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
Posts Tagged ‘Global Positioning Systems’
GPS – Basic Definition
January 29th, 2010Posted in Article
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Magellan GPS Product Information
January 19th, 2010
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
Posted in Article
Tags: Accurate Navigation Department Of Defense Destination Address Driving Route Electronics Store Global Positioning Satellites Global Positioning System Global Positioning Systems Longitude And Latitude Magellan Gps Receivers Magellan Navigation System Main Stream Navigation Products Navigational Device Navigational Tool Palm Of Your Hand Price Features Suitable Systems Terrains Us Department Of Defense
Portable Global Positioning Systems GPS System Reviews
January 15th, 2010
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
Posted in Article
Tags: Car Gps Discerning Traveler Garmin Gps Garmin Nuvi 360 Global Navigation Satellite System Global Positioning Systems Going In The Right Direction Gps Device Gps Devices Gps Receivers Gps Systems Magellan Maestro Navigation Satellite System Orbit Satellites Radio Waves Sd Card Slot Secure Digital Sd Card Travel Companion Verbal Warning Voice Directions
