Posts Tagged ‘GPS Handheld’

What Are GPS Systems?

GPS systems are very powerful devices and are a great GPS navigation system to use to get around. So what exactly are GPS systems?

GPS systems all started out in the army in the year 1970. In the army, many soldiers needed navigation systems to know their directions around other countries. GPS systems have become more affordable as compared to earlier times. Accuracy differs depending on various factors.

The GPS systems can be used in a large number of areas. Cars are being equipped with GPS systems, which give drivers better navigation abilities and better protection against theft.

gps-system

How is GPS Systems Work?

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers can calculate exactly where the user is by taking this information and using triangulation. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. A GPS receiver can calculate the latitude and longitude and track movement if it is locked on to the signal of at least three satellites.

The most basic of GPS systems will provide you with a route from one waypoint to another waypoint or to multiple waypoints, depending on your destination and trip plan. Any route you plan in a GPS system is completely reversible thanks to the innovative design of such systems.

Purchase GPS systems online

GPS systems can be easily ordered from online distributors. If you are interested in purchasing a GPS system you may want to read the myriad reviews offered pertaining to such products before you make your purchase. The most popular GPS Systems are made by: Navstar, Magellan, Garmin, Slim Trak, Cobra, TomTom, Holux, Suunto USA, and Timex.

When you decide to buy a GPS system for yourself, I would recommend any Garmin GPS. Garmin’s are the number one brand name for GPS’s and I’ve heard nothing but good things from people who have bought them. By all means do your research on all different types of GPS systems but at the end you’ll realize that no other GPS systems can beat the Garmin brand.

See also the other guide on auto GPS, GPS units and GPS handheld.

GPS Units in fact

Executive summary by Chelsea Aubin

GPS units have many usages for both personal as well as professional automobile users. There some of the benefits that you can enjoy by having GPS units in your car:

1. Convenient and time saving
   Apart from saving your time by not letting you go far away from your destination, it saves you from the inconvenience of being lost also by directing you to your destination
2. Money saver
   By directing you to your destination and reducing the miles driven, it saves you fuel costs and potentially even more from less frequent servicing, fewer oil and tire changes.
3. Safety
   You won’t need to ask strangers for the right direction by stopping your car in an unsafe area. This will obviously save you from being a victim of car hacking or random crimes.
4. Tracking
   Vehicles that come equipped with certain GPS units can be easily Tracked helping police if the vehicle is stolen or helping business track Orders and shipments.

auto gps units

It is clear that the technology for Portable GPS Units has come a long way. The top two uses for Portable GPS Units are for business and for emergencies. Portable GPS Units specifically, are used by businesses such as road and land surveyors. Of course, getting to the location initially is also quite easy thanks to the capabilities of these portable GPS Units.

Since portable GPS Units can be hooked into laptops and PDAs, data from your GPS can be sent to your PDA and laptop for use later. Emergency workers who may cover a big area can find the quickest, most effective routes to locations thanks to portable GPS Units. You do not have to use a GPS Unit for business. The use for your portable GPS Unit really is limitless.

There are so many features and models of GPS in the market that it is difficult to decide which one will actually fulfill your needs. Following points to considered:

1. Do you enjoy outdoor activities a lot; Then a portable GPS will suit your needs. PDA/GPS hybrid also comes in the same category.
2. Accuracy.How much accuracy you want in pinpointing your position, will decide which GPS you should buy. Generally contemporary GPS systems have 6-8 meters of accuracy. But in certain special designs with WAAS capability, this accuracy is 3-4 meters.
3. Certain GPS units equipped with the new SIRF Star III chip set can be best choice for you, if you love to move around in deep woodlands. For this purpose GPS devices with external powered antennas will also be ideal.
4. GPS devices with integrated rechargeable batteries would be ideal for you if you are not very aware of time.
5. Durability is another important consideration while buying a GPS unit. See that your GPS unit can withstand reverberation and adverse weather conditions

So, you just need to make sure you purchase the right GPS Unit to suit your needs and usage purposes.

See also other GPS units guide on GPS handheld, GPS receiver and Bluetooth GPS.