What is a Geofence?

A geofence is a virtual fence or perimeter around a physical location. Like a real fence, a geofence creates a separation between that location and the area around it. Unlike a real fence, geofencing technology can also detect movement of mobile devices inside the virtual boundary.

It can be any size or shape to follow the boundary of a specific area such as a worksite, even a straight line between two points.

Geofences are created using mapping software, which allow the user to draw the geofence over the desired geographic area. It is made up of a collection of coordinates (i.e., latitude and longitude) if shaped like a polygon or in the case of a circular geofence one point that forms the center.

Geofencing functionality can be used for provide geo-targeted push notifications and sms messaging to end users’ iOS and android phones, a mobile marketing tactic that is sometimes used by retailers.

Geofencing in fleet management: use cases

When integrated with a gps fleet tracking solution, geofences can be used to alert you via text message in near real time if a vehicle or valuable piece of equipment with a GPS tracker attached is removed from your yard or worksite without your authorization.

Geofences and location data from tracked trucks can also help automate time sheet logging for your mobile workforce, as part of a larger Mobile Resource Management (MRM) system.