GPS Maps - Your Personal Guide On The Road

Author: Abhishek Agarwal
Especially when visiting new cities or on a by-road journey to new countries, taking an unfamiliar by-pass or highway route, the GPS system is a boon of advanced technology and mapping experts that is welcomed by drivers of personal vehicles as much as it helps cargo drivers reach their destinations on time. All the negotiations of which turn to take after the present one, how to alter routes if there is extra traffic/bad road conditions on a particular one and which landmarks they can expect to pass by when they reach a crucial juncture in their driving, are all points covered by a reliable GPS system.



Coming to the point of the GPS system being a driver’s buddy, it actually is so, because it is packed with verified information and pre-loaded with GPS maps that work much like mother-in-laws (or, say, the regular back-seat driver) – albeit, with less sarcasm than this lot! On a more serious note, while the pre-loaded maps are helpful for many different locations, they may not always carry the updated information on the particular spot you intend to journey to or have inadequate information beyond a certain region. This is the limitation of pre-loaded maps; however, with it comes to GPS maps, there is no dearth of options!



You can download GPS maps to your newly purchased GPS device, which works to beat the limitation of pre-loaded maps, especially useful when you are traveling to a new place as this enhances the scope of use of your driver’s support gadget.



Thus, basically, the purpose of GPS systems is to act as a navigational aid for drivers and these are especially useful for seniors, those on a mission, travelers and single women, who may find it difficult or unsafe to stop mid-way to ask for directions as this can leave them open to many dangers, including the threat of stopping on a highway or switching lanes midway. Having access to an advanced and accurate GPS system also eliminates the need to stop driving during nightfall to ask for directions as the pre-loaded bunch of maps chosen for the possible routes for a particular region cover most probabilities for turns, bends and change-over directions for the same, thus saving one the hassles of folding or losing the paper maps, which are cumbersome too – not to mention irritating to locate if they fly-away or tear.



Besides the convenience and elimination of fly-away aspect of traditional paper maps for driving and navigation aid, the advantage of superior and reliable technology as contained in the electronic, computerized GPS maps is truly wonderful, which everyone enjoys using as it’s akin to having your own personal road-guide. Not only does the GPS system help make travel easier, but it also empowers drivers to drive safely, reach destination spots in time and with minimum hassles!


About the Author:
Abhishek is a passionate about Global Positioning Systems and he has got some great GPS Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 109 Pages Ebook, "GPS Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Auto-Whiz.com/12/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - GPS Maps - Your Personal Guide On The Road

What Is GPS?

Author: Mark Hamilton
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a satellite radio navigation system built by the United States Department of Defense. Research on the system began in the 60's and the first GPS satellite was launched in 1978. It took a while for the entire system to come online but finally on April 27, 1995 it became fully operational. At first, the GPS network was only for military use but in the 80's the United States government authorized the general public to make use of it too.



The GPS network is composed of:



Satellites

Earth Monitoring Stations

GPS receivers



What is a GPS Satellite?



There are currently 24 satellites orbiting the earth is 6 distinct trajectories. Each satellite completes two orbits around the earth each day, traveling at a speed of about 7,000 MPH. At the highest point in their orbit they are over 12,000 miles above the earth. From this height, the satellite signals can be received over a large percentage of the surface of the earth. A GPS unit works by receiving multiple satellite signals and calculating the receiver's position based on triangulation of the different signals. Accuracy is increased with each additional satellite signal that is received so the orbits of the satellites are set so that at most points on the earth there are at least 4 signals that can be received. Of course, this is in theory only since the landscape around you can block some or all of the GPS signals.



What is a GPS Earth Monitoring Station?



There are four unmanned monitoring stations in the US and one manned master station which is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The four unmanned stations relay position data from the satellites to the master station. The master station uses the relayed information to correct the position of the sat tiles and sends the corrected information back to the satellites. This synchronizes the data that each satellite transmits to your GPS receiver and ensures that your receiver is always working with accurate information.



What is a GPS Receiver?



GPS satellites transmit low power radio signals that can only be picked up if your GPS unit has a direct "line of sight" to the satellite. The signals can penetrate things like glass, plastic and clouds but not solid structures like buildings or rocks. A GPS unit works by triangulating your location based on the position of at least three satellites in the GPS system. It compares the time it takes to receive a signal from each of the satellites in range and calculates your location based on the data.



If you are only able to pick up three satellite signals, your GPS unit can report your location in latitude and longitude. However, when the GPS unit picks up signals from at least four satellites it also calculates your altitude. Now it can report your trip distance, distance to a destination, travel speed and even your altitude if your GPS receiver features an altimeter.



How accurate a GPS unit is depends on its ability to find and lock onto a satellite's signal. As you might expect, you get what you pay for and the more expensive GPS units are generally more accurate. The best consumer units claim accuracy to within a few feet while the older or less expensive units can be off up to 30-40 feet or more. Where you plan to use your GPS receiver could determine if it's worth shelling out the extra money for increased accuracy. If you're using your GPS unit in flatter terrain with a good open view of the sky a less expensive unit could perform nearly as well as the top of the line receiver. However, if you plan to use your receiver in dense tree cover, while hiking in ravines or narrow valleys, or among tall buildings you'll gain much better accuracy with a more higher end GPS unit.



Now you know the basics about how GPS works and can answer the question "What is GPS?".
About the Author:
©2007, Mark Hamilton. Read more about handheld GPS at HandheldGPSInformation.com.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What Is GPS?

8 Advantages of a Gps System

Author: Arthur Raise
Global positioning systems are widely in use today for navigation, map making, land surveying fishing, treks, and many scientific applications. GPS receivers can be incorporated into cars, boats, computers, mobile phones watches and more.

There are many advantages of having a gps system:

1. A gps system comes with a “panic” button. When this button is pressed an operator at the gps carrier can listen in on the conversation and either help you out or alert the authorities. This will keep you safe in case of accidents or hi jacks.

2. Your car will never loose your car at a football match or mall. The gps service will track the car for you and send its lights flashing.

3. If your vehicle is ever stolen the gps system will track the vehicle and the authorities will be able to get it back in no time.

4. A gps system in a car, boat, plane or haversack will ensure that you are never lost.

5. A gps system streamlines supply chains and truck movements. The system can track goods at any point of time and accurately predict when goods will reach their destination.

6. Gps systems are used to detect structural problems in buildings and roads and to predict disasters like earthquakes and so on. The scientific applications of a gps system are many.

7. A gps system can be used to locate a lost child, pet or family. The device is quite small and is like a watch or button on a collar.

8. A gps is a great exercise monitor and will help you keep track of your spped and so on.

A word of caution before signing up for a gps system find out what you are paying for and what the monthly fee will cover.
Gps systems have so many uses; they help determine weather patterns, can be used in conjunction with cameras, have varied use in military and have great use in surveying for volcanic eruptions, sink holes, movements in the earth’s plates and so on.
A word of caution before signing up for a gps system find out what you are paying for and what the monthly fee will cover. Log on to the internet and find out online what are gps services and what the costs are. Read all about gps systems and the pros and cons. Always compare rates and choose a package that suits you best. The World Wide Web is the most convenient market place to find affordable and useful gps packages.
About the Author:
Arthur Raise is a writer for GPS Reviews , the premier website to gps, best gps, gps systems, gps software, gps receiver, cheap gps, gps tracking system, discount gps, gps map, gps mapping and many more.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 8 Advantages of a Gps System

Save Fuel With a Portable GPS Navigation System

Author: Peter Sicoli
Save Fuel With a GPS Vehicle Navigation System. When gasoline is reaching all time highs in terms of price, every bit of fuel saved is significant money that doesn't leave your pocket. One of the most interesting weapons you can possibly utilize to save gas could be the GPS vehicle navigation system. If you are confused, or do not know what that is, then read on to find out what your very own vehicle installed GPS navigation system can do for you in terms of increased adventure and gas saved. An auto navigation system, or a hand held navigation system is simply a gps navigation system controlled by a satellite system. A portable GPS Navigator system that realy listens. The Garmin nuvi 880 is the newest member of the Garmin navigator family. So take some time to say hello to the next generation of GPS navigator sysytems, and I do mean say hello. You see the Garmin nuvi 880 navigator is voice activated. The Garmin nuvi 880 is the first portable GPS navigation system that is voice activated, the first portable GPS device that boasts full speech recognition capabilities. Most all of its functions are accessed by using your voice. There are only a few tasks that will require you to use the user friendly touch screen. The Garmin nuvi 880 portable GPS device is truly amazing and will quickly win the hearts of all that places one on their windshield.



First of all, what is GPS? GPS stands for "global positioning system." Global positioning systems come in many types for many applications, from hand held, to automobile, to boat and airplane. The basic idea behind every GPS navigation system is using a series of satellites to relay information to the GPS receiver and therefore make a very accurate estimation of the location of the receiver on the earth's system. GPS can typically give coordinates of your location accurate to one square meter.



There are a number of GPS navigation systems, which include the Go One GPS vehicle navigation system and the nextar GPS navigation system. The idea behind a vehicle navigation system is utilizing GPS technology as well as imbedded map programs to superimpose your location on a virtual map. This allow the GPS navigation system to not only tell you were you are, but even tell you exactly what turns to make to get you where you want to go! With an effective GPS navigation program, you are guaranteed to get where you are going in the fastest, and most direct way possible because your map program can calculate the exact distance between you and your desired destination and can compare every single route and tell you the shortest one!



GPS navigation systems, along with preventing you from getting lost out there on the highways, also prevents you from making the wrong turn when going places you may think you already know how to go to. When the GPS navigation system is on, the most direct route is always king.



So, if you have not put two and two together, the fact of the matter is that when you are consistently taking the shortest route possible to each and every one of your destinations, you are saving precious miles. With every mile you save, you are saving fuel. The more fuel you save, the more money you save! This is one of the major luxuries that come with owning your own GPS vehicle navigation system. You will not only never get lost, but you will always know the shortest route to your destination. With a GPS tracking system on your side doing the navigating, you are guaranteed to win with decreased fuel consumption.



If you are intrigued, it is time you looked into your very own car portable GPS navigation system today. Find out how the newest, hottest technologies on the market can help you save. With an effective auto GPS navigation program, you are guaranteed to get where you are going in the fastest, and most direct way possible, so get an auto navigation system, or a hand held navigation system in your hands today. This portable GPS device will take a backseat to no one. The amazing speech recognition and ease of use will steal the show. The Garmin nuvi 880 portable GPS navigation system should be on everyones list to purchase. So if you are considering a portable GPS device, the Garmin 880 with voice activation is the one. A simple gps navigation system will cost pennies compared to the fuel you will save. Save gas today.
About the Author:
Peter Sicoli does extensive research and reviews on products that he brings to the online market. Learn more about a portable GPS Navigation System at and see if a GPS system is for you.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Save Fuel With a Portable GPS Navigation System

GPS Navigation and Mapping Software - Mapping the Way to the Future

Author: Ben Salem
Revolutionizing Business with GPS and Mapping Software
In the modern business world, operating internationally on a heretofore inconceivable level, finding geographical information that is easy to access, precise, and up to date has become an absolute necessity. In the past, many companies were managed from the world’s superpower economies, like the US, the UK, and Japan, while operating in distant countries, sometimes on the opposite side of the globe. There was less global competition for international companies and there were a lot of sure bets. Recently, however, the number of globally operated companies has expanded exponentially, with companies from China, India, Saudi Arabia, and other emerging nations buying business assets even in the US itself. This new competition has made the globe a volatile marketplace.
Managing companies on the other side of the planet, understanding conditions being experienced by your branches around the world, and getting a solid reading of potential future business opportunities has only gotten easier, however. With the development of three converging technological concepts, it has become possible to tailor interactive maps to the specific needs of these organizations. Three key technologies have made this possible: Global Positioning Systems (enabling the use of GPS Navigation Software), Geographic Information Systems (creating the mapping software used as the basis of so many navigational tools now), and Web Mapping (using GPS mapping software to create up to date maps for a variety of specific purposes).
Geographic information systems have actually been around for centuries. In its most literal form, it simple refers to a map that indicates the importance of certain objects and regions. They actually date back to caveman days, with map paintings on the wall, showing markets, borders, and points of interest. As the world has progressed in complexity, however, so, too, have geographic information systems, providing more elaborate details specific to the particular issues of importance at the time.
With global positioning systems, or GPS, users can pinpoint precise locations across the globe. It can also be used to create maps of amazing and unprecedented accuracy, and locate objects anywhere in the world. For more information about Mapping Software GPS Navigation System Windows Mobile visit http://www.mobiumgps.com
About the Author:
For More info about GPS Mapping And Navigation System Please visite Mobiumgps.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - GPS Navigation and Mapping Software - Mapping the Way to the Future

GPS Mapping And Your Business

Author: Tom Gruich
Depending on the kind of business you are in, GPS mapping can be like a dream come true. All of us have certain hurdles in our businesses. Anything that makes getting over them easier is welcome.

Delivery trucks, taxi services, limousine fleets and moving vans are only some of the vehicles that can be equipped. The satellite system can also be used to keep track of equipment and inventory. There’s a lot that you can do with a “Global Positioning System”.

Any company that does not keep up with the latest technology cannot attract the greatest number of today’s customers. People have become accustomed to knowing where everything is at a given moment. They keep track of friends and relatives that live hundreds or thousands of miles away. They expect to be able to do that with a plain brown package, too.

If they place an order online, they want to keep track of it, finding out how close it is to their home. For some customers, it’s just “fun”. For others, it is essential.

If any of your customers are business owners, their profits could be dependent on how quickly their orders are filled. If you are a wholesaler, they probably have retail customers waiting. It could be an essential part for someone’s car or a necessary piece of equipment for a doctor’s office.

Everyone knows that it is smart to plan ahead, but inevitably we all fail at some point to do so. At the very least, GPS mapping takes the guesswork out of package arrival dates. If you ship anything at all to your customers, they will appreciate the extra service.

If you don’t ship products, you can still use the system to help protect your business assets. Any expensive equipment or machinery should be equipped with a tracking device. Receivers are small enough to fit just about anywhere and as time has gone by, they have become more and more affordable.

GPS mapping is particularly advantageous for boating enthusiasts, fisheries, cruise lines and anyone else that spends any time on the water. The system is more accurate than radar.

Although it started out as a military application, there are now hundreds of business and personal applications. If you have On-Star in your automobile, the company makes use of the technology to locate you and where you are going. There is even a scavenger hunt like game that makes use of the handheld devices.

Take a step into the future with GPS mapping. You’ll probably find other applications, too.
About the Author:
Tom Gruich is a professional database designer with 40 years experience in systems analysis and design of database software applications. For more database business mapping thoughts and design ideas please visit Expert Database Design or his Smart Database website at => http://www.adaptcode.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - GPS Mapping And Your Business

GPS Navigation System - Amazing Innovation In Your Car

Author: Corbin Newlyn
The invention of the GPS navigation system is not as new as most people believe; they have been around and used ever since the first GPS satellite was launched into space back in 1978. Global positioning satellites have many civilian and military applications, but one of the most pervasive is navigation.



However, using a GPS navigation system inside an ordinary automobile, is somewhat different than using it on airplane. Transportation by car is dependent on the roads that are traveled. In reality, GPS readings alone such as longitude, latitude and altitude are for all practical purposes useless when you're driving to Aunt Mabel's house. When driving an automobile you can end up going through urban canyons and tunnels, where satellite singles cannot get through. So a different type of GPS technology is needed for automobile GPS navigation systems.



There has been potential for years in automobile GPS navigation systems, and industry has tried various ways to implement them. In 1983, Honda introduced an automobile navigation system that was based primarily on an accelerometer, not on GPS. It wasn't until 1990 that an automobile GPS system was released to the public consumer by Pioneer. Automobile GPS Navigation systems had yet to really come into use until Magellan released its version in the US in 1995. Since then more portable GPS systems have been developed for greater ease of use for people.



Automobile GPS Navigation System Components



An automobile GPS Navigation System requires a GPS receiver and a map database. Some systems also have drive train sensors to supplement when GPS signals are blocked for brief periods.



The database map converts the GPS portable systems coordinates into map locations, such as street names and addresses. Some map databases contain GPS coordinates for specific locations, such as points of interest or rest stops. It's the information in the database, however, that directs you to your location, either visually or by voice. Which means your GPS navigation system is only as good as your GPS car systems map database.



Commercial Applications



Many corporations and businesses use GPS navigation system within their vehicles to dispatch and track vehicles. In various cities throughout the US, taxis come equipped with a GPS navigation system. Dispatchers at the taxi company know where all the taxis are located at any given point in time, and can dispatch them more effectively than before.



Commercial shipping companies find GPS navigation systems indispensable. In addition to being able to track where the trucks are whenever they want, they can also give the customer a tracking number, and then the customer would have the ability to track their individual package themselves.
About the Author:
Korbin Newlyn is an avid follower in the consumer electronics field. You can find more of his insights at GPS Reviews and at GPS Automotive
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - GPS Navigation System - Amazing Innovation In Your Car