Posts Tagged ‘gps vehicle tracking systems’

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 System Know Your Position

GPS System is a worldwide navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and the associated ground stations. There can be more than 24 operational satellites; new ones are launched periodically to replace older satellites. The GPS system uses “man-made stars” as reference points to parse accurate positions to within meters.

gps systems

The accuracy of location measurements using the global positioning system depends on the GPS receiver. High-end, survey-grade GPS receivers can determine locations precise to within centimeters. The first commercial global positioning system units were precise for only about 100 meters because the military scrambled the signal–a program called Selective Availability. Today, with additional information from ground based correction services such as WAAS WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) or U.S. Coast Guard differential GPS beacons, accuracy can be improved even further.

Decide Which Type of GPS System You Need

I think by now just about everyone knows about GPS devices. If you are looking for a specific location the GPS can take you there, if you don’t know where you are the GPS can tell you. The GPS tracking technology has come a long way with GPS devices available today that actually speak to you. First, you can break all of the devices into four main categories which are: automobile navigation, marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm now.

The automotive systems are primarily used by people who travel for a living or use their vehicles in outside sales. The handheld portable units are a great choice if you want flexibility and the option of using the unit outside of the car. Also look for programmable mapping features. As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore fisherman and wouldn’t even consider fishing offshore now without a GPS. The newer hybrid system now available offers a blend of the GPS technology with a PDA.

See also other GPS fleet tracking system guide on TomTom, Magellan and Garmin