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
Posts Tagged ‘Mapping Programs’
GPS Comparisons
December 20th, 2009Free GPS Software
November 24th, 2009
I took a look at some of the online offers for free GPS software and found, like many “free” offers there were often limits and provisos involved. Often the freeware is a scaled–down version of purchasable products. Sometimes the free product has restricted functionality with features disabled, other products are trial–based and are disabled after a certain time (hours or days or use).
An example of limited free GPS software can be found at GPS Utility. The downloadable freeware is limited 100 waypoints and 500 track points. (There are 65,000 of each in the registered version of their program.) The free program gives you a good opportunity to try before you buy, and this is the benefit of most free programs.
There are online sites that list various free GPS software and describe how to use the programs after you download them. Often individuals who have used the programs themselves develop the sites. These are great because they give you an unbiased interpretation of the benefits and disadvantages of the programs before you use them.
Using free GPS software you can download programs that allow you to retrieve and display aerial photos, topographical maps, USGS landmarks. There are programs available that allow you import scanned images and add latitude and longitude points and other data.
Free GPS software downloads are available for PDA units that are capable of communication with GPS receivers. With these downloads you can have a useful navigation assistant, location database manager, and GPS data converter.
Programs to manage GPS waypoint and route files are available for both PC and Mac users. The waypoints and route files can be saved or converted to various formats used by other mapping programs.
If you need to transfer information to and from your GPS receiver and your home computer or laptop there are several free programs that allow you to do so. There are also programs that allow Garmin GPS receivers to “talk” to one another.
Many of the programs listed here are directed at the hiking/trekker community, but there are also free programs available for auto GPS systems and marine navigational systems. I found a couple of marine navigation programs that allow you to download nautical charts and plotters.
There are free GPS software programs that allow you to download street maps that might not be included in your auto–navigation system. If you intend downloading in–vehicle software, make sure that it has audio capacity, an essential safety factor for motorists. One such program offers data for several countries with voice guidance in twelve languages.
Free GPS software is also available for downloading to your cell phone. This is mostly tracking software and can be phone specific. You might want to check with your carrier before downloading anything to your cell phone to make sure that it does not incur extra charges.
As satellites are constantly moving, it is helpful to know the optimal time for data collection in your area. There is free GPS software that includes an almanac to let you know the availability of satellites at any given time.
Some of the free GPS software is brand specific. Programs designed for a Garmin receiver may not work for a Magellan, so check out the specifications carefully, especially if you intend purchasing a registered version after your trial period. Other software works with most brands.
By: Anne King
