# Differences Between GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation > Learn more about the Differences Between GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation and why they are not the same but similar in tech. Canonical: https://gpsleaders.com/blog/differences-between-gps-tracking-and-gps-navigation Last updated: 2026-06-16 Fleet Tracking ## Differences Between GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation Learn more about the Differences Between GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation and why they are not the same but similar in tech. By [Nick Muratore](https://gpsleaders.com/about) GPS Veteran & CEO, GPS Leaders·February 2, 2021·2 min read ![Differences Between GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation | GPS LEADERS](https://gpsleaders.com/_emdash/api/media/file/00a38ba77ba91fd4f7c141f64ee424ff.jpg) ### What are some of the differences between GPS tracking and GPS Navigation? Upon hearing the term GPS, most people automatically assume that GPS navigation and GPS tracking are the same. Despite the fact that the two systems use Global Positioning Satellites, the functionality and the process of providing the data is different. So what is the GPS tracking and GPS navigation and what are some common differences. ### What is GPS Navigation? GPS Navigation in many instances refers to the use of an app, a built-in navigation system or a device to find your way in case they are lost or in case they want to check a direction. The devices that are used in GPS Navigation receive the signals from Global Positioning Systems. They will automatically receive the information you want to know directly from GPS. The devices and the apps in use might also use Wi-Fi signals and cellular towers to give you the right accurate data. In many instances it is used to give information such as where emergencies are, where you want to be, the condition of the traffic and several other important information. The main difference that you should have in mind is that it has the main role of sending and receiving the information between the satellites and the individuals that requested the information. The information will definitely be sent to the individual that is using the app or the GPS device. #### What is GPS tracking? GPS tracking on the other hand means the use of a device that receives information from GPS satellite and eventually sends the information to someone else that is far away from the object being tracked. The GPS tracking device can easily be hardwired as part of the vehicle or the object being tracked or just be a software installed on the system to receive and send data. In case of a vehicle, there are certain cases where another receiver is in the office to display the information about the speed, behavior and in extreme cases initiate functionalities such as SOS, Geo fencing and stopping the vehicle. The main role of a GPS tracking device is to display the information about where someone or an object is. It can be used to track an entire fleet of trucks or rental cars and see the whereabouts of all of them from a single screen. ##### FAQs Is GPS the same as Navigation? GPS navigation systems are very different from GPS tracking. GPS navigation system is used to locate addresses and at the same time provide directions to a destination. GPS tracking provides more data about a specific object. It can provide information about the whereabouts of an object, the driver’s behavior, Geofencing and several other information according to the programing set. In simple terms, the tracker is used to display important information to someone that is hundreds of miles away. Can a navigation system be tracked? The navigation systems are on the rise and they can actually come in different forms. The most common ones are in-dash GPS systems and portable Navigation systems and they can help track the several details depending on what is set. Fleet Tracking ### Run your fleet on real numbers Live location, driver behavior, idle time, and maintenance in one place — built for small business owners, not enterprise telematics teams. [See fleet tracking](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) [Request a quote](https://gpsleaders.com/request-a-quote?from=blog-post) [](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) The tracker for this #### Fleet Tracking — OBD2 Plug-In 1-Minute DIY Install $69$149+ $15.98/mo service, billed separately Qty [See the page →](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) Most orders ship same day · US only · 3-year warranty Opt in #### Nick's notes, by email. One email when there's something worth knowing: a recovery that worked, a rule that changed, a number that surprised us. No drip campaigns. ![Nick Muratore](https://gpsleaders.com/team/nick-muratore-160.webp) [Nick Muratore](https://gpsleaders.com/about) GPS Veteran & CEO, GPS Leaders Nick Muratore is the founder and CEO of GPS Leaders, a vehicle intelligence company he established in 2015 and continues to lead from California. Over a 32-year career he has evaluated more than 120 GPS hardware and software products, developing the comparative expertise that underpins the company's approach: recommending systems on evidence of field performance rather than specification. Under his direction GPS Leaders serves vehicle finance, dealership, rental, fleet and equipment operators nationwide, on a model built around transparent pricing, no annual fees, and owner-level accountability. Fleet Tracking ### Run your fleet on real numbers Live location, driver behavior, idle time, and maintenance in one place — built for small business owners, not enterprise telematics teams. [See fleet tracking](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) [Talk to a GPS Expert →](https://gpsleaders.com/talk) [](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) While you read #### Fleet Tracking — OBD2 Plug-In 1-Minute DIY Install $69$149+ $15.98/mo service, billed separately Qty [See the page →](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) Most orders ship same day · US only · 3-year warranty Opt in #### Get the next one before it's on the site. One email when there's something worth knowing: a recovery that worked, a rule that changed, a number that surprised us. Written by Nick, sent when it's ready. ### Keep reading · fleet tracking [All articles →](https://gpsleaders.com/blog) [Fleet Tracking What Is a Geofence? How Vehicle Geofence Alerts Work](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/what-is-a-geofence)[Fleet Tracking How to Calculate Fuel Surcharge for Trucking](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/how-to-calculate-fuel-surcharge)[Fleet Tracking Trailer GPS Tracker: Solar, Battery or Hardwired?](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/trailer-tracking-device-guide)[Fleet Tracking California Fleet Tracking: Costs and Safety](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/fleet-tracking-in-california-guide) Before you go ### Tell us what you finance, rent or run, and we'll tell you what to put in it. Your count, your current provider, and where the vehicles go. A GPS Expert answers with the tracker, the term, and the volume pricing. [Talk to a GPS Expert](https://gpsleaders.com/talk) [Compare the trackers](https://gpsleaders.com/bhph-tracking/compare)