction and speed. The short position reporting intervals mean users have the advantage of knowing almost immediately when a speed or geographical restriction has been exceeded.

Vehicle Installation

The Victoria is about the size of a deck of cards at 4 inches (100 mm) long, 2.25 inches (56 mm) wide, and 1 inch (25 mm) deep. A clip is provided on the black casing for easy attachment to a purse, pocket, waistband or sun visor or pocket.

Its small size makes it easier to find a suitable position to mount the Victoria tracker in a vehicle. The excellent GPS signal sensitivity of the unit also improves placement flexibility. GPS signals can travel through materials such as glass, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, carpeting and cardboard but, not metal or concrete. The Victoria can be mounted under a car but, an optional watertight case with magnet is required. Whatever position is chosen, LandAirSea rightly recommend that GPS satellite and cellular network connections be tested.

The Victoria tracker is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which lasts for eight to ten hours on a full charge. Permanent vehicle installation requires a car battery connection (a cigarette lighter adapter is available).

Customer Support

If something goes wrong or usage help is required, LandAirSea provides live chat access to a domestically-based support team (no language problems) is available on the LandAirSea website from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time daily, except holidays.

In the Box

• Victoria Tracking System unit
• USB cable
• Wall charger

Service Fees

While GPS satellite use is free, cellular network access requires a monthly fee ($39.95 or $49.95 for international customers at the time of writing). There is also an initial activation fee ($ 29.95). The good news, compared to other active tracking devices, is that you can cancel at any time without penalty and there is no annual contract.

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