The worldwide Global Positioning System (GPS) network is becoming more and more popular each day. Known as a useful tool for mapmaking, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses, GPS is now a widely used navigation aid world wide.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the fully functional Global Navigational Satellite System which will help in determining the location, speed/direction and time with the assistance of 24 medium earth orbit satellites. The GPS network consists of 24 navigation satellites, which orbit the planet at a height of approximately 12,000 miles. These satellites each orbit the earth twice every 24 hours, and they are set up in such a way that they can send signals to any location on the planet, whether it be land or sea, and no matter how remote.
The current GPS is divided into three major segments called space segment (SS), control segment (CS), and user segment (US).It is the navigation message broadcasted by GPS satellites that provides the time-of-day, GPS week number and satellite health information.
How Does GPS Work?
The software once created, gets improved by getting smaller. GPS device requires a radio emitter and a clock to work. The emitter sends the time of the clock to the satellite overhead. The satellite then calculates the amount of time it took for the radio signal to reach them and then figures the distance from that. Three or four satellites compare their location and the time involved. They then show the location within about six inches depending on the accuracy of the unit's clock. While the GPS technology does not really need a lot of space, the software that adds the functionalities expected by the consumer, actually does.
Uses Of GPS
In the advanced modern world, GPS is mainly used in various daily life equipments including mobile phones and more popularly in cars. The military uses GPS technology to guide missiles, track and control forces and facilities, and more. Many newer vehicle models come with a GPS feature, which can be used to get customized maps and directions from your current location, to a specified location. Just like automobiles, many boats and ships use GPS for navigation. On top of that, GPS may be especially helpful during darkness, fog, or other low visibility conditions. Hunters, wilderness explorers, and other outdoor sportsmen may use GPS for navigation purposes, and / or to help find their way when lost. Many surveyors use GPS units to survey and establish boundaries and other locations or markers. And for those who loves fishing, with a GPS unit you can just plot the points and you will have that spot marked on your GPS so that you can go back to the same spot or just go find another good spot and mark that down on the GPS. Or perhaps if you are in your boat and you are lost you should have a plot that says home so that you can just activate home and it will send you in that direction. The list of the benefits and importance of GPS in our daily life grows as we speak.
All You Need To Know About GPS & GPS Devices
GPS On Iphone
What doesnt the new iPhone have, this new modern day electronic smartphone that has become all the new rage is missing an all important feature - the GPS. You would almost consider this function an actual requirement for a mobile phone but the only requirement a mobile phone needs to have is to be able to call 911 in an emergency. The GPS feature is considered an important one and most smartphones on the market do have it so you ask yourself why Apple didnt include it in its design features.
How Can You Get GPS?
The expectation of a GPS was always there before its original releases. It was clear that the iPhone has a bluetooth connectivity. People thought their problems were solved just get a Bluetooth receiver and connect it to the iPhone then get the correct GPS software and the problem solved. But not so it turned out that the GPS blue tooth could not connect to the iPhone as Apple products do not traditionally comply with other products this was also the case with the GPS software. What is needed is the additional support through Apple for third-party applications other wise trying to solve the problem of adding an GPS onto the iPhone is impossible.
Of course, there is GoogleMaps you can use to a limited extent only where you can find wireless internet, so obviously not everywhere.
Navizon GPS On Iphone
In 2007 September, Navizon eventually released a virtual GPS navigation system on iPhones. This relies on a Wi-fi and cellular tower triangulation, and is basically a peer to peer system in which users in possession of the software can contribute data. Some say that because of the way it operates it is not as good as the real GPS . The one good thing is that Navizon has a 15 day trial period which lets you test it out and if you are happy with it you can get GPS for the iPhone for less than $25.00. The firmware version 1.1.1. update reportedly rendered the software useless. However, a new version was released, and users can also get a scaled down version of this iPhone GPS for free.
It is rumored that with the new release of the 3G iphone later in 2008, Apple have planned to included in the design of the new phone a GPS realizing that it was a feature that should have been included in the original version. Well all we can do is wait and see if the 3G phone lives up to the expectation.
The GPS feature is considered an important one and most smartphones on the market do have it so you ask yourself why Apple didnt include it in its design features.
Best Portable GPS Tracking Device For Cars
Demo of the Pioneer AVIC-HD1 BT, the integrated hard disk satellite navigation, communication, music and entertainment centre for your car.
Security concerns are increasing in all parts of the world relating to your family, vehicles, and other property. However, GPS car systems provide a solution to your vehicles security. Global positioning systems are used for navigation, land surveying, treks and applications in scientific procedures. These navigational systems are also located in boats, cars, trucks, mobile phones and many other surveillance applications.
You might want to know how the GPS visual interface works before you get one for your car. GPS auto tracking systems basically use satellites for information to guide you when you are in your car. Usually, your position is visible on the navigation map of the GPS screen while voice prompts will guide you as and when you require help.
Auto GPS systems can aid in tracking stolen vehicles in real time. You can have better surveillance of company trucks, cabs, and buses. The main advantage of using vehicle GPS systems is small size and ease of installation. The advanced technological car monitoring systems calculate the direction and speed your car is driving to help keep you safe and on course.
There are four types of GPS systems which can be categorized as Car navigational systems, portable outdoor GPS units, GPS hybrid and marine GPS systems. Some of the more popular ones are Magellan Maestro 4000 portable auto GPS system, Streetpilot c550 automotive GPS system and Garmin car GPS system. China automotive GPS system manufacturers are making systems at cheaper rates, which might be a good option if price is a great concern to you.
Car GPS systems are simply and handy to use when you need to know your exact position without a road map.
When you are planning to get a car GPS tracking system, choose one which has live voice instructions along with visual maps, while you are driving. Voice instructions can be extremely helpful in getting you where you need to go especially when you are driving alone.
Good GPS car systems have a vital feature of Real Time tracking with a live wireless network for you to cross check directions and also get an update on the visual information available. GPS tracking systems are used for navigation and monitoring so it is best to choose quality over cost. Cheap systems may seem attractive in the beginning but failure rates are higher. Most GPS units are user friendly without a lot of technical jargon that you might not be able to understand.
In case, you have teenage kids who also drive the car, most GPS companies provide tracking at very minimal cost as the safety of your children is a major concern. If your car didn't come with a GPS system, I recommend getting one as soon as possible.
Portable GPS Tracking Systems - How to Choose the Best
Portable GPS systems have come a long way in recent years. Today, you can have a GPS system that you can take with you everywhere you go. No longer is the GPS only mounted to the dash of your car. Now you can hold a portable GPS navigation system in your hand as you travel just about anywhere. However, these units represent a sizeable investment, anywhere between $200 and $1,500. Before you put down the money for one of these systems, do a little research to make sure that you are getting the best possible system for the price.
First, the more affordable the GPS unit is, the smaller the memory capacity will be. Some of the cheapest units will need to have maps loaded on to them via memory cards. On the other hand, the pricier units will have maps already loaded into their built-in memory systems. If you want a portable GPS navigation system that has pre-loaded maps, be prepared to pay more than $500.
Another consideration to make when purchasing portable GPS systems is the size of the screen. You can find screen sizes in a range between 2.1 inches and 7 inches. The size of screen that you need depends on what the intended use of the portable global positioning system is going to be. If you wish to have a unit that doubles as a portable car GPS system, then you will need a larger screen. However, if you simply need to have a system that you can take with you anywhere and not use in the car, a smaller screen will work. If you are looking for something that falls in the middle of the screen size range, consider the RoadMate 6000t portable GPS system. This system has a 3.5 inch screen with anti-glare properties, which works well as a handheld device and a car mounted device, making it an ideal portable automotive navigation system. The Pharos GPS 135 portable GPS system is another that has a 3.5 inch screen. The Garmin StreetPilot 2720 portable color GPS navigation system is a slightly larger option with a 3.8-inch screen. If you need the largest possible screen, consider the Garmin StreetPilot 7200 model, which has a 7-inch screen.
Another consideration to make when shopping for portable global positioning systems is the menu on the system. Make sure that the menu is as user friendly as possible, particularly if you intend to use the unit while driving. You may compare the best portable global positioning systems and find that one has a menu screen that is difficult for you to use.
Once you have decided on a couple of units in mind that you think will be good for your needs, visit a GPS store near you to actually handle the units. While the best portable global positioning system discounts are going to be found online, handling the unit at a store will help you solidify your decision. Even with the best portable GPS navigation system bargains, if you are not happy with the unit, the savings you got on the price will be worthless. Remember, portable GPS systems represent a sizeable monetary investment, so make sure you like the unit you have chosen and are comfortable using it before you make the purchase.
TomTom announces iPhone Portable GPS Tracking Device Application
Sure, iPhone 3G is going to offer some solid GPS functionality right out of the box. Apple's updated iPhone site shows off some of the new features—most notably turn-by-turn directions—but TomTom is officially coming to the rescue of users who need a little more from their GPS.
Reuters reports that Dutch-based TomTom is just about ready with an iPhone version of its software that it plans to sell through the iTunes App Store. A price hasn't been set yet, and the company was remarkably low on details, but one can imagine that TomTom can bring some GPS functionality to the table that goes beyond the iPhone 3G's default abilities.
One of the most likely advantages of TomTom's software could be a local database of maps that users can access and customize even if they don't have an internet connection (3G/EDGE, Wi-Fi, or otherwise). TomTom can also bring its own custom array of features and services, including real-time traffic reports (that go beyond the ambiguous red/yellow/green color overlays in Google Maps) and instant messaging for a lifeline while traveling. TomTom's software for other GPS devices can also do things like warn you if you're speeding; perhaps the iPhone could too.
TomTom wasn't specific about when its iPhone client will be ready, but it will be sold for an as-yet undetermined price.
Use your iPhone as a Portable GPS Tracking Device Navigator
Just a few months ago we were fantasizing about an iPOD with GPS functionality, or even an iPhone with GPS. Well, the wait is over, and iPhone is now a reality! It will be available in June - but we know some of you Navigadget readers are already making plans to use your iPhone as a GPS navigator.
If you read the specs of the new iPhone you must have realized there’s no integrated GPS chip on-board. Yes there’s Google Maps (as pictured above) which could help you figure out where you are but you’ll need to be connected to the internet for that to work. And we all know Starbucks Wi-Fi hardly makes it to the parking lot.
But no worries - iPhone does have bluetooth connectivity. So, you can get yourself a bluetooth GPS receiver, pair it with your iPhone, and you are set for the hardware part of things.
Of course you’ll need some software that can talk to the bluetooth GPS receiver. Then the software will be able to show your location on a map and give you directions. We have this feeling that Apple will release some sort of GPS navigation software until June that will work with your iPhone.
RouteBuddy - Can utilize Google Maps however the price does not include maps and even if you do get the maps you won’t have enough space for it since the maps for North America takes 12GB after it is expanded. Not to mention it doesnt give you directions. It is just a mapping software.
MAC GPS Pro - Also does not include maps. Doesn’t look like it can do navigation guidance either.
Garmin Mobile 10 - This is a bluetooth GPS receiver that comes with maps. However no support for Macs.
TomTom - Really cool software however no support for Macs.
So those are your software options. We’re not really Mac people here at Navigadget - so we maybe missing a few. Let’s all hope Apple releases a bundle (bluetooth GPS receiver + software) for a good price that works with iPhone. Go ahead and write a comment and let us know your thoughts.
2008 Portable GPS Tracking Device Navigation Comparison
You've got a busy summer ahead. Before setting out on that road trip out West or back East, you'll have to find time to download some travel music. (We recommend new releases from Common, My Morning Jacket and Weezer.) After that, we've got another assignment for you that promise to make your summer trip easier and may enhance your listening habits, too: Get a portable navigation system. Of course, we wouldn't dream of leaving you out in the cold on such an important decision, so we're updating last year's portable navigation system roundup with four new or newly improved portable systems.
Since our last portable navigation review, a few of the units we sampled have changed significantly, plus there are two all-new units that seem promising on paper — the Dash Express and Becker Travel Assistant.
Tom Tom One XL Portable GPS Tracking Device Navigation System
The Tom Tom ONE XL has everything you need to make your trip safer, more relaxed and more fun. The new 4.3" touch screen and access to real-time traffic services make navigating the road even easier. A large choice of route options, complete US and Canada maps, as well as millions of useful and fun points of interest pre-loaded for your journey, you're ready for worry-free navigation from A to B.
Navigon 2100 Portable GPS Tracking Device Navigator
ShopNBC item #V50445. You can order this Navigon 2100 GPS at ShopNBC.com or call us at (800) 884-2212. Navigation that delivers more for less. The Navigon 2100 delivers an unmatched navigation experience. Accurate door-to-door directions, stunning 2D and 3D map views, and easy touchscreen menus in an ultra-slender portable design make the 2100 a standout among even higher-priced GPS devices. Feature for feature, the NAVIGON 2100 delivers a more innovative and meaningful navigation experience than systems at twice the price.
Snooper Tracker, The latest Portable GPS Tracking Device
Snooper Tracker has been designed to provide you with the exact position of just about anything you care to track. From vehicles to boats, your children and even your pets can all be effectively monitored. This compact GPS device comes as a stand alone unit with a built-in rechargable battery that can be put in to a coat or trouser pocket or attached to a belt with the handy belt pack included.
- As a stand alone device its built-in battery will give up to 70hrs of monitoring. For a more permanent solution Snooper Tracker can be hardwired directly to your asset whether you want to monitor a car, truck or boat. If you want to permanently mount Snooper Tracker out of site you can do with a hardwire and extension GPS antenna kit
- FREE 'Pay as you go' Sim card included.
- Only 10p per Track text message
- Minimum initial top up only £5.00
- Orange Terms & conditions apply
Get the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your children or your most prized possesions are at any time day or night.
- Combination of GPS and
- GPRS/GSM technology
- Pocket-sized
- Light-weight
- Built-in rechargeable battery - 70hr standby
- Emergency panic button SMS text
- Plug-&-play
- Unlimited Monitoring
- 24hr Monitoring Facility
- No Monthly fees
Optional accessories
- Extension external GPS antenna
- Hardwire 12V to 5V power cable
More Info: trackstick-gps.co.uk
KoolTrax™ turns a GPS mobile phone into Portable GPS Tracking Device
You wanted an affordable GPS tracking device that still offered our amazing GPS-standard 4 metre accuracy and real time tracking. We listened, we acted.
Now at very low cost you can download KoolTrax™ today and turn any Windows Mobile 5+*, GPS enabled mobile phone into a GPS tracking device, so you can track the exact location of your employees or loved ones.
Does it work outside the UK and Ireland?
It works wherever your phone works, just get roaming enabled on your phone. If you are buying from outside the UK, our secure payment pages allow you to choose from twelve major currencies including dollars.
Here's our website developer trying both systems out. In this video the person being tracked uses a BlueRanger, but besides that, everything else is the same for KoolTrax.
You don't have to buy a dedicated BlueRanger tracking device for your family or your staff, they just need a Windows Mobile 5+ mobile phone* with GPS and KoolTrax™ software. Download it today.
Alert states
KoolTrax™ turns a Windows Mobile 5+*, GPS enabled mobile phone into a fully functioning GPS tracking device with all the location and panic-button alert functionality of BlueRanger (but no no-movement alarm or low battery alarm).
Using an Internet connected Windows PC with our BlueMap software (included) installed, you can set up one or more geographic boundaries by drawing an on screen map. Then when the person leaves (or enters) the area, you can set it to alert you either on-screen, by email or by mobile text message.
You can set more than one boundary for each user and switch between them as you wish. Have one for college, one for work, one for town, another for a friends house.
It's easy to set up a temporary boundary too, for instance around a club or venue, just for the night. When the tracking device leaves the boundary, you'll get an alert.
Alert methods
You can set up how alerts are delivered:
* Enter the people who are involved in the monitoring of the person
* Set up who receives notification of which type of alert
* Decide which method is used to deliver each alert: text message, email and/or on-screen alert
If your child, loved one, or employee uses KoolTrax™, you can track their whereabouts in real-time with accuracy down to just 4 metres using a Windows PC and the Internet.
Take a look at the prices, and download KoolTrax™ here.
*What if I don't have a Windows Mobile 5 phone?
In order to use KoolTrax™ software to turn your mobile phone or PDA into a personal GPS tracker, your phone needs to be running Windows Mobile 5+ and have NMEA compliant GPS capability.
KoolTrax™ also requires a device with GPS capability.
If your phone or PDA is incompatible but you want KoolTrax™, here are some options.
If your phone or PDA isn't Windows Mobile 5+, then you might consider taking the opportunity to get a new phone. If you're doing that, aim for a phone that has inbuilt GPS such as the Mio A701 available through Amazon.
Alternatively if your phone or PDA supports Java, a Java version of KoolTrax™ is under development, so you might prefer to wait for that. Sign up to receive notification when KoolTrax™ Java is launched.
The most common phone operating system is Symbian. If you have a Nokia, Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic, Siemens AG, Samsung or BenQ phone it's likely it's running Symbian rather than Windows Mobile 5. We are developing a Symbian version too. Sign up to receive notification when KoolTrax™ Symbian is launched.
If you have a Windows Mobile 5+ phone that isn't GPS enabled, you can buy GPS devices that connect to your phone using BlueTooth, for instance those provided by Garmin or the Holux GPSlim236 Wireless Bluetooth GPS Receiver, again available through Amazon.
In addition, to manage the service and display the position of one or more KoolTrax™ user, you will need an Internet connected Windows PC.
If you would like to track a child or someone with dementia who is likely to lose or abuse such a desirable phone, or if you need a 'not being worn', no movement or man-down type alarm, consider BlueRanger.
KoolTrax™ makes GPS tracking accessible to all
You asked, we delivered. We know you want accurate, real-time GPS tracking at the best possible price. KoolTrax™ is the answer.
More info: bluetreeservices.co.uk
Portable GPS Tracking Device - BlueMap PDA
BlueMap PDA
BlueMap software comes free as part of every purchase of a BlueRanger and allows you to manage and track your BlueRanger devices using your existing Internet connected Windows computer. BlueMap on your PC gives you everything you need to manage and track your BlueRanger devices, but it ties you to your computer at times when you might prefer to be helping to find whoever is missing.
The BlueMap PDA is BlueMap software installed and running on a Mio A701 Personal Digital Assistant, a handheld computer and mobile phone that provides all sorts of things to help you get organised, from an address book to satellite navigation. What you're buying is the Mio A701 PDA at a competitive price, with BlueMap software preloaded onto it so you can locate your BlueRanger devices while you are on the move.
It's optional, but it's a lot more fun, and more useful, than tracking from home, and allows you to wander freely and then find each other in busy locations such as shopping centres, amusement parks, concerts or unfamiliar towns (always have a backup plan, though).
Plus, it's a great excuse to get a state-of-the-art PDA and phone and get organised.
More info: bluetreeservices.co.uk
Portable GPS Tracking Device - Vehicle Tracking Protection
GPS Vehicle Tracking, second to none.
Mobile Guardian is an all-in-one, affordable and fully-portable GPS tracking system / GPS system tracking device for GPS Vehicle Tracking. Giving you a front-line defense against vehicle theft, Mobile Guardian alerts you as soon as your car is started without your permission. That puts you in the driver’s seat, even when you’re not.
Unlike "after-the-fact" mobile tracking devices that fail to alert you or the police until you notice your vehicle missing, Mobile Guardian protects your ride by alerting you before the bad guys get away with your car and valuables.
Finally, the vehicle protection you can't afford to be without - at a price you can afford!
Mobile Guardian is committed to providing the most affordable GPS vehicle tracking systems and other general GPS tracking systems.
Whether it is Real-time GPS tracking or wireless GPS tracking or satellite GPS tracking solutions for fleet tracking, stolen vehicle recovery, personal vehicle tracking or just GPS tracking fun, we have the GPS solution for you!
GPS system tracking technology is an excellent way for fleet managers and fleet owners to remotely monitor vehicles, trucks, or assets efficiently.
GPS tracking systems will allow you to monitor your vehicles, mobile assets, employees or loved ones. - More on GPS tracking and Global Positioning System.
More info: mymobileguardian.com
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