Understanding Geofences

Geofences represent a cornerstone of modern asset management, offering a digital solution to track and protect valuable resources. In fleet management, particularly within the Nexxiot ecosystem, geofences are not just virtual boundaries but essential tools for enhancing operational efficiency and strategic oversight.

In this section, we dive into geofences, what they are, the various types and how they can be created in Connect Intelligent Cloud.

What are Geofences?

A geofence is a virtual boundary or perimeter defined by geographic coordinates in a real-world area. A geofence can be created using the geofence drawing tool of Connect Intelligent Cloud. Unlike a physical fence, a geofence is an invisible perimeter that can detect and monitor activities within its confines. Geofences trigger events when an asset (e.g. Globehopper) enters or exits a predefined geographic area. To learn more about triggers, please visit this page. 

What Are the Types of Geofences?

There are two main types of geofences:

• Circular Geofence: Circular geofences are defined by a central point (latitude and longitude) and a radius. Any device entering or leaving the circle triggers the geofence event.
• Polygonal Geofence: Polygonal geofences use multiple coordinates to define more complex shapes, such as rectangles, triangles, or irregular polygons. They offer greater flexibility in defining areas.

When is a Geofence Event Generated?

A geofence event is generated when an asset with a Globehopper crosses a geofence boundary. An event is triggered based on predefined rules.

How Are Geofences Created in Connect Intelligent Cloud?

1. Navigate to the Geofence Tab

To create a geofence in Connect Intelligent Cloud, navigate to the Geofences tab on the menu bar.

2. Select the + CREATE Button

In the top right corner of your screen, press the "+ CREATE" button. This will bring you to a new page where you can set up your desired geofence.

3. Enter the Starting Details

You can now create your geofence and add relevant details/information, including:

• Geofence Name
• Details Group
  • Railway
  • Workshop
  • Harbour
  • Contact

Start by entering your Geofence name.

💡Pro Tip: Keep your information organized by maintaining a consistent naming format across all geofences. Use enough details to recognize the name from the main Geofence list - between 15 and 25 characters works well. 

Next, consider Details groups, which categories include Railway, Workshop, Harbour and Contact. Including available information upfront can save you time down the road. 

4. Draw the Geofence

Select one of the drawing options that will work best for the geofence: Rectangle, Polygon or Circle.