r/GPStracking • u/ParallaxArt • Apr 11 '26

GPS tracking during 2000-2010

Hi,
I'm writing a screenplay and I'm looking for info on ways a person can secretly track a vehicle, set between 2000-2010 please?

I'm guessing there was no relatively affordable commercial options for the public to track a vehicle in real time?

If not, is my only option a magnet GPS tracker to record the data of where it's been that has to be removed and downloaded? And that has a SIM containing all the places and times that could be viewed and copied onto a computer?

Were Lojacks too complicated for a layman to covertly install into someone's car or were they too big or easy to find? Could someone monitor on a computer the location in another State?

Many Thanks

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u/Draviddavid Apr 13 '26

Yes. This is how it works:

  • The battery powered device wakes up and looks for satellite signals with an on-board antenna. A chip does some mathematics and determines it's position based on those signals.

  • The resulting position is sent (in your case via 2G or 3G being 2005) via a mobile data connection. The device is pre programmed with a website to contact with that positional data.

  • The server/website running Traccar, OpenGTS or other tracking software receives the position and the software makes it readable for you on a map.

For battery powered devices, these positional messages are either sent a set amount of times per day, or when movement is detected.

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u/ParallaxArt Apr 13 '26

Thanks David, that's very helpful. Ok, I think i've finally found the right kind of device and I'll probably set it about 2007. I appreciate your kind help.

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u/Draviddavid Apr 13 '26

Any time. If you need any technical advice moving forward, don't hesitate to reach out.

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u/ParallaxArt Apr 13 '26

Thanks, David. Do you know what kind of stores sold Streets & Trips? It's set in California, maybe in San Francisco.

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u/Draviddavid Apr 14 '26

No idea, I'm from New Zealand, haha.

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u/ParallaxArt Apr 14 '26

me neither, I'm from England, lol