Tips & Tricks – Last Contact and Last Position

by Christian Hansen

18. July 2024

Two different timestamps are displayed in the apps (smartphone, web): last contact and last position. We explain how to understand these two times in this article.

Basics

Basically, the GPS tracker sends two types of messages to the server: status messages and positions.

Important to know:
The GPS tracker decides for itself when to contact the server.
You can find out why this is the case here: Tips & Tricks – Battery Management and Intervals

Last contact

Basically, the last contact timestamp indicates when the GPS tracker last reported to the system. When contact is made, the last status values of the GPS tracker are transmitted to the server (e.g. battery level, temperature). In addition, the settings are synchronized at this time so that any changes to the settings are now adopted by the GPS tracker (e.g. interval change, changes to the speed limit or activation of the notification when movement is detected).

Since the GPS tracker also evaluates geofences, the geofences are also synchronized when contact is made, which tells the GPS tracker which geofences are new and which can be removed.

Last position

The last position timestamp describes when the last position was transmitted. To save energy, the GPS tracker only transmits a new position if it has changed significantly from the last one. If the GPS tracker is in the same place for a long time, the timestamp for the last contact may change, but the timestamp for the last position may remain unchanged. As soon as the GPS tracker is moved again, new positions are transmitted.

This does not apply if the GPS tracker is in alarm mode (e.g. by detecting movement if movement notification is activated). When alarm mode is activated, position data is always transmitted; even if the GPS tracker is in the same place.

A position update may also not occur if the GPS tracker was unable to determine a position. This can be influenced by a variety of factors. You can find more information on this topic in our article The exact position: What factors influence the GPS signal?

Summarized

We have seen that there are two types of messages that the GPS tracker transmits. Status messages and position messages can be transmitted at different times and are therefore listed as different timestamps. A position message is always accompanied by a timely status message. However, not every new status message means a new position.

Are you ready to explore GPS tracking solutions for your business or personal use?

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