Position update rate (60 s driving, 5 min parked) – why it matters
How often is a vehicle's position updated? That question decides whether you see your vehicles live or with a delay. Let's look at what update frequency means, why SaveTrack works with a 60-second update rate while driving and a 5-minute one when the vehicle is parked, and why that is the ideal setting for vehicle tracking.
What position update frequency means
The frequency and latency of position updates describe how often the unit in the vehicle sends its position, and therefore how current the picture you see in the application is. The shorter the interval between updates, the closer to real time you follow the vehicle's movement.
Think of it as the freshness of the information. At a 60-second update rate while driving, the position on screen is never more than a minute old. For everyday vehicle tracking, the mileage log and dispatching, that is a highly current picture.
Why SaveTrack uses 60 seconds
SaveTrack works with a 60-second update rate while driving. That setting is a considered compromise between how current the data is and sensible data usage and system load.
At a 60-second rate while driving you see which way the vehicle is going, where it is standing and how it is moving, practically live. At the same time it does not generate a needlessly large volume of data that would burden transfers without any real benefit to the user.
Why the interval is longer when the vehicle is parked
The interval is not the same all the time. While the vehicle is moving, the unit reports its position every 60 seconds. Once it stops and is parked, it switches to a calmer mode and reports every 5 minutes.
The reason is simple: a stationary vehicle has nothing new to say. Sending the same position every minute would only burn through data, and on battery-powered units through capacity as well. As soon as the vehicle moves, the unit returns to the one-minute interval immediately, so you never lose any part of a trip.
When a shorter interval is unnecessary
It might seem that the shorter the interval, the better. In practice that does not hold without exception. At very short intervals the volume of transferred data grows sharply, while the real benefit for business tracking is minimal.
For the mileage log, checking vehicle utilisation or dispatching, a 60-second update rate while driving is entirely sufficient. In a minute a vehicle does not cover enough distance for a shorter interval to give you a substantially more accurate picture of its movement.
How the update rate affects routes and the mileage log
A continuous route is assembled from individual positions. The more regularly the unit sends data, the more faithfully the route follows the actual drive, including bends and stops.
At a 60-second update rate while driving, the routes are continuous and the mileage log faithfully reflects reality – the distance driven, the driving time and the places where the vehicle stopped. If the signal drops temporarily, the system interpolates the points from speed and heading, so the route stays free of gaps.
The update rate in the context of the whole solution
The update rate is only one part of reliable tracking. The quality of the unit matters too – SaveTrack is built on proven Teltonika devices – along with secure data processing on the server.
All position data is moreover stored encrypted and in line with GDPR. The result is a solution that offers a current picture of your vehicles, faithful routes and protection for the sensitive data about their movement.
FAQ
How often is the position updated in SaveTrack?
SaveTrack updates the position every 60 seconds while driving, every 5 minutes when parked. The position on screen is therefore never more than one minute old.
Why is the interval not shorter than 60 seconds?
A shorter interval substantially increases the volume of transferred data, yet in business tracking it does not deliver a substantially better picture. Sixty seconds is the optimal compromise between currency and efficiency.
Is a 60-second interval enough for the mileage log?
Yes. At a 60-second update rate while driving, the routes are continuous and the mileage log faithfully reflects the actual trips, distances and stops.
What happens to the route during a signal outage?
The system interpolates the missing points from speed and heading, so the route stays continuous even after a short signal outage.
Do I see the vehicles live?
Practically yes. At a 60-second update rate while driving you follow vehicle movement almost in real time directly on the map.
Want to see your vehicles almost live? SaveTrack offers 60-second updates while driving from €6 a month with no lock-in. Call +421 908 918 880 or write to info@savetrack.sk.
GPS tracking from €6/month, with the GPS device included on annual payment.
Order with no obligation