Odometer (Geotab)
Types of Odometer Data
Actual Odometer (AO)
AO is the value taken from the vehicle and is the value displayed on the dashboard. AO is calculated using a worm gear on the transmission. This gear can wear over time as can the other parts on the vehicle that impact the number of revolutions the gear makes. Tires are the biggest contributing factor to inaccurate odometer information . When a car or truck is made the tires are a specific size with 100% tread. If the tire size is changed or 50% of the tread is worn off, the diameter of the tire changes which changes the number of revolutions per mile made by the gear measuring and reporting the odometer value.
Virtual Odometer (VO)
VO is mileage calculated by the Geotab GPS device. The Geotab device measures the distance between GPS data points. The more data poins, the more accurate the calculation. When a vehicle does not report odometer data as part of the engine diagnostic codes, it uses VO to determine mileage. Customers on the HOS, Pro or ProPlus plan will receive engine diagnostics data which includes AO if avalailable from most fleet vehicles. Customers on the Base plan will not get AO data but will get VO data on the Trips report but will not be able to run an odometer report which is based on AO. Because VO is not impacted by things like tire size, VO is often more accurate than AO.
It is important to enter the starting odometer value when using VO. This is enter under Vehicles>(selecte vehicle)>Odometer.
Indicates Virtual Odometer in Geotab Vehicle Editor
BackstoryGeotab used to use VO all the time. Back in the day it is all that was available becuase they were not collecting engine diagnostic data. Customers had continuous questions and concerns about the VO not reflecting what was on the dashboard. This lead to hours of conversation and explanation with customers. Eventually when AO was available, Geotab decided to use AO instead of VO to reduce confusion and questions from customers even though it is less accurate. |
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Geotab Article |
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Variations in Odometer Readings |
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10 tips: Nab odometer roll-back scammers |