INTEGRATION OF GPS TRACKING SYSTEMS IN URBAN LOGISTICS

Abstract

Urban logistics has emerged as a strategic field as cities expand and demand analytical systems capable of precisely interpreting the behavior of freight vehicles, a context in which GPS tracking data stand out as an essential source for studies requiring high levels of operational detail. The literature shows that continuous records enable the identification of movement patterns, stop durations, spatial distribution of operations, and fluctuating traffic conditions, providing analytical support for a deeper understanding of logistic dynamics in urban environments. Research conducted in different regions demonstrates that the integration of georeferenced data, advanced processing techniques, and spatial analysis methods strengthens diagnostic capacity regarding urban performance, contributing to the identification of bottlenecks, assessment of corridor efficiency, and comprehension of interactions between infrastructure and operational flows. Based on the bibliographic review, GPS tracking was found to have evolved from a security-oriented tool to a structural instrument for planning and management, enabling public and private strategies to be formulated on the basis of empirical evidence. The findings indicate that continuous use of these technologies offers greater precision for scenario modeling, supports policies for reorganizing freight circulation, and enhances logistical practices in urban settings, demonstrating that systematic application of GPS data represents a significant advancement toward efficiency, sustainability, and rational management of freight transport.