Odometer tracking once relied on varying inputs from different vehicles and devices, with processing methods that differed by device type and data quality. This often added complexity and sometimes led to inconsistent mileage data.
The new universal odometer algorithm standardizes this process with a single, unified method for nearly all vehicles and devices. This streamlined approach simplifies data handling, delivers consistent results, and improves the accuracy of the mileage information you rely on.
Note: This new algorithm applies to all device types except Geotab, Numerex, Orbcomm, and GPSI Mobile. Those devices will continue to use their existing odometer handling. If you have any questions about your device type, please contact your Account Manager.
Let’s dive right in to understand how this works.
Understanding the Universal Odometer Algorithm
Our system supports three reliable inputs for collecting and reporting odometer data:
Diagnostic: Reported directly from the vehicle’s onboard computer
Trip-based: Reported trip increments from the device
GPS-based: Calculated from GPS location data
The table below outlines the three odometer calculation methods used by the system. Each method is applied based on data availability and reliability, ensuring consistent and accurate mileage tracking under different conditions. The Universal Odometer Algorithm continuously monitors odometer inputs and automatically uses the most reliable source available.
Odometer Type | When It's Used | How It Works |
Diagnostic Odometer | When valid diagnostic data is received from the vehicle. | Uses the diagnostic value as the baseline. As long as valid, incrementing data is reported, it remains the source. |
Trip-Based Odometer | When diagnostic data stops reporting, becomes erratic, or contains errors. | Switches to trip-based increments to continue accumulating mileage consistently until diagnostic data is available again. |
GPS-Based Odometer | When neither diagnostic nor trip data is reporting. | Falls back to GPS-based calculations to ensure mileage continues to update, even without other signals. |
How Do I Access Odometer Information?
Please visit Vehicle Card – Odometer for step-by-step instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question | Answer |
What happens if my device/vehicle temporarily stops reporting diagnostic odometer? Will I be stuck with the fallback, trip-based odometer? | Definitely not. The universal odometer algorithm is designed to always prioritize the preferred source: the diagnostic odometer. It continuously scans for a valid diagnostic reading and, once detected, seamlessly switches back to using that data. This ensures your mileage remains as accurate and consistent as the reading displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard. |
Can I select the Odometer data source for my vehicle? | The Universal Odometer Algorithm implements an automatic selection of the most reliable data source for odometer, and the source cannot be manually selected. This results in more consistent, accurate, and dependable mileage reporting. However, when an adjusted value does not appear accurate, a waypoint can be added to recalculate and update the odometer value. |
How Does This Help Me?
There are multiple benefits to the universal odometer algorithm when it comes to monitoring your fleet:
Improved data quality: Eliminates unnecessary resynchronizations with relative inputs (trip/GPS), preventing the small mileage drops seen in older methods.
Consistency across devices: Applies a single intelligent method across all supported devices, regardless of input type.
Hands-off accuracy: Automatically selects the most reliable input without any manual effort required.
Dashboard alignment: If the mileage in GPS Insight ever drifts from your vehicle’s dashboard reading, you can manually realign it anytime by entering a waypoint in the user interface.