Garmin provides telematics tracking API

July 1, 2012
Garmin International Inc, a unit of Garmin Ltd, has announced a telematics tracking application programming interface (API) that allows Garmin's licensed

Garmin International Inc, a unit of Garmin Ltd, has announced a telematics tracking application programming interface (API) that allows Garmin's licensed partners to easily incorporate the company's tracking functionalities into their own applications.

Garmin provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) in the form of a web API that works in conjunction with the company's GTU 10 tracking device. Developers can use Garmin's SDK to develop applications that, for example, track containers, trailers, or heavy-duty equipment.

The company also announced a software update for the Garmin dezl 560 that enables the device to now comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for Automatic on-board Recording Devices (AOBRD).

Garmin's Telematics API works in conjunction with the company's GTU 10 tracking device, which includes a built-in GPS receiver and a wireless module with nationwide coverage across AT&T's wireless network to transmit location data back to a web interface. The small, light, and waterproof unit can easily be installed and set up. Garmin's SDK allows developers to access a range of information, including data on the current location of the tracking device, where it has been, and for how long it stayed at specific locations. Users can also set up a geo-fence to get alerts when the device crosses in or out of a defined area.

The software update for Garmin's dezl 560 units allows truck drivers to record their hours of service (HOS) when integrated with a telematics data transponder manufactured by one of Garmin's authorized partners. This provides the partners an AOBRD-compliant digital system that replaces paper logs and meets FMCSA requirements.

The dezl 560LMT has a large 5-inch display, an extra-loud speaker, and external video input for backup cameras. Features include trucking speed limits, truck-specific route highlighting, and trucking points of interest. With detailed maps providing turn-by-turn directions that speak street names, dezl 560LMT provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions in both the United States and Canada (customizable by height, weight, length, width, and hazardous materials).

For more information, visit www.garmin.com.