Friday, March 21, 2008

The GPS Tracking System

This global positioning system is actually made from a constellation of various satellites that are used in order to provide the necessary information; the information will be received by a GPS receiver and the software will become able to determine the exact position that will be related to all the three dimensions. The GPS Vehicle Tracking is used in order to show the longitude, latitude and altitude of every vehicle that uses this positioning system.

All the travel activities will thus be recorded thanks to the GPS Tracking System; the passive tracker will record all the travel positions and these positions will be downloaded on a computer in order to show the real time and position of every vehicle. These systems are mainly used in order to prevent the auto theft but they can also be used in order to track the vehicles and asset their protection. But the GPS for the vehicle tracking is quite new in the business; it was developed as a direct response to all the demands that were coming from the current market and it has proven to have successful effects when people decided to use this system in order to protect their vehicles.

Tracking the personal vehicle can result into keeping your overhead quite down because you can rest assured that your vehicle is safe. For instance, the GPS Tracking System can actually eliminate all the current needs when it comes to having the vehicle fill out. Even the mileage tracking is likely to allow the fleet managers to take a closer look to the performance of their cars. The vehicle maintenance and performance will thus be observed by using the personal computer.

The truck tracking is likely to remain the most popular device because its use is widespread. This tracking system is used in order to take care of your personal vehicle because the modern mobile communication devices are likely to become more and more advanced when it comes to securing your property. For instance, you may use the cell phone tracking system in order for people to trace down their current position. Therefore, the tracking system s to be regarded as a very useful tool that has to enter your life; you have to take full advantage of this tracking system throughout your life in order to transform it into a better one.

For instance, the GPS Vehicle Tracking system will also reduce all the costs that are mainly related to the waste fuel and excessive engine wear. Even the insurance rates can be influenced in a positive and profitable manner by using the tracking systems especially if you want to put a new and different light on all your speeding employees. The tracking systems may also help you remember the exact date when it comes to taking care of your vehicle; for instance, the preventive maintenance will thus be remembered in order to keep the vehicle in its best shape. Things such as oil changes will also be taken into account thus making you able to keep all your personal vehicles on their right track.

The vehicles will remain on their working road and you will make some extra money thanks to the GPS Tracking System. All the current tracking systems are likely to come along with some new features on a constant basis; for instance, you can take full advantage of the feature that consists in tracking down your vehicle by using the internet.

By using the tracking via internet, you will become able to take care of your vehicle and prevent it from being stolen. The GPS equipment is to be regarded as a very necessary tool because all the vehicles to come on the road should take full advantage of the existence of these tracking systems; for instance, even the huge costs that are likely to be associated with all the transportation sectors are likely to be reduced in a dramatic manner.

Therefore, the tracking systems are likely to become quite valuable for all the vehicle owners; even the companies have developed a strong interest in these systems that can help them maintain their vehicles on the right track without having to worry about their performance or maintenance. Even the deliveries are likely to become more efficient thanks to the presence of these tracking systems; the delivery companies will become able to choose the most profitable routes by using the tracking systems. If you are wondering about the possible invasion when it comes to your personal life, you should first think of the advantages that are likely to be brought by the GPS Vehicle Tracking.

You will become able to analyze every move that is made by the driver of your cars; you will also be helped when it comes to remembering that your car needs the maintenance control in order to be kept in the proper shape. Time and money will thus be saved and the initial investment in the necessary GPS Tracking System will be paid off in the future to come.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/The-GPS-Tracking-System/119441

Living in a world controlled by the GPS Tracking System

You may have already wondered about the safety of your own property; the unsafe world that is to be found all around you will make you wonder about the safety of your own vehicle that has to be ensured one way or another. The GPS Vehicle Tracking was especially created in order to take care of all the movable properties that are mainly related to the personal vehicles. This system will come along with the necessary solution to all your uncertainties; this system will help you track down the exact position of your vehicle in case that your movable property is stolen or even lost.

This innovative system is to be used in order to ensure the necessary surveillance of all your vehicles that belong to your family or company. For instance, the car theft is to be regarded as one of the most common occurrence that may affect your personal vehicles; therefore, you will have to get the GPS Tracking System installed in order to make sure you will stay away from this type of occurrence. All the unpleasant surprises will thus be prevented and you will not have to face future thefts. Therefore, you will have to search for the needed company that provides its customers with the tracking services; this tracking solution is quite easy to find and install.

The tracking system is also easy to use because the devices are likely to be very small when it comes to their actual size. These systems can also be installed covertly and the direction and speed of every vehicle will thus be monitored. The vehicle will also be tracked down in case that it is lost or stolen; the system will also come along with a special feature that will allow it to make its upgrades every 30 seconds in case that the vehicle engine is in a switched off position.

The tracker will be installed in your car and it can also be hidden; once it has been activated in the proper manner, this system will be used in order to track all the future whereabouts when it comes to the vehicle in question. But you will have to do this business with a professional team that is usually brought by the companies that are dealing with these types of services. These companies are the ones that will enable every GPS Tracking System to be activated in the proper manner.

Regardless of your social background, you can actually take full advantage of this device in order to have your vehicles and all the movable properties controlled in order to prevent them from being stolen. Even if you are not likely to be regarded as an important businessman, you can actually use the GPS Vehicle Tracking system in order to benefit from its features. Every tracker will come in handy especially if you are worried about your family's safety when driving your vehicles.

The tracker can also be regarded as a genuine lifesaving device because you can monitor every movement of your vehicle in order to be able to help the people on board. In case that your company is highly interested in installing these devices on its own vehicle, this company should also become fully aware of all the advantages that are likely to come along as well. For instance, the costs that are related to the maintenance and fuel of every vehicle will also be reduced. The employee overtime will also be reduced in case that the company decides to have the tracking systems installed on its vehicles; the employees' productivity will be enhanced by the features that will come along with the tracking system because savings are to be expected when it comes to time and money.

Actually, all the mobile assets can be tracked down by using the GPS Tracking System; this system was especially designed in order to take care of your mobile properties because it is quite revolutionary when it comes to the its features that allow you to determine the current and exact location of every individual who is using your vehicle. Every mobile object can thus be monitored on a constant basis; regular intervals may be provided when it comes to surveying your vehicles.

All the necessary data will thus be recorded and transmitted to the software that is used in order to track down any mobile property; the centrally located database will be used in order to ascertain the exact location of your vehicle because the software will use the existing map in order to determine the exact location of your vehicle. The entire system is actually easily upgradeable and it can also be used for the mobile worker systems.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Living-in-a-world-controlled-by-the-GPS-Tracking-System/119443

The Vehicle Tracking System

The GPS System is a navigational device that uses the computers and satellites in order to determine the longitude and latitude of all the receivers that are to be found on earth; this result is achieved by computing the current time difference from all the signals that are coming from various satellites in order to reach the receiver. The GPS System is to be regarded as the only system that is fully functional; the radio signals are used by the satellites in order to reach all the electronic receivers.

The satellites will thus be able to correctly locate the electronic receiver in order to get the correct and exact longitude, altitude and latitude of the receiver; every tracking system is likely to work around the ordinary clock without taking into account the weather conditions. These systems are designed in order to be fully functional because this type of signal is regarded as being a quite steady one that has improve its features along the way.

Every tracking system can actually pinpoint every receiver who is to be found on earth to almost 6 meters of his current location. The techniques that are being used in this case are coming from various types of tracking signals that have been affected by constant development and improvement. This constant development has resulted into a greater accuracy and the time reference will thus become extremely precise.

Some scientific experiments are also likely to take full advantage of these tracking systems as well. The GPS signal will come along with detailed information because this type of tracking is to be regarded as the perfect tool that is to be used throughout your entire life. You can actually benefit from this type of tracking in various ways when it comes to your daily routine; for instance, you can choose the Vehicle Tracking System in order to determine the exact hike you are going to take because this system is designed in order to steer you and your family by telling you the right way to go.

The system is very helpful when it comes to installing in your own car because this device can be considered as the perfect safety measure that may prevent your car from being stolen. Many cars will be equipped with the GPS System because their drivers are fully aware of all the opportunities that may come along when deciding to have this method installed in their personal cars. The tracking device will help you reach the wanted location by telling you the current position of your car and showing the right direction for you to go next.

The system can also show you the exact steps that are to be made in order to reach the desired location; you will also be safe when driving a car that is provided with the Vehicle Tracking System because the authorities may use the received data in order to track you down in an emergency case. The system s to be regarded as a genuine guideline that is to be used especially when you are not sure about the right direction to go; for instance, if you get lost in the middle of nature or storm, you are likely to want to know everything about your present location.

Therefore, a map is not likely to be very useful in such an emergency situation because it can be quite difficult for you to determine your exact location just by using the conventional map. The tracking system can do this for you because it can save you some future trouble when it comes to dealing with emergency situations. You will have to become familiar with the navigation systems in order to makes sure you will be safe in your future travels.

By using the tracking system, you will not have to use the conventional maps and compass anymore. On the contrary, you will be able to rely only on the tracking system to do this for you because all your present navigation needs can be handled in the appropriate manner without any worries. This tracking system is among the most efficient navigation devices and the present market is tempting all the potential buyers with this new tool. The system I so effective thanks to the fact that it relies on powerful satellites that are designed in order to locate the exact position of your car no matter where your vehicle is right in this moment.

The tracking system is widely spread and people should get accustomed to using this powerful navigation tool in order to provide themselves with extra safety measures; the average person may actually take full advantage of the Vehicle Tracking System because its features are easy to install and use.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/The-Vehicle-Tracking-System/120180

Taking full advantage of the GPS Tracking System

If one has a job that requires much traveling, he/she may try and pay attention to the devices that are to be found on the current market in order to make sure that the personal well being will be assured regardless of the destination or location. For instance, the GPS Vehicle Tracking system may become everything you have needed in order to keep your vehicle safe when traveling. There are many installing options you should consider in order to track down your personal car. For instance, there are more and more manufacturers that are becoming highly interested in providing their customers with the necessary tracking items.

The cars that are manufactured by these companies will also come along with their own tracking systems but in case that you do not have one, you should think about purchasing the necessary tracking device that may save your time and money in the future to come. You will also have to pay attention to the particular type of GPS Tracking System that is required by your vehicle in order to make sure you are going to buy a suitable device. You will have to choose the proper tracking system in order to make sure it will fit all your future needs; for instance, you may consider all the benefits that are likely to come along with this tracking system. You will become able to see the exact road you are on in case that you are likely to get lost when traveling.

Even the course of traveling can be mapped thanks to the presence of the GPS Tracking System in your vehicle. You will also become more protected from the possible car theft; the tracking system can actually be used in order to assist the entire police in order to track down your stolen car. No problem is likely to appear along the tracking way because the police will be able to use the tracking system in the appropriate manner in order to find your stolen car. The exact location of your stolen vehicle will thus be determined and it can be pinpointed on a constant basis.

For instance, you may even consider the fact that even the insurance companies are likely to take into account the presence of such tracking system in your car. The insurance rates will thus be reduced and you should not worry about the initial cost of having this type of system installed in your personal vehicle. On the contrary, the initial investment is likely to pay for all its features in the future to come by helping you track and maintain your vehicle in the proper working shape. The GPS tracking system can be regarded as a modern and excellent tool that every driver should consider using it in his own car; every driver should take full advantage of this tool throughout his entire life in order to stay away from possible car thefts or lost.

This type of system may also help the driver to take the necessary hike when it comes to his traveling time; the system can also help him steer and even show the right way that the driver should go. The driver can also be helped within his own car because a car that is well equipped with tracking systems is likely to show every location that the driver is interested in reaching it. Each step of the traveling time can thus be discussed and the system will also enhance the personal safety because you can actually be tracked down anytime, especially if you are taken against your own will. The GPS Vehicle Tracking system is to be regarded as a genuine guideline that is to be used in order to reach all the traveling goals.

Even the state of your health can be monitored by this type of tracking system; for instance, you can use the heart rate monitor by adding it to the tracking system. Therefore, the tracking system is to be considered in case that you own a car because this is the safest method in order to stay away from possible problems that can occur during your traveling time. But before rushing into buying the necessary system, you may pay attention to the following tips in order to stay away from possible scams. For instance, you have to be perfectly aware that you will not have to pay just a single fee; on the contrary, you will have to pay for this service on a monthly basis because this system requires to be maintained on a regular basis.

Therefore, before rushing into buying the GPS Tracking System, you will have to make sure that your budget allows you to do make this move. Therefore, the initial budget should be calculated in the appropriate manner in order to include all the future monthly fees, routine maintenance, repairs and upgrades. The overall price must include all these previous aspects in order to make sure you can afford this type of tracking service.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Taking-full-advantage-of-the-GPS-Tracking-System/119444

Thursday, March 20, 2008

The advanced GPS System

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.therealarticles.com/Article/The-advanced-GPS-System/120186

Getting equipped with the GPS System

Almost every car owner is likely to be pretty aware that the police vehicles are equipped with Vehicle Tracking System; this tracking device is used in order to recover the stolen properties and cars. This installed system will allow every police car to be tracked down quite easy but the good news should make you curious about using the same technology in the case of your personal car. The same technology can actually be used in order to protect your vehicle.

But this technology is not a new one; it has been developed for military use but the same technology has been developed in order to help every individual locate his mobile properties. The GPS System uses a quite sophisticated mapping method in order to locate any vehicle but this technology is not an expensive one; on the contrary, every person can take advantage of it because this technical method is available for every person who is interested in protecting his properties.

By using the tracking system in your own car, you will be provided with all the necessary information that regards your route; for instance, if you are traveling in unfamiliar cities, you are likely to be provided with all the necessary driving directions in order to make sure you are on the right direction. The mapping technique will also show you the exact location of your car and this information can also be used in case that you are dealing with partying teenagers; but there is another aspect to be considered namely that, if your car is stolen, you are more likely to receive it back in a quite unharmed condition if you have provide t with the necessary GPS System.

This aspect is highly important because it will prevent you from finding your car n pieces that are stolen on the black market. Thanks to the tracking system, the police will be assisted in finding your car as soon as possible thus preventing it from being damaged in an irreversible manner. The tracking device can come along with the needed satisfaction that you are going to get back your car in an instant in case that is has been stolen without having to worry too much for its present condition.

You can afford to rely on police in order to track down your car because the tracking system is very helpful for them in case that a car is stolen. Actually, one of the best methods in order to protect your properties is to know their present location in order to make sure that they are safe. The Vehicle Tracking System can be considered in case that you are planning to develop your business because keeping track of all the important equipment is highly necessary in order to avoid expensive mistakes.

The GPS technology has its own specific features that may transform it into an instrumental method when it comes to ensuring all the basic security measures. For instance, the teenager child can be tracked down in order to monitor all his/her driving habits. All your belongings can actually be ensured by providing them with a GPS System that can be very useful when dealing with criminal activities. Another aspect to be considered when planning to purchase the tracking system is the fact that this type of assistance may come along with some savings because you will have to pay attention to the astronomical prices that are to be noticed on the current fuel market.

The driving habits are to be changed in order to save your money and the Vehicle Tracking System can be very useful in this case as well because it can shoe you the most efficient and short routes that are to be taken. The system is especially designed in order to focus on the efficient routes that will increase the motor efficiency as well. When planning to buy the tracking system, you will have to make sure that its features are quite easy to use.

For instance, the screen should be provided with a touch display and the voice activation should also be searched for because the driving directions are easy to follow when provided by a voice activator. Overall better experience is likely to be provided by the universal features that characterize every GPS System but the current models will come along with improved and upgraded features that are likely to become more popular than the older ones.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Getting-equipped-with-the-GPS-System/120183

Global Warming: How GPS Tracking Will Save Lives When Disaster Strikes!

If you watch the History channel and watch the top 10 disasters that will befall the world, the number one prediction that is actual happening today is Global Warming.

We begin this article with a brief explanation of Global Warming and it's impact on life on earth and then move on to the worlds first and only command and control system that will help first responders help save lives when disaster strikes.

Global warming is the increase in the earth's average temperature due to the buildup of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities.

Global climate changes were due to many factors, including massive volcanic eruptions, which increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; changes in the intensity of energy emitted by the Sun; and variations in Earth's position relative to the Sun, both in its orbit and in the inclination of its spin axis. Global Warming: Early Warning Signs Illustrates observed consequences, as indicated by periods of unusually warm weather, coastal flooding, and changes in glaciers and polar regions.

If there is coastal flooding in coming years due to melting ice caps, it won't happen suddenly and give you a tidal wave effect.

Scientists all over the world are making predictions about the ill effects of Global warming and connecting some of the events that have taken place in the pat few decades as an alarm of global warming.

They also report of extreme weather events, long-term droughts, and rising sea levels. Warmer temperatures will alter weather patterns, making it likely that there will be more intense droughts and more intense rain events. Most scientists also agree extreme weather events like Hurricane Katrina or Los Angeles' July record 119-degree Fahrenheit temperature are directly attributed to global warming.

Moreover, extreme weather events, including heat waves, droughts and floods, are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity, causing loss of lives and property and throwing agriculture into turmoil.

And the science tells us that human activity has made enormous impacts to our planet that affect our well-being and even our survival as a species. Many are agreed that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet.

Scientists have linked even this amount of warming to numerous changes taking place around the world, including melting mountain glaciers and polar ice, rising sea level, more intense and longer droughts, more intense storms, more frequent heat waves, and changes in the life cycles of many plants and animals.

Glaciers are melting, plants and animals are being forced from their habitat, and the number of severe storms and droughts is increasing.

In the next few years we will see great disasters happening right before our eyes in every corner of the world as man made gases continue to be spewed into the atmosphere causing death and pestilence.

Mankind however will not be extinct. People will survive only if there are systems in place that will aid the successful rescue and evacuation of people on a global scale.

A company called Ordia Solutions that had just released a Mobile Tactical Collaboration System (MCTS) interoperability / communication solution for law enforcement, fire/EMS, and search and rescue agencies. The MTCS is the first of a new generation of intuitive, easy-to-use browser-based solutions that addresses improved interoperability for first responders. The MTCS can be securely hosted inside an agency's firewall and can be delivered to desktop PCs and laptops, and requires no client installation.

Ordia Solutions MTCS is built around the concept of shared workspaces. Multiple authorized user's can simultaneously browse to a shared workspace to access the same dynamic operating picture. Each user sees identical data displayed on the map, including incident reports, infrastructure, operations, photographs, drawings, and streamed videos.

Any change to the operating picture by a user with editing access is immediately reflected on every other user's display. Unlike traditional collaboration tools, MTCS facilitates seamless scaling of the user base during multi-agency operations. Because the system is entirely web browser-based, new task force members can be integrated quickly and begin collaborating by simply sharing a secure hyperlink.

The MTSC system use GPS Tracking called AdvanTraq GPS through a collaboration with GLC Enterprises, Inc. This uses an advanced tracking solutions for personnel, vehicle, K9, and cargo that operate as standalone solutions or integrated with and traceable through a Mobile Tactical Collaboration System workspace. Applications range from tactical operations and border/perimeter security to coordinating multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary critical incident response.

The MTCS system allows for real time GPS Tracking with shared workspaces to allow first responders to save lives during the upcoming disasters caused by Global Warming. The system is currently in trials with many governmental agencies including the FBI!

All trials to date have exceeded expectations and will be deployed throughout the world in the coming months.

The bad news is that the impacts from Global Warming cannot be stopped! It's already a runaway train.

Massive disasters and death will continue to take the toll on the human race. How rescue personnel and first responders respond to the upcoming disasters will no doubt determine how many people can be saved now and in the future.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Global-Warming--How-GPS-Tracking-Will-Save-Lives-When-Disaster-Strikes-/125778

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tips on Selecting a GPS

GPS makes navigation of all sorts easier. When you have a GPS unit and a clear view of the sky, you'll never end up lost again. There are a assortment of GPS units available, and purchasing the right one that fits your needs will help guarantee that you get the most from your GPS device. A unit that does not work well for your needs will tend sit on the shelf and not get used. This article will help you pick out the correct type of GPS for your needs so that you will get years of usage from your GPS.

Step 1: Selecting the correct type of unit

To start, you need to understand the different types of GPS units available and how each can meet your requirements. The primary types of GPS units are: vehicle, handheld, and PDA attachments. The type of GPS unit you buy will vary based on your requirements, and the features you should consider will vary based on the type of device you are buying.

Vehicle GPS units are a huge time save if you drive for a living or make trips to lots of different locations with which you are not familiar. Vehicle GPS systems usually come with features that make using them in a car much easier: features such as automatic route finding tell you where and when to make turns so that you do not need to take your eyes off the road. Some vehicle GPS units come with technology that makes them aware of real-time traffic-reports so that your route can be recalculated based on traffic conditions. If you plan to use your GPS primarily in your vehicle, you should think about a device designed specifically for this kind of usage since these systems usually have bigger, easier-to-read, screens than most handheld devices.

Handheld GPS systems are the most versatile sort of GPS systems available. They can be used when walking, camping, driving, really any place you can go. But, this increased versatility usually comes at the cost of advanced features. Since the unit needs to be portable, screen size is usually limited and this can make many features of a GPS (such as map visuals, route marking, breadcrumb trails, etc) harder to use than a system that is fixed in a vehicle or that makes use of a larger screen on a PDA or computer. If you intend on using your GPS mainly in your vehicle, the small screen may make it hard to use. If you plan on using your GPS when fishing, hiking, or camping, this is probably the best kind of GPS for you.

GPS units that link up directly to a PDA or laptop commonly rely on the PDA or computer for all of the GPS functionality aside from the gathering of the data from the GPS satellites. Since a significant amount of the functionality is transferred to the computer or PDA, the GPS system itself is often much cheaper than a stand-alone GPS system. But if you intend to use your GPS for walking, backpacking, camping, or in a marine environment, taking your PDA or laptop may make using your GPS device more trouble than it's worth. As such, GPS devices that connect to other devices are usually employed in cars and for folks who navigate by foot in cities. If you are searching for the lowest cost GPS unit around and you currently have a GPS-compatible PDA or computer, this may be the best choice for you.

Step 2: Selecting GPS Features

Depending on the kind of GPS unit your are buying, here are some features that you will want to examine.

Accuracy -- In general, GPS devices are accurate to within 50 feet. If accuracy is important to you (perhaps you are laying out a course for a race and you really want to make sure you get the 5K distance correct), search for a system with WAAS (wide area augmentation system) as this at least doubles the accuracy of your GPS device. This feature tends to be most useful in handheld units.

Address Finding -- Some GPS devices make it easy for you to enter a target street address. This can be very handy when driving and is a feature most often found in vehicle GPS systems or devices used in vehicles.

Automatic Route Finding -- This is often used in conjunction with address finding. This feature configures the GPS so that it will tell you where to turn to get to a programmed address. This is an incredibly useful feature for vehicle devices, or units used in vehicles, as it allows you to use the device without having to try and read the GPS while you are driving.

Built-in Maps -- Many GPS systems come with maps that are pre-installed; for example, all of Europe. If plan to buying a system with a built-in map, make sure you get a GPS for your area, particularly if you are shopping on-line. In addition, make sure that the map can be upgraded. If you plan on having your GPS for several years, you can be certain of roads changing during that time.

Compass -- Believe it or not, there are GPS units that do not include a compass unless you are moving above some minimum speed (often faster than a hiking speed). But there are also GPS devices that provide true compass functionality even when you are not moving. This feature is usually most useful in handheld GPS devices.

Computer Compatibility -- If you are considering a GPS system that gets updated maps via a computer (which is most of them), and you are using a non-Windows computer (like a Mac or a Linux machine) make sure that the GPS device is compatible with the type of computer you have. Every GPS system that connects to a computer will support a Windows computer. But support for other operating system varies.

Downloadable Maps -- Many GPS systems allow maps to be downloaded onto them. This is very nice for people who travel far-and-wide. It also allows you to get away with buying a GPS that has less memory since you can easily swap out the map to fit the area you will be in.

Expandable Memory -- If you are using your GPS device with maps, you will want to make sure that you have enough memory to hold the number of maps you will be using. As it is with computers, the same is true with GPS devices: the more memory the better. Even better is expandable/swappable memory so that you can be sure you'll never run out.

Extended Battery Life -- If you are looking for a PDA attached or handheld GPS unit, look closely at the battery life as this may be the limiting factor in your usage of the GPS.

External Antennas -- Some GPS devices allow an external antenna to be used. This is very useful in vehicle units where the satellite signal may be impeded by the device being in a car. It can also be useful in handheld systems since it allows you to keep the device in your backpack but still be operating for things like breadcrumbs.

Traffic Alerts -- Some GPS devices have the capability to download real-time traffic information. If you reside in an urban area, this is an incredibly helpful feature even if you are familiar with the area you are in. This feature tends to be available in vehicle units and in computer/PDA attached devices.

Water-Resistant/Proof -- If you are considering a handheld GPS unit and you intend to go fishing, backpacking, hiking, boating, or doing anything outdoors with your GPS device, consider looking for a system that is resistant to water. Also, know the difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Water-resistant indicates that the unit can be exposed to small amounts of water but it cannot be completely submerged. If there is a chance your GPS will be submerged, you should get a waterproof GPS, not a water-resistant one.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Tips-on-Selecting-a-GPS/142578

GPS - All You Need To Know About GPS & GPS Devices

The worldwide Global Positioning System (GPS) network is becoming more and more popular each day. Known as a useful tool for mapmaking, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses, GPS is now a widely used navigation aid world wide.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the fully functional Global Navigational Satellite System which will help in determining the location, speed/direction and time with the assistance of 24 medium earth orbit satellites. The GPS network consists of 24 navigation satellites, which orbit the planet at a height of approximately 12,000 miles. These satellites each orbit the earth twice every 24 hours, and they are set up in such a way that they can send signals to any location on the planet, whether it be land or sea, and no matter how remote.

The current GPS is divided into three major segments called space segment (SS), control segment (CS), and user segment (US).It is the navigation message broadcasted by GPS satellites that provides the time-of-day, GPS week number and satellite health information.

How Does GPS Work?

The software once created, gets improved by getting smaller. GPS device requires a radio emitter and a clock to work. The emitter sends the time of the clock to the satellite overhead. The satellite then calculates the amount of time it took for the radio signal to reach them and then figures the distance from that. Three or four satellites compare their location and the time involved. They then show the location within about six inches depending on the accuracy of the unit's clock. While the GPS technology does not really need a lot of space, the software that adds the functionalities expected by the consumer, actually does.

Uses Of GPS

In the advanced modern world, GPS is mainly used in various daily life equipments including mobile phones and more popularly in cars. The military uses GPS technology to guide missiles, track and control forces and facilities, and more. Many newer vehicle models come with a GPS feature, which can be used to get customized maps and directions from your current location, to a specified location. Just like automobiles, many boats and ships use GPS for navigation. On top of that, GPS may be especially helpful during darkness, fog, or other low visibility conditions. Hunters, wilderness explorers, and other outdoor sportsmen may use GPS for navigation purposes, and / or to help find their way when lost. Many surveyors use GPS units to survey and establish boundaries and other locations or markers. And for those who loves fishing, with a GPS unit you can just plot the points and you will have that spot marked on your GPS so that you can go back to the same spot or just go find another good spot and mark that down on the GPS. Or perhaps if you are in your boat and you are lost you should have a plot that says home so that you can just activate home and it will send you in that direction. The list of the benefits and importance of GPS in our daily life grows as we speak.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/GPS---All-You-Need-To-Know-About-GPS---GPS-Devices/127284

Types of GPS (Global Positioning System) Radio Signals and types of GPS Receivers

GPS satellites transmit two types of radio signals which are C/A-code and P-code. Coarse Acquisition (C/A code) is the type of signal which is used in consumer units and is known as SPS (Standard Positioning Service). C/A-code is not as accurate as P-code (which is mentioned later on) and is easier for U.S. military forces to jam and spoof, i.e. broadcast false signals to trick the receiver into thinking it is somewhere else when it really is not. The advantage of C/A-code however is that it acquires the satellite signal faster and hence obtaining an initial fix on your position takes less time. Due to this, there is an option for receivers which use P-code to track onto the C/A-code signal first then switch over to the P-code.

P-code on the other hand provides highly precise location information and it is difficult to jam or spoof. The U.S. military is the primary user of P-code transmissions and uses an encrypted form of the data so that only special receivers can access the signal. P-code broadcasts are known as the Precise Positioning System (PPS).

Now let us switch focus to that of GPS receivers. Some of this information can become pretty technical but hopefully both the novice and more advanced readers can learn and sift through the information to help them.

GPS units receive two different types of data which are Almanac and Ephemeris. Almanac data contains the approximate positions of the satellites; the data are continuously being transmitted and are stored in the memory of the GPS receiver. Ephemeris data broadcasts the precise positions of the satellites. To obtain an accurate location fix, the receiver has to know how far away a satellite is. Hence, the GPS receiver calculates the distance to the satellite by of course using signals from the orbiting satellite.

A GPS receiver needs data from multiple satellites to obtain or triangulate a position as to where the user of the GPS is located. First there is the issue of location which requires a minimum of three satellite signals. Second is that of position, which needs four satellite signals to determine your position in three dimensions: latitude, longitude and elevation. GPS receivers can generally be separated into five categories which are consumer models, U.S. military/government models, mapping/resource models, survey models and commercial transportation models. With respect to the consumer and commercial transportation models, the site SecureWithGPS provides GPS devices more catered to the consumer and commercial markets. If you think that such devices might suit your needs for fleet management of your vehicles, keeping track of the security of your car when it might be parked or even looking out for your teenage drivers, please visit the site for useful and related information.

Finally, we will take a quick look at the accuracy of GPS receivers. One can typically expect a GPS receiver to be accurate within 49 feet or 15 meters. Accuracy depends on receiver location, obstructions that block satellite signals and information received from ground-based beacons to name a few. So rest assured that after spending money to start using this widely used technology the data obtained from the GPS receivers will definitely be accurate enough to provide the user with reliable information.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Types-of-GPS--Global-Positioning-System--Radio-Signals-and-types-of-GPS-Receivers/139971

The Global Positioning System (GPS TrackingTechnology)

According to some articles, GPS is the one satellite navigation technology that is fully functional. It utilizes a collection above twenty-four satellites to send radio signals to electronic global positioning system receivers. In such a way, it enables satellites to determine the exact location of the receiver. The process involves getting the right latitude, longitude and the altitude of the receiver. The global position system technology is working round the clock

Today, the use of gps system has expanded to great number of users in any entity you could think- government institutions, private corporations, various organizations, individuals, etc. It has been put to good use for years in its original, and most obvious, purpose of coordinating military activities. I fact, some of military activities being done nowadays would not have been possible if GPS principles were not applied.
Rescue operations, humanitarian mission are some of the important social activities benefited from this technology. In addition to this, GPS technology has proven to be instrumental in numerous scientific research expeditions, especially in very remote regions such as mountain ranges and the north and south poles.

When using a good GPS system, it is great when considering points of interest are great because they can tell you where certain places are that might interest you. These points of interest include hotels, restaurants, gas stations, school zones, toll booths and much more. This can be excellent for you so that you can either avoid these points of interest or stop if you so desire, this is one of the great points of using a gps navigation system.

When you enter in a destination most systems will save that destination. That means if you go to the same places time after time, you won't have to re-enter the destination, it will already be there.

With the use of GPS Navigation Systems the user is able to retrace the path which has been taken in both directions and save the user a great deal of time. Not only can you have these destinations pre-set in your gps navigation system, you can re-enter new destinations and just go back when you are going back to the same place again. Having a gps system can be a great navigation aid and avoid costly mistakes and save you a great deal of time.

When you buy a good specification product, it is an especially great navigation aid because you will have the backing of a great support system from the company that stands behind what they sell. So go out and look for a really great gps system and play around with it to see what you get.


Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/The-Global-Positioning-System--GPS-TrackingTechnology-/143874