ShadoWatch Tracking Methods

ShadoWatch employs multiple tracking methods to ensure accurate and reliable location data. This article explains how ShadoWatch tracks via GPS, Wi-Fi, Location-Based Services (LBS), and Bluetooth, along with the details and nuances of each method.

1. GPS Tracking

• ShadoWatch uses Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine precise locations by receiving signals from satellites.
• At least three satellites are required to obtain a valid GPS point.
• For each GPS point, we obtain:
  • Latitude and Longitude coordinates (plotted directly by us).
  • Number of GPS satellites connected.
  • GPS speed. (This is no longer displayed in location information)

Details:

• We do not send lat/long coordinates to Google; we plot these directly within our system.
• A higher number of connected satellites generally means more accurate location data.
  

Example:

• Location: 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W
• Satellites: 4
• Speed: 5 m/h

2. Wi-Fi Tracking

How It Works:

• ShadoWatch utilizes surrounding Wi-Fi networks to determine location.
  
• We do not connect to any Wi-Fi networks; we only sniff for the MAC addresses (unique identifiers for Wi-Fi networks).
• A minimum of three MAC addresses (unique identifiers for Wi-Fi networks) are needed.
• These MAC addresses are sent to Google, which converts them into latitude and longitude coordinates. Google then sends these coordinates back to us for plotting.

Details:

• Google can sometimes return "Google Unable To Locate," which means:
  • Google was unable to determine the location from the provided MAC addresses.
  • Possible reasons include insufficient Wi-Fi signals, the networks not being in Google’s database, or network issues.

Additional Information Collected:

• Wi-Fi accuracy (measurement of how close the estimated location is to the actual location).
  
• Battery percentage, charging status (Yes/No), signal strength, and zone status.

Example:

• MAC Addresses: [00:14:22:01:23:45, 00:14:22:01:23:46, 00:14:22:01:23:47]
• Returned Location: 34.0522° N, 118.2437° W
• Accuracy: 20 meters

3. Location-Based Services (LBS)

How It Works:

• LBS is used when GPS and Wi-Fi are unavailable.
• It determines location based on cellular network data, using cell towers.

Details:

• Less accurate than GPS and Wi-Fi but useful in areas with poor satellite visibility or Wi-Fi coverage.

Additional Information Collected:

• Battery percentage, charging status (Yes/No), signal strength, and zone status.

Example:

• Estimated Location: 37.7749° N, 122.4194° W
• Accuracy: 100 meters

4. Bluetooth Tracking

How It Works:

• Bluetooth tracking is used for indoor locations where GPS and Wi-Fi signals are weak or unavailable.
• Requires Bluetooth to be enabled on the watch through a command.
• Works in conjunction with configured beacons placed in the environment.

Details:

• Plotted on the interior map tab in our system.
• Requires beacons to be strategically placed for accurate indoor positioning.
  

Signal strength is indicated using bars similar to a cell phone's signal bars. Poor (1 bar), moderate (2 bars), good (3 bars) and excellent (4 bars)

Conclusion

ShadoWatch leverages multiple tracking technologies to provide comprehensive location data. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each method helps in interpreting the data accurately.

For further assistance or detailed technical support, please contact our customer support team.