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Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” contains a dialogue between two neighbors as they work to repair the fence that separates their property—and the neighbor states “Good fences make good neighbors.” Good fences can protect your property from intruders, unwanted animals, nosy neighbors, and trespassers. They are a visible sign that let each individual know exactly where the limits are and where they can no longer continue without a proper invitation or directive from the owner. They help neighbors avoid conflict by clearly delineating boundaries.

Fences can also keep your children inside proper boundaries, protecting them from wandering out into the dangerous unknown. While Robert Frost lived long before the advent of modern technologies that open up our lives to each other and the world at large (via social media, texting, iPhones, GPS tracking, etc.), the principle of maintaining boundaries still holds true—sometimes even more so in our modern, hectic lives.

Adults need boundaries for work, home/family, budget, friends, and time management. Children need boundaries for schoolwork, playtime, chores, and discipline. Some modern day “fences” are completely technological. There are invisible “fences” that will zap your dog if they try to leave the enclosed area. There are filter “fences” available on the internet that will set boundaries to what sites you or your children are able to visit.

One type of “fence” is the geofence—a invisible fence that can be part of a GPS tracking device. A geofence is a geographical area that you define—you create the boundaries for this fence. When the receiver (on your vehicle, child, elderly parent, etc.) crosses these virtual boundaries, you will receive a notification or automated phone calls. You can receive information on when the perimeter was crossed, the location of the crossing, the time of the crossing, and even more information depending on your system.

This is a service that can be available through your GPS tracking device. GPS tracking works through a system of approximately 24 satellites that orbit in outer space (plus several backup satellites). These satellites work in groups of two or three to determine the longitude and latitude of the individual or vehicle wearing the receiving device. This information about location can be downloaded to the internet or a mobile tracking device.

Geofence is just one of the “extras” available that can enhance your use of GPS tracking. What are some ways to use the geofence? As already mentioned, you can use it to set a virtual boundary for your children (teenagers or children on their way home from school); elderly parents for whom you are the caregiver (i.e., Alzheimer’s patients affected by symptoms of wandering); employees making deliveries (make sure they don’t run personal errands on work time)…the possibilities are endless.

And just as real fences made good neighbors and still do, virtual fences can also be a way of setting helpful boundaries today.

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