GPS Navigation System - Amazing Innovation In Your Car

The invention of the GPS navigation system is not as new as most people believe; they have been around and used ever since the first GPS satellite was launched into space back in 1978. Global positioning satellites have many civilian and military applications, but one of the most pervasive is navigation.

However, using a GPS navigation system inside an ordinary automobile, is somewhat different than using it on airplane. Transportation by car is dependent on the roads that are traveled. In reality, GPS readings alone such as longitude, latitude and altitude are for all practical purposes useless when you're driving to Aunt Mabel's house. When driving an automobile you can end up going through urban canyons and tunnels, where satellite singles cannot get through. So a different type of GPS technology is needed for automobile GPS navigation systems.

There has been potential for years in automobile GPS navigation systems, and industry has tried various ways to implement them. In 1983, Honda introduced an automobile navigation system that was based primarily on an accelerometer, not on GPS. It wasn't until 1990 that an automobile GPS system was released to the public consumer by Pioneer. Automobile GPS Navigation systems had yet to really come into use until Magellan released its version in the US in 1995. Since then more portable GPS systems have been developed for greater ease of use for people.

Automobile GPS Navigation System Components

An automobile GPS Navigation System requires a GPS receiver and a map database. Some systems also have drive train sensors to supplement when GPS signals are blocked for brief periods.

The database map converts the GPS portable systems coordinates into map locations, such as street names and addresses. Some map databases contain GPS coordinates for specific locations, such as points of interest or rest stops. It's the information in the database, however, that directs you to your location, either visually or by voice. Which means your GPS navigation system is only as good as your GPS car systems map database.

Commercial Applications

Many corporations and businesses use GPS navigation system within their vehicles to dispatch and track vehicles. In various cities throughout the US, taxis come equipped with a GPS navigation system. Dispatchers at the taxi company know where all the taxis are located at any given point in time, and can dispatch them more effectively than before.

Commercial shipping companies find GPS navigation systems indispensable. In addition to being able to track where the trucks are whenever they want, they can also give the customer a tracking number, and then the customer would have the ability to track their individual package themselves.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/GPS-Navigation-System---Amazing-Innovation-In-Your-Car/58863

How a GPS Locator Can Help Find Lost Vehicles and People

When you're in a strange city or country, it would be great if you could just push a button on a handheld electronic device and know precisely where you're at. While this may sound like science fiction, a GPS locator makes it available to you today.

For convenience and safety, there are wristwatches designed as GPS locator units for children which helps parents know at all times where their kids are at. There are some systems that give a families home computer the ability to be connected to it, while other systems are set up to external services to know your child's whereabouts and can then be obtained by you by making a simple phone call. Your child's location can be pinpointed to within 5 feet and you can get the nearest street address from the service, or if requested, you can call emergency services.

Still another type of GPS locator unit can be tracked by a person cell phone just by making a simple phone call. You can know the whereabouts of the unit by making a simple telephone call and the information is sent back to your cell phone for quick identification of location. As long as the device is carried by a child, you can be at ease at knowing that you have the ability to find them anywhere they may be by utilizing the GPS locator unit.

Know the Whereabouts On Anything That Is Important to You

In the past few years GPS locator units have become extremely small giving you the ability to track virtually anything you choose because of this. If you want to track your luggage you can simply use such a device to find out if it has or has not arrived on the same plane as you did, all this without complaining to the airline personnel to go through their paperwork. Doing things like that will not get it to you in a faster, however GPS locator placed inside your suitcase will give you precise information to know where it is located and how long it's going to take to be returned to you.

You can even extend this type of tracking ability to your vehicle. Placing a GPS locator unit inside your vehicle is like having an extra set of eyes for the new driver in your house who is attempting to obtain your trust while driving your car around town. If for instance they say that they spent the whole day at school, however the GPS locator unit says differently in that they were at a nearby amusement park, a proper education can be administered so they can learn a lesson on honesty.

A rental car company such as Avis for instance, who only give vehicles to be used in particular states can utilize GPS locator units to find out where any car that may have strayed out of their authorized area and the appropriate financial charges can be applied for the use in this unauthorized area. Despite the fact that many will complain that this use of technology is a violation of their personal privacy, courts of law have upheld that the rental car company is legal owner of the car and has all legal rights to know the location of its property at any given time.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/How-a-GPS-Locator-Can-Help-Find-Lost-Vehicles-and-People/57477

Marine GPS Maintains Boater Safety

It's never a good feeling when you are lost on your boat in an unfamiliar lake, yet on occasion even experienced boaters have had that unnerving feeling of losing their navigational way. However, if your boat is equipped with a Marine GPS unit, your chances of returning safely to shore increases exponentially.

It does not matter whether you use a standalone Marine GPS unit, or a handheld unit or have a GPS capable personal data (PDA) finding your bearings can be made much easier. Additionally, God forbid there is an emergency, you can use your marine GPS unit to give rescuers an exact location which would make you safe return to shore pretty much guaranteed and you will also get a quicker response.

When utilizing a handheld Marine GPS unit, it is best to first check the location when you are on the shore and market that down in your unit, in the event you get lost while you are out on the water. You can get to your destination in a quicker, safer, simpler manner by knowing where you are and where you need to go. Particularly if you are in water that you are not familiar with or a quick storm makes visibility nearly impossible. A Marine GPS unit can help you find yourself into a safe harbor in the event that you travel too far away from shore and loose any of your directional bearings that you were hoping you had if you maintained a line of sight.

Marking and Recalling Locations of Successful Fishing Spots

When on the water and your fishing and you come upon a suitable location that gives great results, you cannot put a 'X' on the water, but by utilizing a Marine GPS, you can do the next best thing. You can go back to the precise spot the next time you are looking for a place to catch fish, by marking the location that is revealed by the unit. There will be no judging location by a reference point on the shore and there will be no guessing involved because your Marine GPS unit has the data within it marked.

When boaters sometimes wander away from the territory that they are familiar with they need to send for help. Whether there was a malfunction on their boat or they lost their bearings on the lake and they have a need to guide the rescue craft to their location it becomes more crucial as time goes by. A Marine GPS unit on board can make your imminent rescue easier and faster if you can provide them with the exact location to give to a rescue craft.

In a more severe accident on the water, such as your boat sinking, then a quick rescue is in order. By utilizing a Marine GPS, particularly if equipped with a GPS locator, you can assist rescuers to find you near your last reported location. Having a starting point for a rescue operation can be a life-saving and critical piece of knowledge.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Marine-GPS-Maintains-Boater-Safety/64458

Finding a Good Deal On a Magellan GPS

There are many brands of portable GPS receivers that people use, however Magellan GPS is one of the better known ones. Most people install GPS systems in their automobiles to assist with directions, monitor what their teenage kids are doing, or track their car in the event of a theft.

Some other reasons that people carry these portable GPS units would be to take hiking or hunting to prevent them from losing their directions. Regardless of the reason that you wish to utilize a Magellan GPS, you should do your research prior to shopping around for one that is at the right price with the right features.

Initial Considerations

Before you buy you a GPS system decide what features you need. Is it more significant to you that it be light or rugged? Is battery longevity a consideration? Is there a manufacturers guarantee in regards to the hardware itself? Additionally, the majority of GPS systems will require periodic software updates.

In other words, you will need to install updated maps onto your GPS receiver periodically. Also, the same as with any type of software, it will require some minor patches at times. Regardless of where you purchase it, learn about the type of tech support the dealers give you, and do a comparison for the prices when it comes to any monthly monitoring prior to making your choice.

Shopping in a Retail Outlet

The majority of stores, particularly outdoor and automotive stores have Magellan GPS systems in stock. If you have a store discount card or some other method of getting a better price, making your purchase this way may be the best method. Particularly when the holidays are near, you may find exceptional discounts in prices. Discounts on GPS prices can range from as little as $100 to as high as $1000. Keep in mind that you should use promotions that allow for a certain percentage discount instead of a set amount off for large ticket products.

On the Net

Shopping on the Internet has become very convenient nowadays, and you'll be able to easily see all the options and accessories that are available with a Magellan GPS system. However, you have to, of course be mindful when shopping on the Internet; you only want to go to sites that have a good reputation.

Sites that are reputable will have a phone number and physical address, a secure server for transactions with a credit card and will have decent reviews on sites like epinions.com. It is not wise to use a site until you have read positive reviews regarding it.

Magellan's company website would be the first place to look into. The home page has a list of current promotions. Regardless if you decide not to purchase a Magellan GPS from the manufacturer, you can get some good ideas in regards to the range of products available, the prices, and how often you will be required to update the software by going back to the site.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Finding-a-Good-Deal-On-a-Magellan-GPS/66419

Global Positioning System: A New Commodity For The Urban Jungle

Living in an urban jungle is not as easy as it may seem. Traffic congestions and accidents regularly occur. Time is of great value for urban dwellers on where optimum time is not 15 minutes early but rather on time.

Car stereos are fitted with Global Positioning System when they roll out of the factory. An urban setting would mean a lifestyle that's always up on its toes, where time management is an essential tool to get the day's job done. Stream of up to date information is an essential aide to know what will be done for the next task - a pro active approach day to day is needed. As micro-computers have become cheaper and more feasible to mass produce, countless innovations and inventions made it through the consumer electronic market and one of them is the portable GPS receiver. It was then a military tool to track accurate locations to report to its intelligence, but now it paved the way for various applications.

GPS' primary function is tracking. By the use of the orbiting satellites in our planet, a GPS receiver receives data positions from the roving satellites then calculates its location by means of trilateration. This then gives off a point on where the GPS receiver is located with discrepancies of 2 to 5 meters laterally.

GPS are made to aide traffic by directing them to the nearest possible route, then saving on gas and time. It can also receive live traffic updates and situations to redirect incoming traffic to another route if there is a heavy build up on the current route. There is a GPS system that tells the driver the distance on the next turn. All these features are dependent on the model of the GPS installed.

GPS tracking instruments are not just limited to vehicles. It is commonly found as a built in feature of cellular phones, personal digital assistants and pocket pc's for the newer models. It has been contested for privacy by some individuals because with this feature the user can be tracked at any given time. Cellular phones fitted with GPS feature are often given to children wherein the mobile phone sends off a text message to a pre- programmed number when they are out of a limited boundary radius.

Establishments and businesses that handle deliveries have taken advantage on the portability of a GPS instrument to track the whereabouts of the employees and company vehicles.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Global-Positioning-System--A-New-Commodity-For-The-Urban-Jungle/70673

Installing a GPS Tracking System on Your Teenagers Car

Learning to drive in American society for a teenager is like a rite of passage. While it is an exciting event for the teenager, it is typically either a stressful or horrible event for the teenager's parents.

Because teenagers are young and have the least experience in terms of driving an automobile it makes them more prone to mistakes. Piece of the mistakes that their parents are hoping they can stop from happening.

Going beyond the safety issue, parents also have concerns about the destinations that there kids are really going when driving their car. Parents have heard many stories from other parents or they still can recall their own days as a teenager and make the decision to keep close watch on their teenagers locations. One method to get an accurate location on where your teenager is driving is to have a GPS tracking system installed on his or her vehicle.

Addressing Safety

It is likely that younger drivers take more driving risks than drivers who are more experienced. Monitoring the vehicles speed is one feature among many of GPS tracking systems. With that supplied information, parents can make a decision whether to deny driving privileges or take any other corrective measure.

Additionally, in the event of a breakdown or an accident, the parents can be notified immediately through the GPS tracking system. This is especially helpful due to the fact that younger drivers may not have much of an idea of their street locations or any other geography they may be on. However, the GPS system pinpoints the location on a map very accurately.

Tracking Features

However, the majority of parents that have a GPS tracking system installed in their teenagers automobile is doing it to ensure their child follows the rules set down by their parents in regards to where they can go and where they cannot go. For instance, some parents deny their teenagers from driving on the freeway. Some other parents may not want their teens going to a certain house.

Some may be just concerned that the teenager may not really be going to soccer practice or the library, but to somewhere else that may be undesirable. In short, some parents utilize GPS tracking systems to try and keep their kids honest.

Some manufacturers of these GPS system tracking units advertise that they are very simple and easy to install, that your teenager does not need to know where it is located on the car. Simply put, parents have the options to do this in secret, and have the location data sent to their phone or computer. This is very effective for teenagers that have a tendency to drive recklessly or break the rules. However it may be best utilized as a last resort, and always with the driver's knowledge.

If your child learns that he or she has been tracked without their knowledge, it will only cause greater hostility and distrust in the household. To confront your child with any type of wrongdoing, it would be necessary to admit that they had a installed a GPS tracking system in the vehicle.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Installing-a-GPS-Tracking-System-on-Your-Teenagers-Car/68843

The advanced GPS System Posted By : Anne Tide

Many people are still wondering about the utility of the Vehicle Tracking System; they are still wondering about the way this system is likely to function when installed in their own cars but the only thing that they should know s the fact the they may rely on the signal that comes from the global positioning satellites because this signal is very accurate when it comes to locating their mobile property.

The satellites will use all the given formation in order to locate every person or mobile property; certain positions will thus be shown and the GPS System may help you find the right direction when traveling. The first item that is quite handy and that comes along with almost every type of tracking system is the touch screen monitor; this interface monitor will be used in order to receive the necessary driving directions.

The voice instructions are quite easy to understand and these voice prompts will reinforce all the directions that are to be displayed on the monitor. Most of the tracking systems will display the necessary map of the location and you will be able to see your present position right on this map. Even the route that you are going to take is likely to be highlighted because the tracking systems will use all the available information when it comes to a particular area in order to provide you with all the alternatives.

The best and even the shortest routes are going to be displayed on the monitor in order to help you notice all the railways crossing that will intersect your own roads. By displaying these crossing, the monitor will let you know that your travel is going to be compromised in case that you do not avoid these unnecessary crossing roads. Navigating the city will become easer because you will be accompanied by the voce instructions that will teach you everything you need to know about a particular area of the city.

The electronic voice will provide you with easy to understand and quite simple directions that are highly necessary when you are dealing with unknown zones. These simple directions re to be followed and you can even choose the type of voce that is going to recommend you the existing alternatives. You may choose a female or male voice but you should also be fully aware that these electronic devices can fail sometimes thanks to their electronic malfunctioning.

For instance, people may get lost or they may be even misdirected but these occurrences are quite rare. Therefore, you will have to add your common sense in order to complete all the electronic advices; you will have to make sure that you are directed in the right direction and you can try and verify the locations by your own. Common sense is always to be use in conjunction with the voice instructions in order to avoid getting lost.

The Vehicle Tracking System has been designed in order to help you navigate in the unfamiliar areas of different cities; this global positioning system will be mainly based on the signals that are received. These signals will be transformed and adapted to your current location thus providing the driver with the necessary information. The entire system is to be regarded as a sort of invisible network that can be highly efficient when it comes to protecting your mobile properties.

The tracking system will also allow you to communicate with your vehicles by using the email, cell pager and even via internet; most people have claimed that the existence of such tracking systems in their mobile properties is likely to provide them with a special peace of mind because they will not have to worry about the safety of their property anymore. They can fully rely on the information that comes from their tracking system on a constant basis because the reporting features are to be trusted.

When planning to purchase the GPS System, you will have to think about the features that are likely to work best in your own case. Therefore, you will have to think whether you need added bonuses or just a simple tracking system or not. For instance, you will have to pay attention to the size of the GPS unit in order for the system to be a portable one. You may also consider the price of this unit in order to make sure you can afford such a device for your car.

Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/The-advanced-GPS-System/144191

A GPS Tracker Makes Keeping Maintenance Records Easy

Numerous businesses have discovered a better high-tech way of recording their vehicles locations and how long it has taken them to reach their destinations by utilizing a GPS tracker system within each of their vehicles. By means of automatically tracking the distances traveled on a regular basis, maintenance of fleet vehicles can be completed much more efficient way on a scheduled basis.

By using a GPS tracker you also can help discover any unauthorized use of company vehicles and also assist in finding those that possibly have been stolen, which will help lead to a speedy recovery and hopefully much less damage to the vehicle itself.

When it is installed in a vehicle, it has the ability to monitor a vehicle's location, the area driven as well as the speed. When it is returned the GPS tracker information can be uploaded onto a company computer and then printed out for purposes of income taxes as well as billings.

With the use of a GPS tracker there is no longer a need for the driver to manually monitor the mileage so that the actual mileage can be charged appropriately to the customers. It has been shown to be effective when it comes to trucking companies as well as other companies who provide various services and delivery to multiple customers on one trip while driving.

Uses In Accident Investigations

In the event of a possible accident, a GPS tracker can be utilized kind of like a "black box" in an airplane to help discover the speed of the vehicle and the direction of travel and can aid in the reconstruction of the accident to help come to a conclusion as to how the accident actually happened. It will also give the appropriate authorities the chance designate fault to whoever is responsible. Most insurance companies are now offering various discounts towards vehicles that are equipped with a GPS tracker.

Most private investigators, as well as law-enforcement authorities and agencies, are utilizing GPS tracker technology for the purposes of surveillance in keeping track of individuals from a distance.

The end result of this is the elimination of the need to have people follow in other vehicles and it also reduces the possibility of being spotted by the target. This can also lower accidents rate, as the followers may not be given their full attention to the traffic going on around them as they focus their attention on their target vehicle.

Trucking companies have learned it is more efficient to track shipments if the trucks they are using are equipped with a GPS tracker system and it also gives them the ability to estimate the time of arrival in a more accurate way if a shipment happens to be late in reaching its destination.

A GPS tracker can assist in the event of valuable cargo that is being shipped ends up missing and locating the transportation vehicle as quick as possible is of paramount importance. It has the capability to make a difference in the safety of the driver in the event of an accident and the vehicles primary location can be transmitted to the appropriate authorities.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/A-GPS-Tracker-Makes-Keeping-Maintenance-Records-Easy/73087

GPS Tracking Devices - Teens Vs Parents, Law Enforcement Vs Invasion Of Privacy

GPS tracking devices have a multitude of uses, the majority of them are mostly beneficial. However, global positioning satellite system devices sometimes involve privacy issues that can, at times, lead to controversy.

Fleet Vehicles and GPS Tracking Devices

You'll find that there are many companies both large and small that use global positioning tracking devices to follow the location of their vehicles. The majority of trucking companies have the capability to tell you where all of their vehicles are at any given point in time. In a similar manner, taxi companies as well as repair companies have the capability to monitor their trucks location so that they can dispatch them in a more efficient manner.

However, there are people that believe this gives the companies who choose to use GPS tracking devices more information than is needed about their drivers. For instance, trucking companies have the capability to know how much time a trucker has spent on the road, when and for what period of time he stops for sleep or meals and if he has taken any unscheduled side trips.

Dispatchers at these companies may be privy to personal information that is none of their business, such as a driver having lunch each day at the same place, and it is not his residence. Some individuals are of the opinion that this constitutes an invasion of personal privacy.

Teens and GPS Tracking Devices

There are some parents who use global positioning tracking devices to know the location of their teens. They may download global positioning system tracking software technology to the mobile phones of their teens, or they may place a global positioning system tracking device somewhere in their car. The teenagers may or may not be aware that their parents are monitoring them.

There is likely quite a few teens who believe that this is and invasion of their privacy.

GPS Tracking Devices and Surveillance

Does the thought run through your mind if your spouse having an affair? Curious to find out what your brother-in-law is up to? If you place a hidden GPS tracking device on their vehicle, you will at least know where they are going in their car. You may have to come to your own conclusions as to what they are actually doing there.

There are many people who would agree that this would be an invasion of privacy and quite a few would be offended if they either knew or suspected you were tracking them. Things get a little more involved when police use GPS tracking devices.

Global positioning tracking devices have been used by police to successfully solve crimes. An example of the conflict between serving justice and invasion of privacy; say the police put a GPS tracking device on the car of a person they suspect of being a murderer. They successfully track the the murderer as he unknowingly leads them to the victims grave. Is this an invasion of privacy? Should law enforcement officials be allowed to use global positioning tracking devices this way?

If, for instance, the police need to obtain a search warrant from a judge to use a GPS tracking device, should a private citizen be able to use this technology without a warrant? Should the average private citizen even be allowed to use global positioning tracking device technology at all? At times the right to privacy and the right to information are in conflict, this is one of those time.

All technology has moral and ethical implications that we as individuals and society as a whole has to grapple with. The right to privacy is the ethical dilemma we are forced to deal with when we use GPS tracking device technology.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/GPS-Tracking-Devices---Teens-Vs-Parents--Law-Enforcement-Vs-Invasion-Of-Privacy/75916

GPS Fish Finder - How Can It Help You Find That Trophy Fish?

Lets make one thing clear; the tracking technology does not find fish. Well, it finds fish, but not with the GPS. Which is why it can get a but confusing. I figured it would find fish, period.

I have looked at the video, and I realize they have the ability to read your license plate number from miles up in orbit around the earth. Smoke cigarettes? They know which brand they are or if its not tobacco your smoking. At least that is what their saying on the paranoia internet websites.

Hence, it can lead you to believe the satellites up there could find the fish for you. Probably even the bigger fish as well. I mean, they probably can not find a minnow. But, maybe a sturgeon? A GPS fish finder should be able to pin down a sturgeon, right?

Well, to find fish to find fish the use of sonar is employed with a GPS fish finder, similar to a regular fish finder. The GPS component is completely external to the function of the fish finder. Additionally, as it ends up. The satellites that can read your license plate are actually spy satellites, not GPS satellites.

Its All About Location, Location, Location

So we get down to the question; what does the GPS part of the fish finder actually do? It lets you know where you are. Thats it. Nothing more. You also have the ability to mark your locations, as well, and it will provide to you directions from one location to another. Which can, without question, be very useful.

How useful is that, you ask? Well, the moment you find that sturgeon, you can use the GPS fish finder to mark its location, so that you now have the ability to find your way back to the exact same spot again. The possibility exists that there will be an additional sturgeon at that location.

Obviously, it is also very useful if you get lost. You know the situation, when you're right in the middle of a big lake, all the coves and bays appear to be pretty much the same. Also, if you are someone who is directionally challenged, it is more likely that you will get lost.

At the point that you end up getting lost on a large lake the only thing left to do is to circle the lake and try to locate a landmark that looks familiar, or God forbid you get tired and you run out of fuel. With a GPS fish finder, though, you can mark the location of the dock when you first leave it, and then it is a much simpler matter to find your way back home.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/GPS-Fish-Finder---How-Can-It-Help-You-Find-That-Trophy-Fish-/79479

How GPS Tracking Aids Post 9/11 Homeland Security

It's now been a few years since the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and many of us get complacent thinking that no more attacks on US soil will ever happen. But what has been reported by Washington is that there are now 10,000 foreigners from states that sponsor terrorism living in the US and they have obtained permanent residency in the the United States in the past 7 years. So the risk of yet even more powerful attacks on US soil is only a matter of time. We must not get lulled into thinking it won't happen again.

This article explores the ways in which GPS Tracking technology is being used in conjunction of an application called the Mobile Tactical Collaboration System. It's and example of the Mobile Command Post of the Future to effectively help coordinate missions to thwart another major terrorist attack.

First we preset details of an exercise performed during the Southwestern Pennsylvania Operation Steel Hammer; a harbor security counterterrorism exercise in the City of Pittsburgh.

At approximately 0900 hours this morning, Pittsburgh River Rescue police officers observed a small boat moored along the water entrance of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Two occupants were spotted and as they were questioned, one of the officers observed a suspicious package. Additional searches of the boat revealed the existence of schedules and photographs of Gateway Clipper Fleet vessels, suggesting an attempt may be underway to commandeer one of the vessels and ram it onto a bridge support and/or detonate a hazardous device.

This was confirmed by an emergency call from Fleet offices that one of their boats, the Liberty Belle, had been commandeered by unknown assailants.

A multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary task force was mobilized which included Pittsburgh River Rescue Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), Pittsburgh Police Special Deployment Division (aka SWAT), Pittsburgh Fire Bureau, EMS Divers, Pennsylvania State Police SERT, Intelligence Unit, and Office of Emergency Management, to identify, assess, interdict, board the Liberty Belle and neutralize the threat.

Thus began the Pittsburgh portion of Operation Steel Hammer, a 13-county Southwestern Pennsylvania regional (Region 13) counterterrorism exercise under the auspices of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Following the exercise, the quotes from Steel Hammer participants about the benefits they gained from using MTCS and AdvanTraq GPS were punctuated by 'awesome'. They included: MTCS workspaces and common operating picture enabled operators to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate visually, effectively, and in real time.

Until the introduction of the Mobile Tactical Collaboration System, first responders had to rely exclusively on radio handsets for tactical communication. Although radios are trusted and reliable, responders experience difficulty describing complex situations and strategies using verbal communication alone.

The integrated tracking device allows commanders and operators enhanced situational awareness by overlaying actual unit positions dynamically on top of the operations plans. Our operators were pleased with the robustness, ease-of-use, fast training, and intuitive look and feel of this new technology which allowed them to focus their attention more on sharpening their tactical skills using the tool rather than being frustrated by its complexity.

From campus security to port security, from critical infrastructure protection to border patrol, from major sporting event security management to VIP transportation, from man-made to environmental disaster response, the challenges faced by public safety officials and first responders in the post 9/11 world are as complex as they are numerous.

About Mobile Tactical Collaboration System:

Developed using industry standard Web 2.0-based technologies, MTCS represents the next generation of intuitive, easy-to-use browser-based collaborative command and control solutions for public safety. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, MTCS enhances public safety officers ability to communicate and collaborate visually and in real-time using tactical graphics, digital maps, and shared workspaces. It facilitates the rapid design of multiple scenarios, one or more of which can be executed based on real-time contingencies and at the discretion of tactical commanders.

The MTCS platform addresses the 5Cs of Interoperability for tactical operators and first responders - Communication, Collaboration, Coordination, Command and Control. This level of interoperability is a must for critical incidents requiring multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary response, and for the related exercises necessary to sharpen the tactical proficiencies of operators.

MTCS is accessible by authorized personnel in the field using mobile data terminals or ultra mobile PCs via secure wireless broadband, or at the operation center using desktop PCs and LAN lines. Microsoft Virtual Earth is the standard mapping imagery delivered by MTCS, however other customer imagery can be incorporated.

AdvanTraq GPS and MTCS provide commanders and other senior leadership an unprecedented level of real-time situational awareness of an executing operation and its operators, significantly increasing operator accountability and safety. The versatility of the MTCS platform enables it to be used by law enforcement, fire/EMS, search and rescue, and EOC personnel in a variety of command and control scenarios. These include perimeter and border security, SWAT operations, major sporting event security management, disaster security response, multi-alarm fire suppression, preparedness training and exercises, post-incident analysis, and day-to-day public safety activities.

Glenn Frieboth, owner of GLC Enterprises, Inc., based in Illinois. Find more information about how Mobile Tactical Collaboration System is using GPS Tracking and Virtual Earth for Advanced Mobile Security Here.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/How-GPS-Tracking-Aids-Post-9-11-Homeland-Security/81855

GPS Handheld Devices - How Has This Breakthrough Technology Evolved?

A GPS or Global Positioning System was in the beginning produced and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense. Prior to it being utilized for commercial-grade reasons, the satellite system was utilized by the military for day-and-night navigation for earth, sea and air operations. As the GPS became extensively utilized for commercial purposes, its operations extended to allow for surveillance and movement of individuals, map making, forestry, mineral exploration, tracking down of endangered wildlife in their natural habitation and much more.

In the beginning, the Global Positioning System functioned on prominent computer systems but finally; it has developed into something more pocket-sized - the handheld GPS. The beneficial news about the handheld GPS is that it operates just like the GPS in more elaborate devices and it give the the user the ability to produce information anywhere and anytime he or she may choose. Handheld GPS have now earned such a following that there are numerous individuals all over the world that invariably depend upon the handheld GPS to assist them in navigating across the earth and find places which are even outside the navigation and location discovery ability in just the recent past.

Popular Handheld GPS Models

There are numerous handheld GPS models that are accessible in the market today. One of the more popular models of handheld GPS is the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx, which is believed as the quickest when it comes in locking in to satellites. This handheld GPS is outfitted with a 2.6 inch color screen, a barometric measuring device, an electronic compass and an extra Geocaching menu. Nonetheless, despite the fact that this handheld device is filled with many functions, it merely weighs around seven ounces and could last for roughly 18 hours utilizing two AA batteries. The Garmin GPS is rubberized and is water resistant. If you aim to wade or swim on your journey, you could rely on this handheld GPS to come through.

The other well known handheld GPS is the Magellan eXplorist XL. This handheld GPS is features a 3.5 inch color screen which can still be viewable when subjected to sunlight. The big screen of the Magellan would give you a benefit when watching the maps and acquiring the data you need. Even so, the downside of the Magellan GPS is that unlike the Garmin GPS, it does not feature an altimeter or electronic compass. This handheld GPS also weighs approximately 12 ounces, which is quite heavy in comparison to the Garmin. The battery life of the Magellan is around 15 hours with the usage of four AA batteries.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/GPS-Handheld-Devices---How-Has-This-Breakthrough-Technology-Evolved-/82832

GPS Cell Phone - Life Saver or Big Brother In Your Pocket?

Nearly all cell phone end users have a cell phone feature that they did not even realize they possessed. Not everyone recognizes that their phone is outfitted with a GPS tracking device. All the same, the question that comes up is that does that sound chilling or pretty neat? To the majority of individuals, it feels paradoxically both good and bad. Although more individuals are frightened that a GPS function on cell phones pulls us one step nearer to a 'Big Brother' kind of society, however many other people are enthusiastic for the abilities it provides users.

Nevertheless, where the line gets blurred is when safety is overshadowed by the potential for invasion of your privacy when the ability to track daily movements of an individual sets in. This gives rise to concerns of who has the ability to access such private information.

However, E911 has a relevant law that is fairly explicit in its orders. It gives the ability to carriers to give tracking location information to third parties for E911 emergency calls only, however this data cannot be furnished under any circumstance at all without the prior consent of the cell phone owner.

Their features that help consumers, such as maps, directions and restaurant and Movie Theater finding abilities, the GPS equipped cell phone supplies emergency call centers with data critical to preserving lives. Regrettably, it's rather frequently that a person dial 911 to report an accident, fire or other emergency, and whenever requested where they are, they can merely state the name of the city they are close to, or the interstate highway on which they are traveling on.

In such cases, the location information is inadequate. This is why cell phones are nowadays GPS enabled; call centers can detect your position through GPS in the same manner they have been able to trace calls from land-lines for so numerous years.

What's In It for Consumers?

Although the above-mentioned safety option is meant to be used for emergency uses, cell phone companies have brought the GPS cell phone far beyond this rudimentary 911-enhanced phone. In order to make GPS attractive to customers, cell phone suppliers have produced numerous methods that cell phone end users can utilize the GPS feature on cell phones for themselves, irrespective of whether or not the 911-enhancement is ever used.

The majority of cell phone service providers have made directions and maps ready to be used as part of the GPS feature of their phones. Before you become too charged up in regards to this, you have to recognize that this service is not a free additional bonus on your present service; employing your cell phone for maps and directions calls for an added service plan that amounts to about $10 per month. If you are averse to still added monthly subscription to be paid-up, there are software programs that, for a one-time-only-fee of purchasing the software, can add similar features to your GPS cell phone.

As technology move ahead, several of these GPS cell phones can still be used as handheld GPS devices merely to be utilized during walking or biking. The prior and less costly variations need an antenna on your car in addition to a console in your car, only the wave of the future is upon us, if users are ready to pay the price for it. It appears that even now numerous consumers are buying into the navigation generation of cell phones.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/GPS-Cell-Phone---Life-Saver-or-Big-Brother-In-Your-Pocket-/83062

Using GPS Tracking to Protect Your Vehicles

It is no secret that police cars are equipped with GPS tracking theft recovery devices. These items are meant to allow a stolen police car to be found rather easily by simply using GPS tracking technology to locate the car. Then further police are dispatched to the location to apprehend the criminal and recover the car. The good news is that it is possible to use the same technology to protect your car.

GPS tracking is not a very new technology. It has been around since the 1980s, when it first began being developed for the military. It was originally meant to help keep track of troops and movements; as well as create a sophisticated mapping system to help commanders find their way over rough and unknown terrain. Today that same technology is so advanced that it is possible to track in real time and create histories of where the device has been. And GPS technology is available to anyone, and at a fairly reasonable price.

When you use GPS tracking in your car, you receive more than just driving directions in an unfamiliar city. You can also know where your car is. While it is nice to have this information to keep tabs on partying teenagers, it can also help you in the event that your car is stolen. When you have a tracking system, and your car is stolen, you are more likely to get it back relatively unharmed. This is because you can find it immediately, rather than having it discovered in pieces weeks later as part of an illegal car parts ring.

Your GPS tracking system can help you get your car back and have the satisfaction of knowing that the person who stole it is off the streets and headed to jail. You can let the police see where your car is (and where it is headed) and this is an immense help to them. One of the best ways to protect your property is to know where it is. And you can always know where your car is when you have it equipped with GPS tracking.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: GPS Tracking.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Using-GPS-Tracking-to-Protect-Your-Vehicles/715