Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) is a broad term that describes the function of our Eye In The SKY_® System.  This technology enables you to find the position of every vehicle in your fleet and to see this information displayed in front of you on a map generated by your PC.  Basically, AVL technology acts almost like a flight recorder in your vehicle, and the data it provides will allow your company to work more efficiently.

In its most basic form, an AVL system is able to tell you where your vehicle is located and show it to you on a map on your PC monitor. A visual context is the easiest way to understand your location which means that maps are a substantial part of an AVL system. Most present day AVL systems are also capable of some sort of wireless communications - usually with what is called a "base station" which is most often your home office PC. The following are functions of AVL:

• Positioning
• Mapping
• Communications

An AVL system requires electronic hardware typically wired to the vehicle as well as "base station" software to accomplish its tasks. You can easily accomplish each of these functions (positioning, mapping, and communications) in many ways, resulting in a wide variety of possible AVL systems.

One way to classify AVL systems is by their purpose, since that typically determines their design. Individual consumers are more likely to use AVL for automobile navigation. They usually want to find out how to get from point A to point B (pathfinding or route finding) and be directed there (route guidance). Businesses, on the other hand, use AVL for asset management purposes to increase revenue and decrease operating expenses.