Prior to the invention of automotive GPS units, traveling to unknown areas had to be done through reading a map and/or asking for directions. Both methods had problems. For instance, how can one effectively read a map while driving? Map-reading is only best if there is another passenger in the car, which isn’t always possible. Asking for directions can also be annoying, at least if the person giving the directions does so in a manner that is not as clear.
Fortunately, with the emergence of automotive GPS units the process of map-reading and getting directions has never been easier as each can be done either through voice activation, touching the screen, pushing buttons or a combination. Maps pinpointing the exact location pop right up on the screen, while directions can be given through a computer-generated voice. Nothing could be easier or better. The only issue is deciding which automotive GPS unit should be purchased. This article will serve as a guide telling consumers what they should be on the lookout for when choosing automotive GPS units.
The first area of consideration when buying automotive GPS units is seeing how accurate the device is. One way to determine this is by how many channels the GPS unit has. This is because more channels means the unit will be able to communicate with a larger number of satellites, resulting in more coverage. Another way to determine the accuracy of most automotive GPS units is through how its antenna is designed. Make sure the antenna is placed in an area of the unit where it will be able to stand freely.
The next thing to think about when looking at automotive GPS units is size. There are some automotive GPS units that will not be portable. Onstar, which has to be installed in one’s car, is an example of an automotive GPS unit that can not be moved from car-to-car. Many other automotive GPS units vary in portability.
Thirdly, perspective buyers of automotive GPS units should take notice of a unit’s interface. More expensive automotive GPS units will contain voice-activation and/or touch-screens, while cheaper ones can only be used through a series of buttons. If another person is in the car, using buttons is not as bad, but if only the driver can use the unit, it is important that it be as hands-free as possible. It is also important to try to get an automotive GPS unit that has the capability to give directions through a computer-generated voice. Doing so is another way to ensure that the driver of the car keeps their eyes on the road and nowhere else.
The software that the automotive automotive GPS unit uses is also critical. Most top of the line units have very good mapping software included with the unit. However, as time passes the mapping software becomes out of date. You should make sure that you automotive GPS units software is updated at least once every 6 months. Frequently there is cost for this service but if you live in fast growing urban environment then it is a good investment. Your automotive GPS unit is only as good as its operating and mapping software.
When looking at automotive GPS units one should consider: ease of use, accuracy, size and interface. Keeping these elements in mind ensures that a buyer obtains an automotive GPS unit that is reliable and will best assist them when they are on the road.
By: Jim Kesel
Posts Tagged ‘Number Of Satellites’
Keeping Track of Your Kids With GPS
December 3rd, 2009
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
