All You Need To Know About GPS & GPS Devices

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.

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.