Auto GPS » Global Positioning Systems

GPS Buyer’s Guide

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:45:39 +0000

For drivers in North America who are tired of staring at maps and pulling into gas stations to get directions the new technology of GPS may be the answer. GPS or Global Positioning Systems are an inexpensive and reliable way of finding your exact position on the globe at any given time. For the driver this can mean never having to look a road map again. This is a brief introduction to the major brands of GPS units and some information about each.

Garmin offers two different types of GPS units and many models for each type. The larger of the two the Streetpilot is meant to be mounted in your car and provides street to street directions map and much more useful information during you trip. Some of the more recent models of the Streetpilot offer voicecapabilities and will vocally give a driver directions. The Quest offer many of the same features as the Streetpilot but it comes in a smaller handheld size and is battery powered. The Quest may be a better option if you often find your self leaving the car behind and need directions on foot.

Magellan is one of the oldest consumer level GPS manufacturers and they are still one of the finest. The Roadmates line of GPS units have been around for a while and the newest models are still in competition for the highest in quality. The newest models of Roadmates provide turn by turn directions to your destination with its internal speaker. This line of GPS units are powered by the cars cigarette lighter and mounts easily to most automobiles. The Roadmate 800 provides color 3-D maps on its 3” screen.

The newest brand of GPS unit comes from Tom-Tom. The Tom-Tom Go700 provides directions on it’s 3.5” screen which gives its display in 3-D. The Go700 can give vocal directions in dozens of languages. The most interesting feature about this unit is it’s Bluetooth capability allowing it to connect to cell phones to give weather, traffic and road conditions for your trip.

By: David Stone

Hit The Road With A Garmin GPS

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:42:51 +0000

Garmin is one of the top manufacturers of global positioning systems in the United States. They offer a host of products from GPS navigational product for cars, boats and motorcycles to aviation and boats. There goal is to enrich the lives of their customers through the products of navigational equipment.

Beginning with GPS units for vehicles, Garmin began using the power of the 24 satellites circling 12,000 feet above us back in 1989 when the company started making GPS navigational systems for people and their cars. Today they are making the same product, only better. Garmin has kept up with the times and increase their products as the times called for them. Today they offer the vehicle GPS navigational unit, as well as the GPS for boats and airplanes and hikers and bicycle enthusiasts.

Garmin makes a remarkable assortment of GPS navigational units for every kind of moving vehicle and person. Today they put GPS navigation equipment in personal assistant machines which is a small travel aide; a cell phone and your computer. With the personal assistant, you can download your destination and the personal assistant will ‘walk’ you to your destination or as you are driving, give you turn-by-turn directions to get to where you are going. The cell phone is similar in that you download your information and the voice will guide you to your destination using a map of where you are now and an arrow following you as you walk to where you would like to be. And lastly we have the computer or laptop which can be used as a GPS navigational system by itself after you have downloaded the information.

Other Garmin GPS units include those for aviation use complete with longitude and altitude and the same is programmed into the marine GPS units. Some of these units are portable and can help you get around the city or town without your car and help you find restaurants, places of interest (POI) such as parks or ATM machines; they can also help you find an address you’ve never been to before. Besides aviation use, Garmin makes GPS units for marine usage as well. Being able to see the bottom of the lake or river or ocean in clear form is something fishermen have been waiting a long time for. Now they can tell a fish from a rock and discover where all the fish hang out and with the routing feature on the GPS, keep going back to the same spot over and over again.

Garmin GPS units can be found through their website or on other websites throughout the Internet. They can also be purchased at electronic stores and large discount stores for cheaper than the official website address has them. Discounted Garmin’s would be found on the Internet, be buyer beware, sometimes people are selling ‘refurbished’ or ‘reconditioned’ Garmin GPS units and if that is not what you want, you should ask if it is a new unit or ‘re – done’ unit.

By: Charlie Lee

Garmin GPS Systems – Your Complete Guide

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:05:29 +0000

So you have decided to buy one of the many Garmin GPS systems available. You’ve spoken to everyone you know, and now you need to start getting information together – how much do you want to spend on your Garmin GPS system? Where will you be putting your new Garmin GPS system? Which one of the Garmin systems are you going to pick?

First, you need to undertake various Garmin GPS comparisons. There are many versions available, for many types of vehicles and requirements. When comparing Garmin GPS navigation systems, it’s best to go with what is best for you, not what someone else has or what might seem the best simply because it is the most expensive. For example, you may have been recommended a Garmin GPS handheld unit by a friend who does a lot of bushwalking, but as a boating person, a handheld unit would not be as useful to you. Similarly, a Garmin portable GPS system is great for someone who is in and out of a car, as they need to take it with them to prevent theft. However a fixed Garmin global positioning system would be better for someone who has no need to be removing it from its mounting all the time (or someone, like a courier, who is in and out of their vehicle more times than they care to think about!). You definitely don’t want your Garmin GPS system to be a hindrance!

Compare Garmin global positioning system prices, and see if it might be cheaper to purchase a Garmin GPS system online. Many places sell Garmin global positioning systems online, so be sure to have a look around as it may be cheaper (even taking into account postage) to buy your Garmin GPS system from an outlet that does not have the overheads a physical shop-front might have. The issue with shopping online is, of course, not being able to ‘play’ with your new Garmin global positioning system. But a trip to the local GPS shop may fix that.

One of the Garmin GPS systems available is the Garmin 2720 GPS. This particular Garmin GPS system offers many features, including the ability to program points of interest (such as speed cameras and school zones) so you need never be caught out again. The flashy Garmin 360 GPS doubles as a personal assistant, boasting facilities such as MP3 players, a translator, and Bluetooth capabilities enabling you to make hands-free calls. Another good pick is the Garmin c530 GPS – ready to go straight from the box, this unit is a good pick for those needing an ATM or petrol station quickly – just touch and go!

Garmin GPS systems offer it all; the hardest part is picking which one you like. Read some Garmin global positioning systems reviews, which are usually unbiased and give both pros and cons for each model. With a Garmin GPS navigation system, you can’t go wrong!

By: Chaz Newman

GPS – Basic Definition

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:59:40 +0000

GPS (Global Positioning Systems) have been around for quite some time now. Its first use was with the military, but they have more recently been associated with civilian navigation devices. The latter is the topic of this discussion.

There are three components necessary for the success of a Global Positioning System. Those components are made up of 24 satellites, GPS Receivers, and ground stations. Each component must work in harmony or there will be inaccurate readings. A brief description of each and their functionality follows.

GPS Receivers act just as their name indicates. They receive information from the chosen satellites using radio waves to calculate their exact location. Once this information has been received, feedback is provided to the user. Ground stations have a two-fold operation. The first is to ensure the health of the satellite. The second is to respond to the satellite with its exact location. This location is very important as it is used to later determine the exact coordinates of a GPS device. Satellites determine the coordinates of a GPS device using trilateration. Basically, three satellites use radio signals to determine the total distance from the GPS [http://www.happyjaysgps.com] device. This can become very complicated because of a variety of interference possibilities. Therefore, most civilian GPS systems use additional satellites to increase accuracy.

GPS systems continue to grow in popularity. There is a belief they will one day be as common as the telephone or television. There is also a belief that the high popularity will help to push builders into furthering the technology with improvements much in the same way as the cellular phone in recent years.

By: James D. Allen

Magellan GPS Product Information

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:32:56 +0000

Global Positioning Systems have taken the world by storm. Those who use a navigation system rely upon its accurate directional services. Magellan GPS is one of the more popular brands of navigation products and can be bought at just about any electronics store.

GPS utilizes the government’s network of satellites that consistently circle the earth, providing timely and accurate logistical information. It was designed in the late 1970’s by the US Department of Defense to be used as a reliable navigational tool for the military. However today, it has become main-stream, finding its way to consumers through a variety of suitable systems. Global positioning system receivers are hand-held units that fit into the palm of your hand. These portable systems have the ability to connect to the global positioning satellites which, through a series of calculations based on longitude and latitude can instantly and accurately pinpoint the user’s location. The screen of the receiver will then illustrate a map of the area, including landmarks, terrains, roads, and places your location relative to these points of reference. Those who travel and enjoy outdoor activities like camping and hiking have found the Magellan GPS receivers to be very useful in providing accurate navigation and ensuring safety.

Lots of people prefer to use the Magellan navigation system as a hand-held device, where others prefer to use it as a navigational device that they mount in their vehicles. It uses a destination address supplied by the driver to efficiently navigate the driving route. Also, if your vehicle is stolen, it can be effectively tracked by the signals sent by the Magellan GPS.

The prices vary depending on the number of features offered by each system. You can also find lots of information online detailing the different global positionig systems, including price, features, and user reviews. Make sure you take the time to research any GPS before you purchase.

By: B Green

Portable Global Positioning Systems GPS System Reviews

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:18:28 +0000

If you are someone who travels a lot because of business or who just enjoys traveling to discover or visit new places that you have not been to before? Then a GPS device is definitely your ultimate travel companion and guide. The US Department of Defense developed this technology and they can be used by anyone, anywhere, and are often used for navigation and are the world’s only fully functional global navigation satellite system (GNSS). They use a constellation of about 24 to 32 middle sized orbit satellites to transmit exact radio waves, allowing GPS receivers to find their existing location, time, and speed. Below is a review of some portable GPS devices available for the discerning traveler and where to find them.

1. The Garmin-nuvi 225w GPS

A leader in mobile GPS systems, this device comes with a 4.3 inch color screen that clearly displays routes and is also capable of giving blow by blow directions by voice prompt. This world class device comes with detailed information on all major roads and will even give you a verbal warning should you be in violation of the local speed limit. It also comes with secure digital (SD) card slot that allows you to expand the capabilities. It comes with a rechargeable battery along with a car charger.

2. Magellan Maestro 4350 In Car GPS Unit

The Magellan Maestro 4350 In Car GPS Unit is an all in one GPS unit that encompasses everything that you could desire in a GPS device. With over six million points of interest, turn by turn voice directions, 4.3 inch color screen, emergency numbers, an MP3 player and speed limit warning, it will always keep you going in the right direction, safe, and entertained no matter where you are.
3. Garmin Nuvi 360

The Garmin nuvi 360 is the ideal GPS device for the pocket constrained buyer. This fully color GPS device is capable of mapping out any destination, and also integrates hands free Bluetooth.

Using voice prompts it informs the driver the name and traffic condition of the street on which they are driving, when and where to turn and also comes with an SD card slot.

4. TomTom-GO 720 Portable GPS

This is a mid level GPS device that leaves nothing to the imagination. This device has a 4.3 inch color screen, as well as two gigabyte on board memory as well as an SD card slot, text to voice prompt, iPod docking, traffic and weather updates, speed limit indicators and indicators to show school zones. This is an all encompassing device that comes in a convenient package.

5. The Uniden GPS 352-In Car GPS

This is yet another top of the range GPS device that brings with it a 3.5 inch full color touch screen with mile by mile instructions. With over two million points of interest, built in maps and accurate GPS coordinates this device is the ideal for anyone on a trip to previously uncharted lands.

By: Levi Quinn

Marine GPS

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:23:45 +0000

Marine GPS systems have become most boaters’ best friend. Depending on the reasons you need GPS Navigation, they can make it easy to find your way back to shore in unknown waters, navigate at night, and find large fish or avoid debris. History of Marine GPS: While it wasn’t that long ago that boaters or mariners consulted star charts and latitude/longitude numbers to figure out their way back to land, Marine GPS navigation changed the need for the inaccurate tracking system that some could not figure out. GPS or global positioning systems came into vogue after the launch of satellites that could send a signal of latitude and longitude locations to figure exactly where anything was back on Earth.

This principal has been used in fishing sonars and marine GPS systems, that use anywhere from 12 to 24 satellites to figure out positioning. Why Using Marine GPS Navigation Systems? The answer is simple, it is more accurate, less hassle than previous methods to find out where you are on the open sea or any body of water for that matter. Also, the most important reason is for safety. Not only can it keep you from getting lost, but you can chart ways around tropical storms at sea, or alternate routes, for whatever reason.

The Future of Marine GPS: These GPS systems continue to get more sophisticated, and come in hand-held models, all the way up to marine GPS navigation lap top computers. Depending on the functions you want, you can find a marine GPS that can do whatever you want it to, when it comes to navigation, topography in foreign water bodies, or take it hiking and camping with you, if it is a hand-held portable marine GPS. Some of the larger cruisers and yachts use it to “auto-pilot” a ship, and navigate back to port in the dark of night. Advice On

Buying a Marine GPS: Be sure and research all of the models and functions for the type of Marine GPS navigation you are going to be doing. In other words, certain factors, like whether it will be for river fishing or ocean adventures can determine the model you need and the number of functions. If you are looking for a fish finder, you may not need an expensive Marine GPS system with all kinds of bells and whistles. Commercial fishermen, for example, would need them to not only get them back to shore, avoid the paths of storms, and find fish, but might need alarms for shallow reefs or other alarms where a normal recreational fisherman might not need these features.

Marine GPS navigation systems have gotten to be almost a requirement for all types of water navigation, and finding a marine GPS unit is easy at retailers, but especially online, where the choices are unlimited. As more manufacturers have gotten into the GPS systems, even cell phones are GPS capable now. It’s all a matter of the number of functions you need for what you are going to be doing, when it comes to marine GPS navigation.

By: Alexis Kenne

GPS Comparisons

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:57:22 +0000

With the release of several Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units used by golfers, motorists, navigators, mariners, aviators, pilots and fitness buffs, there are expected GPS comparisons that put borderlines between models. Comparing one from the other in terms of performance and pricing is but normal. Considering areas like smallness or largeness of GPS screen, richness of traffic data given, built-in features and affordability can be criteria for your to judge which one fits your needs.

GPS Comparisons place distinction between auto and handheld GPS equipment. Auto units are usually built in car vehicles while handheld ones are usually used by those who just want to place them in the pocket or attach to a belt. There are recreational GPS grade units that either display base map or none at all. Those units with built-in maps are more expensive than those without, but both are handy.

If what you are looking for is different from the standard handheld GPS, then you must try a unit that’s integrated with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). GPS comparisons say this unit monitors geostationary satellites delivering correction signals much higher than those without WAAS. It also allows preciseness to beyond 16 feet under likeable scenarios. Magellan and Garmin brands are those that come with WAAS.

According to GPS comparisons, Magellan and Garmin GPS units are both integrated with built-in maps and display data on big screens. Garmin eTrex can last up to 20 hours on two rechargeable AA batteries while Magellan Meridian Gold can do 14 hours and even on field, it can last for eight hours. Getting the best unit of GPS would depend on one’s budget and purposes. Handheld units have own strengths and limitations as much as a car’s built-in GPS has. Both are equipped with computer-mapping programs, though.

Preciseness in taking distance and other important data are achieved by both most GPS types. GPS Comparisons say the demand for GPS has increased tremendously. Because GPS units are built in automatically in luxurious cars, the increasing demand for it is unstoppable. If you want to compare features and performance elements of GPS units, you might just have to consider canvassing about brands like Garmin, Navman, Mio, Magellan and Tom Tom. Compare their pricing, quality, built-in features, battery lifespan and durability.

In terms of GPS mapping data, GPS Comparisons tell there are some map programs sold to ensure accuracy of displaying data on your GPS monitor. Majority of what the market offers are sure to by-pass traffic areas ahead using GPS and compute new walkthroughs. If not employed properly, you might be out of right lane or off-track. In this case, not only will you be wasting fuel, you will also be delaying your trip.

By: Ian Pennington

Keeping Track of Your Kids With GPS

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:24:30 +0000

One great benefit of technology has been global positioning systems or GPS. These systems use satellites to track the whereabouts of people anywhere on planet Earth. They are small units that can be installed many places such as watches, backpacks, cars and even cell phones. Because GPS units are so small they can be used very effectively to as GPS kids tracking devices.

Parents use GPS tracking to keep tabs on the location of their children. Children can be tracked with GPS using their cell phones, watches, backpacks and even attached to their clothing or shoes. No matter where a child is they can be located with a GPS device. Children’s GPS devices are like an insurance policy to help keep your kids safe.

Currently there are a number of satellites orbiting the Earth that were placed by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS tracking technology makes use of these satellites for both navigation and tracking purposes. The satellites send out an encoded signal that are received by the tracking units and then decoded. The satellites are always sending this signal and the GPS devices can use this signal to locate anything or anyone and their exact position on the Earth within several yards.

GPS tracking services can be purchased from several different companies. Tracking children with GPS is very simple to get started with. All you need to do is purchase a GPS tracking device, have it programmed for your service and attach it to the child in some way. Each GPS tracking company does charge a fee for their service and it varies for each one so do some research first to find out which company can provide the features you want at the lowest cost.

You can subscribe to different tracking plans from several trackings per month to unlimited real time tracking. The only difference between the different plans is the cost with the unlimited and real time versions being the most expensive.

There are also several ways to retrieve your tracking information. Some companies will provide the information via cell phone while others have websites that you can go to to do the tracking or even software that needs to be installed on your PC. In addition, you can receive tracking reports to get all the details of where your child has been. This can be a good addition for teens who are driving.

The biggest negative to tracking kids with GPS is the cost. The GPS devices start around $150 each and the tracking services will run you anywhere from $25 to $100 per month depending on the features you desire.

Children’s GPS tracking systems are a great way to give you added peace of mind knowing that your children can be located at anytime and anywhere they might be. While older children may have some reservations at being tracked, younger children often do not even need to know about the tracking device. GPS kids tracking is not a substitute for parental supervision, but it is a great tool to help us keep tabs on our children and provided added security in our dangerous world.

By: Steven Walters

GPS For Cars – 3 Tips For Using GPS Tracking For Cars

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:20:37 +0000

If you haven’t tried using a GPS system yet, you should. The GPS will almost certainly change the way you drive. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The GPS can identify where you are, and it will place you on a map showing you exactly where in the world you happen to be. A GPS is very easy to use, but there are three basic things you need to know:

Tip #1: Program Your Route Before Leaving

Program your route in advance. If you program your route in advance, the global positioning system will be able to guide you, step-by-step to your destination.

Tip #2: Don’t Alter Your Route While Driving

Don’t make modifications to your route while you are driving. It can be dangerous to take your eyes off the road. Your global positioning system is designed to indicate an impending directional change, so there is no need to study the display. If you need to change your route or look at the map more closely, pull off to the side of the road first. Otherwise, you may wind up in an accident.

Tip #3: Don’t Make Things Easier For Criminals

Do not program your home address as “home.” If your car is stolen, a thief would then be able to find your home and know that you are not there. So you could have both, your car stolen and your house burglarized.

Global Positioning Systems make folding maps a thing of the past. Once you’ve tried a GPS system, you won’t want to be without one.

If you want more information about GPS systems for cars…

By: Lane Wright