How To Decide Which Type Of GPS System You Need

I think by now just about everyone knows about GPS devices. Lots of people are using the technology today that once relegated to pocket protector geeks with black frame glasses. I know those of us who fish offshore would never leave home without it now, I don't know how we ever did without it. If you are still lacking a little in the knowledge of GPS and how the system works here are a few hints to get you started.

If you haven't ever used a GPS, a simple explanation is that it is like a live animation map that moves as you move. If you are looking for a specific location the GPS can take you there, if you don't know where you are the GPS can tell you. It is a super cool tool to have.

The GPS tracking technology has come a long way with GPS devices available today that actually speak to you. These gadgets will now tell you when to turn, how far ahead your destination is, and even how far to the nearest gas station.

So how do you decide which specific device you need out of all the GPS systems on the market? First, you can break all of the devices into four main categories which are: automobile navigation, marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm now.

The automotive systems are primarily used by people who travel for a living or use their vehicles in outside sales. There are many manufacturers now offering the option of having the units built into the vehicle and it has become a very popular option. These devices like their aftermarket counterparts are normally mounted to the dashboard in easy view for the driver. Some of the more desirable features to have are the detailed built in maps, voice guided directions and the points of interest database which will call attention to things like restaurants and service stations.

The handheld portable units are a great choice if you want flexibility and the option of using the unit outside of the car. For people who like hiking or hunting these are great. You should look for one that is waterproof with a color screen and a batter that will last for a long duration. Also look for programmable mapping features. You will want to be able to upload maps of rural areas you may be going to, or if using it near shore, you will want marine maps.

As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore fisherman and wouldn't even consider fishing offshore now without a GPS. If you are fishing in tournaments you can't even begin to compete without one. These systems are very durable and since they are designed for marine conditions, they are waterproof. They will offer such features as chart plotting in full color, sonar, programmable maps, and even fishing hot spots.

The newer hybrid system now available offers a blend of the GPS technology with a PDA. These are relatively new and only a handful of companies are offering them. The one that I am most familiar with is the Palm Treo.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/How-To-Decide-Which-Type-Of-GPS-System-You-Need/95160

Some facts about the global positioning system

Chances are that you have used a global positioning system enabled device before. Maybe it was in the car or maybe using a handheld system. GPS allows you to find your current location anywhere on earth and with some software added also to get directions how to get to anywhere else.
GPS started as a military system allowing the US army to pinpoint where its soldiers and vehicles are. But the GPS system was opened up for civil use too although up to a few years ago the resolution of the location discovery was limited.
With GPS becoming more and more pervasive it was became cheaper. Today you can buy a fully equipped GPS device for a few tens of dollars. And with low memory prices devices costing around two or three hundred dollars can have detailed maps covering all the united states and a nice LCD screen to display them.
The GPS system is comprised of a large number of satellites that were positioned in specific and accurate orbits. The GPS device core is a receiver and an antenna. Old GPS devices needed a large antenna to receive the satellite but with improvements in electronics resulting in more sensitive receivers the new GPS devices antennas are small and in most cases are simply built into the device.
The GPS device receives a signal from a few satellites concurrently. The GPS knows at any given point in time where each satellite is positioned and the distance to that satellite. By calculating the intersection between the different satellite spheres the GPS can know the exact position altitude, longitude and latitude. By correlating this information with detailed map files and the GPS its location on a map. And add some sophisticated software and the GPS can calculate directions and continually track where it is and correct the directions as its position changes.
GPS devices can also calculate speed by simple measuring the time passed to move from one location to another. GPS devices are a commodity today and they are used both by consumers in cars or handheld but also in commercial systems like airplanes and ships. GPS works in any weather condition and needs very little energy to operate.
Some GPS devices today are so small that they can fit in a wristwatch or a cell phone. Many people confuse between the GPS ability to determine its location to all the other goodies like color maps and driving directions. In fact the only thing the global positioning system does is calculate a location on earth. Once that was calculated the rest is a specific application that uses this information together with routing software and maps to provide driving directions. But there are many other applications for example GPS devices are placed in strategic places on the north pole to measure icebergs movements or GPS devices. Other GPS devices are used on vehicle fleets to manage where each truck is or on taxi cabs allowing a central reservation system to find the closest taxi to the passenger order one.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Some-facts-about-the-global-positioning-system/147444

Your Options For Auto Navigational Systems

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with auto navigation systems.

It is true that auto navigation systems installed by automakers look completely natural and integrated into the features of the vehicles we purchase. For that reason alone, many people opt to pay several times over what the system would have cost to have installed by someone other than the maker of the automobile. It is truly amazing how much of an impact aesthetics makes when it comes to purchasing your next dream car, or even your first dream car. The thing is, that even if the system doesn't seem to flow with the look of your car, there are very valid reasons for getting one in the first place and the safety and security that they provide travelers is very well worth the sacrifice of a few aesthetic features.

It isn't exactly necessary, however, to completely sacrifice aesthetics in order to have the safety and security that auto navigation systems provide. As a matter of fact, some of the most popular brands of these systems are actually installed to the car by use of suction cups rather than cutting into the dashboard or removing the ever so important stereo from your car, truck, or SUV. Keeping price conscious consumers in mind, manufacturers are offering many options well under the 500 dollar benchmark while also affording consumers the luxury (or lower price, however you decide to call it) of installing these devices themselves.

It is important to remember that not all GPS (global positioning satellite) devices are meant to assist in auto navigation and make your purchase according to your specific needs. When shopping for one of these devices it would be comparing apples to oranges to compare a tool that is widely used for activities such as geo caching, hiking, biking, or boating. Each of these will bring in different price tags while offering greatly varied features. You need a device that is meant for mapping directions if you plan to use your device or system for driving.

I try to keep pointing out the fact that not all GPS or auto navigation systems are created equal this is very important to remember. You run the risk of purchasing the wrong system without proper planning and thus having a bad overall experience. Even among systems designed specifically for the automobile that offer mapping and navigation assistance there are different types that will appeal to different needs and uses. There are three types of auto navigation systems. Those three types of systems include: Navigation systems that are designed to stand alone, handheld systems that suit multiple purposes, and systems that are designed to work with laptops, PCs, pocket PCs, and PDA systems.

So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about auto navigation systems. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Each of the types of auto navigation systems and devices offers different benefits and drawbacks. It is ultimately up to you to decide which will suit your needs most. The stand-alone systems are often the most popular choice and are excellent for those who need driving directions and nothing more. They offer a steady power supply, turn by turn direction (in many cases), the security of being there at all times (no worry about whether or not you remembered to actually bring it along), and verbal directions along with landmarks that should let you know you are on the right path. There is a reason that these are the most popular.

For those who want to take their navigational tools off road on occasion other devices might be much better suited to your needs. Handheld devices often require additional software in order to work well with door-to-door types of directions or regular driving directions, however, they offer portability for those who wish to go biking, hiking, or kayaking and need the confidence that directions and navigational tools can provide. For those who have laptops or PDAs, the software that is available for these provide an excellent service when it comes to navigation both on and off roads and the beaten path. The cost is offset greatly if you already own your laptop or PDA and well worth a little extra investment, particularly if you will use this particular tool on a regular basis.

As I've said before, there is no perfect navigational solution for everyone, but there are quite a few that are nearly perfect for all who will dare to use them.

Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in auto navigation systems. When people start looking for more information about auto navigation systems, you'll be in a position to meet their needs.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Your-Options-For-Auto-Navigational-Systems/100878