Archive for the ‘GPS’ Category

Different Ways To Navigate Using GPS

Friday, October 8th, 2010

For centuries mankind has been traveling around the world. As Man has done so, he has established better maps and better methods of navigation. But even Christopher Columbus might have actually found the East Indies if he had a GPS device on hand. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and it is what is making our travels (from as simple as going to Grandma’s new house to travelling across the ocean) a lot easier. One of the most recent GPS devices that have been added to the list is the handheld GPS.

GPS Is Always Working For You

Communications satellites, which are in geo-synchronous orbit, continuously send signals down to the surface of the Earth in order to connect with GPS receivers on the ground. The GPS receivers then “acknowledge” the receipt of the transmission to the satellites in orbit. The time it takes a particular satellite to send a signal and have it returned will establish the relative position of the GPS device to that satellite. In order to provide a precise position, the signals are compared from several satellites. By triangulating the relative positions between 3 or more satellites, the exact position of the GPS device can be ascertained.

Of course, the most obvious method of using a GPS device is in your automobile. Simply type in the address of your destination and the device will quickly plan your route out for you. If you need to take a detour from your planned route the device will quickly re-calculate your new route from your current position. Another aspect of car GPS devices is that they can provide voice directions as well as visual directions on the screen.

Another type of use for GPS is to engage in cell phone tracking. This aspect is gradually being fleshed out to allow you to track where your kids (or spouse) are by keeping track of their cell phone.

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Overview of GPS Devices and Usage

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation uses a network of satellites that enables somebody with a GPS receiver to pinpoint their exact location. Therefore it is also referred to as satellite navigation, or (satnav). The satellite network is available to anybody with a compatible GPS device.

There is a huge range of GPS devices and technology for sale, and this can be confusing when looking for the best value gps unit that will suit your needs.

Handheld GPS
These devices are small enough to fit easily in the hand and can be kept with you as you track your position. Most handheld GPS devices can track where you have been or at least certain points (waypoints) along the way. They can also help you to find exact map grid references. Another type of handheld GPS is in the form of an add-on for a PDA (a handheld computer such as a pocket pc, palm etc) that allows the use of GPS positioning in software running on the handheld computer.

In Car GPS Satellite Navigation (SatNav)
This provides you with the ability to track your position whilst in your car. Most modern in car GPS navigation devices have colour displays with mapping software to show you how to get to a given destination from your current location. The devices also allow hands free navigation, often with the aid of voice commands and easy to see visual mapping.

Personal GPS / Sports GPS
Also available are personal GPS devices that are very small (slightly larger than a 50c piece) that will use GPS as a way to track your position and also use GPS satellite time to give you feedback on running or walking speed, distance, altitude and the like. They come in a variety of types designed for specific uses.

Cell Phone GPS / Mobile Phone GPS
Many mobile phones now have GPS tracking equipment and software built in. In the future mobile GPS facilities will allow mobile services and applications that help you make decisions based on your location and movements.

Bluetooth GPS Receivers
This is a GPS accessory that allows you to wirelessly run a GPS receiver for your handheld computer or PDA.

GPS Brands
Popular brands for GPS units include Garmin, Magellan, Tomtom and Navman. There are also many other GPS brands to choose from and the internet provides an ideal way to search for the best gps for your needs and compare brands, features and prices. Online prices are generally cheaper.

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Portable GPS

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

The days of orienteering with a compass and a map are long past. Although being able to navigate from a paper map and having a good sense of direction will almost certainly be beneficial, the ever-increasing popularity of portable GPS systems is eliminating the need for these basic skills.

Whether you are driving to a new destination, hiking an unmapped trail, or negotiating a move on the golf course, GPS devices (short for Global Positioning Systems) can help you to choose your next move wisely, by locating your coordinates and those of your destination, and mapping the most logical route between the two.

Portable GPS units work in a variety of ways, depending upon their primary function. For instance, a GPS intended for vehicles is specifically designed to help with road navigation, meaning that the small dash console possesses not only the ability to locate you on a digital map, but also the ability to direct you through traffic and down side streets in real-time. Often this is done with the aural aid of a voice that provides step by step directions. Most new models of cars have GPS systems included, meaning that the additional console will no longer need to be purchased separately.

A golf GPS unit, by comparison, is specifically designed to assist golfers while they are on the course. The basic function of these systems is to help individuals identify the distance between the ball and the hole. Additional features include making slope measurements and estimating weather factors such as wind speed and visibility conditions.

The third popular application of GPS technology is for use in situations that would have originally required orienteering, such as hiking, fishing, or hunting. Although individuals and groups are still advised to travel with maps, in order to facilitate the locating of specific coordinates. In the event that the GPS loses power or is misplaced, these more rugged systems can be an ideal assurance that no matter how far off the trail you wander; you will always be able to find your way back.

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