AURORA, Colo. -- When heavy snow fell Thursday, 37 drivers were deployed to the streets of Aurora. As each driver navigated individual routes, sometimes several times an hour, sophisticated tracking equipment logged every move.

Global Positioning Systems installed in each truck sends back information about its whereabouts to supervisors at the Aurora Public Works Department.

Lynne Center, project engineer at the department, said Aurora was one of the first in the nation to utilize the technology in this way 10 years ago.

Center said the equipment also shows what type of work each truck is performing in real time.

“For example if the spreader is on or off, or if the plow is up or down,” Center said.

The information can be pulled up on computers within the Public Works Department. Color coding helps managers know what’s being accomplished.

“Red means plowing,” Center said as she demonstrated the program to 7NEWS Thursday.

Center said it costs about $1,100 to outfit each vehicle with the devices. Aurora has installed the technology in 100 vehicles including street sweepers.

The tracking equipment works in conjunction with five weather stations placed throughout Aurora. Sensors in the ground can tell if roads are freezing or have been treated. Cameras at various intersections send back images of what conditions look like. Center explained the GPS tool also helps with training, by verifying newer workers or contractors are working the correct routes.

Employees are well aware the puck-sized device on the roof of their truck is sending data back to their bosses.

“We’ve seen anywhere from 15 to 17 percent increase in productivity,” Center said.

The city-wide mapping can also be reviewed later after storms, or when concerned citizens questions why plows haven’t been by their neighborhood.

“Sometimes we’ll say, ‘Where were you 10 minutes ago? Because there was one there,’” Center said with a smile.