A system for selectively collecting location information in a tracking environment includes a first energy signal identification badge for detecting trigger signals and transmitting identification data signals indicating existence of a proximity condition between the first badge and a source of the trigger signals. The trigger source transmits trigger signals of a predetermined power level, wherein the first badge can detect the trigger signals only if the first badge is within a predetermined radius of the trigger source when the trigger source transmits the trigger signals. The first badge transmits the identification data signals when the first badge detects the trigger signals transmitted by the trigger source.