Fast, Accurate, and Reliable

Hamilton Systems GPS Tracking was designed with flexibility and functionality in mind. Several key features include the following:

• Tracking Rate up to the Second
• History Logging and Recall
• Two-Way Messaging & Status Update (In Development)
• In-Cab Navigation (In Development)
• Vehicle Telemetry
• Integration or Interface with:
  • RescueNet Dispatch
  • CAD Assistant MP
  • Google Earth
  • NASA World Wind
• Application Programming Interface (API)
• GeoRSS Feed (used for sharing locations on the internet)

While Hamilton Systems GPS Tracking is a valuable stand-alone tool, its true power is realized when used in conjunction with the customer’s existing software. Contact a Hamilton Systems representative for additional information on systems integration support.

Open Standards Format

Because data is accessible in the industry standard KML format, fleet information can be shared and reviewed using common applications such as Google Earth, ESRI ArcGIS, and Nasa WorldWind to name a few. Custom information including hydrants, plot plans, service areas, local hospitals, and fueling locations can be displayed simultaneously allowing for an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Figure 1. View of customer service area with overlay of real-time fleet locations.

Figure 2. Photo-realistic depiction of plot plan along with real-time and historic vehicle positions.

Fleet vehicles are equipped with a GPS enabled modem that receives a signal from the GPS satellites indicating the position of the vehicle relative to the earth. This information is periodically transmitted from the tracking device to the customer’s network via a cellular data connection where it is received and processed by the GPS Gateway software (see Figure 1).

From the GPS Gateway software, the vehicle information is forwarded to the history database where a record is optionally stored. This allows any portion of the route including position, speed, direction of travel, and status to be recalled by the user at any point in time.

Figure 3. Layout of basic GPS Tracking System.  Customer specific configurations may vary.

The GPS Gateway software also handles the integration with third party software such as Zoll Data’s RescueNet software suite as well as any custom solutions using the API.  Additional custom applications may also connect directly to the GPS database for access to location histories, vehicle status, or last known positions.

Vehicle locations can be viewed from any web browser or shared with outside agencies, customers, or applications through the use of GeoRSS, KML, or the Hamilton Systems API. History files are extracted in a KML format meaning they can be e-mailed as attachments or saved to disk and viewed within Google Earth, NASA World Wind, or ESRI ArcGIS.

Requirements

Hardware requirements vary based on the size of the fleet and the customer's desired options. At a minimum, GPS tracking requires the following:

• Dedicated computer running Windows XP Professional or Windows 2003 Server (this will host the gateway and database software)
• Internet connection with static public IP address

Hamilton Systems GPS Tracking utilizes Microsoft SQL Server as the database engine. Customers without an existing database server may wish to implement SQL Server 2005 Express Edition to avoid any additional costs.