I guess it was just a matter of time before the power of Google Earth leapt off the computer screen to become part of a real-world (as opposed to virtual world) tool. Recently various cell phone services have begun to create mash-ups of sorts with Google Maps. But Trackstick Pro, which I stumbled across the other day in my wireless wanderings, takes this idea to a whole new level.
What is Trackstick Pro? The manufacturer (Telespial Systems) describes it as “an advanced GPS data logger capable of continuously recording its own location histories for extended periods of time.” It can log months of travel histories, with user-configurable recording intervals. The oldest location histories are erased first when the 4MB of memory fills up—or data can be moved to a computer using a USB cable.
The device is primarily marketed to government agencies to help them manage vehicles and other assets. It comes with a cigarette lighter plug for charging, and also can be hard-wired to any vehicle.
Trackstick Pro uses Google Earth mapping to provide “an effective solution for tracking moving assets including police, parking enforcement, busses, street cleaning, utility and other city or federal vehicles.”
Just what data, exactly, does Trackstick Pro record? Answer: date, time, location, speed, direction, altitude, signal strength, and temperature.
TrackstickPro.com said its device “is a low cost solution that will document and validate the location of anything that moves.”
Ah, I can hear those concerned about privacy saying it now: “How long until people are outfitted with Tracksticks so the government can keep tabs on their whereabouts?” Perhaps not a silly question, since on its Web site Telespial suggests that Trackstick Pro can be used to find out where you kids have been, verify employee driving routes, or check up on the driving habits of family members.
Yeech, scary stuff. I would rather see Trackstick Pro be adapted for use in house-arrest situations or attached to a wandering pet.
Trackstick is available only through authorized resellers. See www.trackstick.com for details.
Have you spotted similar tracking products that seem cool or give you the creeps? Let me know.
