A source device includes various sensors, such as a GPS receiver. The source device provides operation context data to a server that indicates movement of the source device. The source device may also provide a movement context. The server also evaluates usage of data from the device by other applications or devices to determine a usage context. Based on the movement, operation, and usage contexts, the server selects a frequency at which data is collected for a sensor and a frequency at which the data is transmitted to the server. For example, where the device is not moving or is indoors, less location data is collected. Where no user is tracking the device, location data may be transmitted less frequently and may also be collected less frequently.