Communications GPS

GPS navigation systems use a small receiver inside your dashboard unit. This receiver picks up signals from a minimum of three satellites orbiting the earth; the triangulation method. Much like navigators used in the days before technology, your system "triangulates" your position based on the intersecting point of circles that represents the distance from each satellite in relation to where your unit is. Then usually a fourth satellite is used to determine movement and speed.

These systems can be used two ways, the first is as a locator. The GPS system emits a locator beacon for satellites to follow. Police departments use this in conjunction with a company called "Lojack". A tracking center monitor the movements of several people or vehicles in real time. Weather its to hunt down a criminal in a stolen car, the military tracking its troop movements or a mother in search of her lost child. GPS systems are here and affecting our everyday lives.

In order for navigation to help you to your destination it needs a map to guide itself and you. Most of these units include that in the package when purchased. Usually in the form of SD card (scan disk), more maps can be downloaded from the companies website. The systems don't always work by themselves, but often are used in conjunction with other technology. Traffic data suppliers collect data from road sensors, local dept. of transportation, listening to police scanners and even using transportation companies fleets of trucks to gather information. Road network data is received and distributed for two main informative streams. Incident data, that identifies and signals all GPS units in the vicinity to be aware of an accident or roadwork. Then there is flow data showing the average speed vehicles are currently traveling on a particular section of road.

Now that most GPS systems are affordable, they can be picked up pretty much anywhere. Most for under $200, they make great gifts and when combined with services such as traffic and weather,. They have become invaluable to daily commuters and trucking/taxi services. Even local and Federal governments use them in their vehicles. Making them easy to take for granted, affordability and multiple daily uses makes these items perfect for anyone and everyone.

Compare and see which GPS system is right for you at http://www.OneStopRadar.com Units from Magellan, Garmin, Tom Tom and other top manufacturers. You can also check out what other people are saying, get reviews before you purchase anything, even ask questions or add your two cents in at http://www.GPSandRadarBanter.com

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What is an Automobile GPS System?
I am sure you don't need me to tell you what automobile GPS systems are, but if you are reading this and you are not quite sure, then I will just tell you that they are electronic devices that know where you are.

Potential for Car Journeys
The clever thing is, that they know where you are in relation to other places. As soon as you know where you are, and where you want to go, then a whole raft of possible uses for automobile GPS systems suddenly becomes open to you for your car journeys.

Where Am I?
The main component of the system is a reliable method of determining your current position. This is based on satellite navigation and the device needs to get a 'fix' on your position from at least 4 different satellites out of the 31 (2008) in orbit above the Earth. This is so that it can effectively know where you are, both horizontally and vertically on the surface of the Earth. The electronics for this are fairly well established these days since the US military developed the GPS system for its own use. GPS navigation became officially available to the public in 1996 (wikipedia), and since then, the use of automotive GPS systems have blossomed. In the early days, the accuracy allowed by the US military was limited to a less-accurate version of the military's then current system. Now, however, accuracy has been improved and positions are often able to be determined within a 6 metre radius, depending on the receiving technology, the local terrain and a clear line-of-sight view to the satellites.

Where Are You?
A position for the automotive GPS system in your car is not much good without a map of the area, so that the device knows where it is in relation to other places. The map is probably the next most important part of the system. Any route from A to B must be reduced internally to a series of co-ordinate points describing all possible ways you might arrive at that destination. Each place where the road or highway changes direction or forks, must have an absolute co-ordinate associated with it. The smaller the distance between these points, the better and more accurate the map inside the unit will be. Knowing this, you can understand how a really good software map is essential, and why new updated maps are necessary to take into account new and improved features along all your potential journeys.

Show Me Where I Am.
Once the position in relation to other places is determined, the unit needs to be able to output the information in a way that is immediately understandable to the motorist. Traditionally this is done through a small flat screen as part of the unit's construction and sometimes also via text-to-speech spoken output through a loudspeaker.

Where I Want To Go.
An output that is clear, and easily understood is essential, but so too is an input, so that the start and destination of the journey may be entered into the automotive GPS system. The main ways this is done, is through a touch screen interface, using buttons and text boxes to describe your destination. However, major manufacturers have also developed speech recognition systems capable of being used as input to the unit, and now other smaller manufacturers are following suit. This is likely to become the primary input method in the future, as it allows the driver to operate the unit and still safely keep both his hands on the driving wheel.

Conclusion.
Now that I have described the main components of an automotive GPS system, you can understand how all the different makes and models available on the market have these four main core functions. Manufacturers add value and make models different, by building into their systems other inputs or outputs, extra features, better more accurate maps, quicker acquisition of satellite positional 'fixes', points of interest, etc. The solution to determining which automotive GPS system to buy, is nothing more than deciding which extra features you require for your driving needs. These needs can be found out by analysing how you are going to use the GPS system that you will buy, however, sometimes deciding which make and model is really best for you, can be the most difficult part of the buying process.

Paul Wyllie writes articles related to GPS Navigation Systems. Visit his website to find more help in deciding which out of all the GPS Navigation Systems for cars is the best one for you to buy.

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The use of Global Positioning systems have become widely prevalent in modern lifestyles. According to a newspaper report, a minor breakdown of the satellite navigation system forced a person to drive around several miles before locating the usual route. The incident shows the degree of dependence of the users on the Sat Nav devices in the contemporary society. It is stated that out of all inventions in the past decade, Sat Nav is the most result oriented device for those who travel. It is a faithful companion for a stranger in any unfamiliar territory.

Whether it is for a hiker, a walker or for a driver satellite navigation equipment has become inevitable in the context of heavy flow of traffic and criss-crossed or tortuous highways. Mountaineers and truckers of modern days find their movements safe and enjoyable, thanks to GPS devices. But it is important that the users should locate apt devices suitable to the situations. There are many brands and models of Satellite Navigation equipments available in the market. Apart from the dedicated Sat Nav devices, smart phones with GPS features are also used for navigation. Portable as well as vehicle mounted GPS devices are more job oriented and solely designed for specific purposes. Such dedicated devices are comparatively cheaper. They are provided with larger screens to facilitate better viewing of maps and routes. Dedicated GPS devices offer 4 to 5 hours of battery life and are water and shock resistant. Mobile phone based GPS devices will be expensive. Further most of the cell phone based GPS devices will not be operational while the phone is engaged in talking.

In UK there are websites exclusively dealing with Sat Nav devices and ancillaries. These websites periodically publish product reviews for the benefit of the prospective buyers. Products of all leading manufacturers in this segment will be subjected to close scrutiny and evaluation. Consumers will be provided with independent, impartial reviews of the various products and services. Technical specifications involved in the manufacture of products are explained in detail so that the shoppers will get clear ideas about their positive and negative aspects. Price comparison sites are also provided for the shoppers to verify the prices of similar products from various companies.

Innovative features that are incorporated in well known brands like Garmin, Snooper, Mio, TomTom, Medion, Navigon and Navman are illustrated and explained in the portals for the guidance of the shoppers. 4.3 inches widescreens with voice guided direction and free loaded safety camera data base are intended to enhance the safety and comforts of the traveler. Complete road maps of UK, Ireland and Europe will render extensive assistance to those who undertake tour of the continent. Some models of GPS devices are available with 3.5 inches LCD touch screens, points of interest search facility and full post code search options. Latest products with 2D and 3D mapping display are also available. Dynamic routing, Blue Tooth calling, plug & play are other special features incorporated in the modern Sat Nav devices.

The exclusive websites for Satellite Navigation equipments and ancillary products are periodically updated to project the latest innovations in the concerned segment. They are good sources for gathering information about the products and services.

Visit Satellite navigation system site to find sat nav deals and read unbiased reviews on Binatone, Dash GPS Systems, Gizmondo and Hyundai Sat Nav Systems

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The use of GPS Fleet Management, also known as Vehicle Tracking or Vehicle Telematics, is increasingly common in today's business environment, both in the private and public sectors.

As the use of GPS Location technology has developed and become more widespread, so has the scope of its use widened. Once the domain of the Fleet Manager used as part of Vehicle Tracking system, GPS Location technology has now extended beyond the fleet department and into the hands, literally, of non-vehicle based staff.

Many organizations with a reliance on a vehicle based workforce have invested in GPS Vehicle Tracking technology to help administer a number of functions related to fleet and driver management, including: Vehicle journey time calculations, Vehicle mileage monitoring, Route planning, two way messaging, Driver behaviour analysis, Fuel usage reporting, Vehicle Service Scheduling and Job Schedule Adherence reporting.

Being able to monitor the real-time location of vehicles across a fleet, means organizations are now more able to respond dynamically to changing events and meet the increased expectations of their customers. Assigning the nearest available fleet asset, based on actual and accurate information produced by a vehicle tracking system improves response times and improves customer service levels.

The advent of person based GPS Tracking can complement existing Vehicle Tracking systems and ensure that non-vehicle based mobile personnel, such Street Cleaners, Park Rangers or Community Support Officers can now also be efficiently deployed, based on precise and accurate Location information.

Increasingly defined rules and guidelines pertaining to employers responsibilities under Health and Safety and Duty of Care legislation, means the benefits of this technology is increasingly being as much more than just a tool used to increase efficiency and productivity.

Advice published by both the HSE and Business link says that if you employ lone workers, you have the same responsibilities for their health and safety as for any other employees. You may, however, need to take extra precautions to ensure lone workers are at no greater risk than your other employees.

What is a Lone Worker? According to the same advice, a lone worker is anybody who works alone. The term itself makes is quite clear. The advice continues; A Lone Worker can include; self-employed people and employees who work away from their business base. This occurs in a wide range of business activities, such as transport, construction, maintenance and repair.

In addition to being a tool that provides a location and journey history, Lone Worker GPS Tracking devices, now also serve as personal security devices and include the ability to make and receive voice calls, send a Panic Alarm, which when pressed, transmits an Alarm message with the precise location of the device carrier. Many units also include a Motion Sensor which transmits an alert location if the carrier falls, is lying prone and perhaps requires emergency assistance.

Businesses and organizations, who may have initially introduced GPS Location technology such as vehicle tracking, primarily to maximize the efficient use of their fleet and drivers, are now finding that GPS Location and Tracking technology can also help them meet their other duties and responsibilities.

About the author

Matthew Wright is the publisher of the UK Telematics Online website. Vehicle Telematics solutions such as vehicle tracking are now widely available from a huge number of suppliers; many of whom promote themselves as the "market leader" and promise to deliver 'cost benefit' and 'return on investment.' With extensive experience of working with both suppliers and customers "I feel that users of vehicle telematics, if they are actually to see the benefits promised by suppliers and manufacturers, want and need to be better informed."

UK Telematics Online is an independent source of free information, tips & advice to assist visitors with buying decisions and to aid better implementation of vehicle telematics and vehicle tracking solutions.

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The Global Navigation System was designed for the US Military. The first GPS satellite was launched early in 1978 and the twenty fourth of the first generation satellites was launched in October 1985. The launching of the GPS system forever changed the way wars are waged and ultimately land and water navigation by the public around the world. President Ronald Reagan decreed the GPS signals were to be available to the public for their benefit. Receiving GPS signals is free if you own or purchase a GPS unit.

The only difference in the signals received by the US Military and the public is signal accuracy. Signals received by the public are accurate to within one meter anywhere in the world. Military GPS signals are more accurate. Also US government installations and other sensitive sites are automatically blocked from civilian GPS units for the sake of safety.

The GPS satellite system is managed by the US Air Force. These satellites orbit the earth in precise orbits once each day.

Civilian use of the GPS system has taken off in the last ten years. Units are now available for practically any use you can imagine. Units are available for cars, commercial trucks, agriculture, ships, boats and multiple other uses. Handheld units have become very popular for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, biking and units are available that are only used to track people, cars and animals. Of course surveyors and map makers also use GPS technology. Ocean going shippers now use individual units in cargo shipments to keep up with cargo for more accurate timing and delivery operations. Carriers such as UPS use GPS units for more precise routing and finding addresses for delivery.

Other governments like Russia and China are working on GPS technology for their own use. It seems like the world has really taken notice of our Yankee ingenuity and is trying to catch up with our technology.

GPS receivers need data from three satellites for basic navigation and four for precise information. WAAS is a synonym for Wide Area Augmentation System, developed for the Federal Aviation Administration for aircraft safety. Using WAAS planes can take off and land without any visual information. It allows accuracy to within three meters anywhere in the world.

Join the GPS revolution and realize the benefits.

Author: LaZinnia Manley All Rights Reserved 08-24-2009

For more information visit me at Garmin Handheld GPS.

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It's a fact; no one can participate in or even think about locating a cache, no matter its difficulty rating, without a reliable and accurate GPS unit.

Keep in mind, however, that not all GPS devices are the same, and the same features that would be absolutely necessary in order to be the best GPS for geocaching to one person, might be considered almost incidental to the next.

So, the best GPS unit for Geocaching for any individual is probably a personal matter depending upon their skill level, physical conditioning, terrain, and difficulty of the cache.

Geocaching is not only frenetically catching on, you might say, because of the ever increasing worldwide access to the Internet, it is sweeping the globe. Individuals, groups, and organizations are hiding caches and posting them for all to see online.

It's easy, just boot up your computer, and target a cache of your choice. It can be near your home, down at the local park, near a river bank, on the side of a mountain or smack in the middle of some desert. Literally, caches are placed all over the world.

People from all walks of life, from all countries, and from all economic levels are quickly becoming avid participants in the fun, exciting and challenging treasure hunting game of geocaching.

And, if you're just beginning the sport, there are a number of important GPS features that would be beneficial to and enhance your early success as a geocacher. Some of the more recent GPS units even have built-in features that are geospecific to the adventurous game of geocaching.

Here are critical GPS features to consider before purchasing the GPS device that you'll be using when tracking down a cache:

1. Look for a screen that is of decent size, with good contrast, and make sure that it is easy to read. Also, check to make sure that it has trans reflective properties for easy readability in bright sunlight.

2. The GPS should be able to lock onto satellite signals quickly, and it should be accurate to within ten feet. The device should provide guidance through heavy tree and cloud cover, or while in your pocket, or even through the windshield of your auto? For this, you may want it to be WAAS-enabled for accurate pinpointing of caches, and you'll need twelve parallel channels.

3. It should be fairly small and lightweight for easy carrying. Look for one that will be small enough to fit into your pocket.

4. It should be easy to understand the information you're receiving. You'll want your GPS unit to have the capability of marking no less than 500 waypoints. These are significant points along the way. This capability will help you find caches easily and will, most importantly, keep you from getting lost.

5. The unit you choose should be waterproof. At some point, on one or many of your hunts, your GPS will get wet. You may drop it in a puddle, it will come a torrential downpour, you'll slip in a river or stream, trust me, you can plan on its getting wet no matter how many plastic bags you bring along.

6. How sturdy and rugged is it? As a natural part of geocaching, your GPS will get dropped and roughed up a lot. If you're a hiking/camping geocacher, you may be receiving information that will take you through brush, over rocks, across rivers, and through forests. Naturally, your unit will get banged up.

7. Finally, the GPS you choose should have a descent battery life. Generally speaking, the longer the battery life, the better, but also, the bigger the battery, the heavier the weight of the GPS. If you weigh 110 lbs., the unit's weight will be a real consideration. If this is the case, you could opt for a lighter weight device, and just take along some extra batteries. In no event, do you want your GPS to quit on you before you locate the cache.

You can find GPS units with all of these features in almost every price range, size, shape and color, but you should make sure that the one you actually purchase for your geocaching treasure hunting adventures at least has these minimum features.

Ryan Westmoreland enjoys the adventurous game of geocaching, and runs a blog all about the best GPS for every geocaching style and skill level. He gives up-to-date GPS reviews, finds great GPS equipment at bargain basement prices, and his tips will help you to be successful at geocaching from your first target cache. Be sure to visit Best GPS For Geocaching Guide BEFORE you buy your first geocaching GPS.

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If you're heavy into the exciting worldwide adventure game of geocaching, you'll love the powerful Magellan Explorist 400. A GPS is absolutely critical to geocaching, and the Explorist 400 just might be the unit for you.

Actually, the whole game is designed around global positioning systems. In fact, all that you really need to play this fun, exciting and challenging game is an accurate, dependable GPS, access to the Internet, and a call to adventure.

Right out of the box, the Magellan Explorist 400 won't allow you access to some of it's more attractive features, but once the little 400 is fully loaded, you just can't beat it. WOW, it's like having your own handheld Internet browser but without having online access.

You'll definitely want to add the optional features that will allow you to put in regular street addresses instead of just the GPS coordinates. Adding these options will enable you get driving directions to ATM's, restaurants, bars, gas stations, and countless other destinations and places of interest, and, with these additional options in place, you'll also be able to receive turn-by-turn street and road directions.

When any establishment, museum, golf course, or other place of interest that you might be looking for displays on the screen, the Magellan 400 also lists the phone numbers and addresses.

Talk about making a geocacher's life easier and so much sweeter, the Magellan Explorist 400 has a high speed USB port that makes downloading info quick and easy, plus the Geocache Manager software enables you to download caches directly into your powerful little 400.

It has 8 MB of internal memory that enables it to save 5 track log files, up to 20 routes, and also 500 POI (points of interest). If this doesn't sound like enough, you can get optional SD cards and save an unlimited number of caches. Additionally, it has 8 MB of maps already built-in, but you can also get additional SD cards and carry as many maps as you want.

While the Magellan Explorist 400 GPS has all the power you will need for any geocaching hunt, it is tiny, only 2.1" x 4.6", easily fitting into your jeans, shirt or jacket pocket. The unit is lightweight, water-resistant, and it even floats. It's battery lasts an extra long time, a minimum of twelve plus hours.

It's Magellan TrueFix feature makes it reliable and extremely accurate, and it maintains its satellite reception even under heavy tree or cloud cover or both. With it, you can explore to your heart's content without fear of getting lost.

That's always my worst fear when hiking in the mountains, all the boulders and trees start to look alike. But, then, my sense of direction is so poor, that I could get lost down at the local dog park. Thank God, my canine companions know their way home.

I purchased my Explorist 400 mainly for geocaching, but I also use if for hiking, tracking and fishing waypoints, and for a navigational aide while driving.

Actually, the only downside to the Magellan Explorist 400 handheld GPS is that in order to experience all of its exceptional features; you have to buy and install the options. But, now that I have it fully loaded, I can't imagine geocaching without it.

Ryan Westmoreland loves the adventure of geocaching, and runs a blog about how to choose the best GPS for your particular geocaching style and skill level. He gives GPS reviews, tracks down great GPS bargains, and gives tips on how to be a successful geocacher right from your first cache expedition. Be sure to visit Best GPS For Geocaching Guide BEFORE you buy your first geocaching GPS.

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