GPS Navigation Systems are a lot like DVRs (better known as TiVo). People who don't own them fail to understand why they're such a big deal, and those who have them can't live without them.
GPS Navigation Systems: A Must-Have
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson]Chris Robertson
GPS Navigation Systems are a lot like DVRs (better known as TiVo). People who don't own them fail to understand why they're such a big deal, and those who have them can't live without them.
Today's automobiles come with a variety of extras, from passenger side air bags to the ubiquitous car alarms. Entertainment options range from high-end speakers and CD players to multiple DVD players. The GPS navigation system, however, forms the bridge between safety and entertainment features. While they're definitely entertaining, they can also become a must-have safety net in your travels.
GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) navigation systems can replace all the maps in your glove compartment and ensure that you arrive at your destination on time. GPS navigation systems are equipped with mapping software and can give you driving directions, show you alternate routes if you're stuck in a traffic jam, and can help you negotiate a new city. While you're on the road, a GPS navigation system can also guide you to the nearest gas stations, restaurants, and other points of interest.
Some GPS navigation systems are built right into a vehicle, while others are handheld devices that mount on your dashboard. Although GPS navigation systems are used by everyone from rescue workers to hikers, if you're using one for driving, it's helpful to select one that has voice navigation features. The GPS navigation system will tell you when you're approaching a point where you need to, for example, turn, and then tell you to make your turn. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road, where they belong.
There are many accessories available for GPS navigation systems. You can, for example, buy software, GPS holders to mount your system to your dashboard or windshield, memory cards, cigarette lighter adapters, antennas, and Bluetooth.
When buying a GPS navigation system, you should consider such factors as screen size and whether you need a color or monochrome system. Color systems, for example, usually provide greater detail and better readability, but also use more power. GPS is sometimes included in handheld computers (PDAs), so if you're in the market for a PDA, you may consider buying one that includes GPS.
Another factor to consider is the memory capacity of your GPS system. If you'd like more than the basic mapping software, you may want to consider buying a system that has additional memory capacity, such as space for a removable CompactFlash card. It's a good investment to buy a navigation system that has voice prompts, so you won't have to look at the screen while you're driving.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular [http://www.majon.com]internet marketing companies on the web.
Visit this [http://distributorsoutlet.com]Automotive Website and Majon's [http://www.majon.com/directory/Automotive]Automotive directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson http://EzineArticles.com/?GPS-Navigation-Systems:-A-Must-Have&id=132357
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Choosing a GPS Navigation Unit That Fits You
There are some great worldwide gps navigation systems available today by companies such as garmin and tomtom. Almost all gps systems are worldwide today due to the large network of global positioning system satellites.
Choosing a GPS Navigation Unit That Fits You
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kip_Goldhammer]Kip Goldhammer
Gone are the days when the only option you had while traversing unfamiliar roads and terrain was to ask the locals for directions. For you can now use a (global positioning system) GPS-based navigation unit to accomplish the same task without the need to ask local people the directions. A navigation unit for most laymen is a wonder gizmo that will help you to know your position and direct you towards your selected destination.
How does such a navigation unit work?
Well, first simply thank the long and rapid strides technology has taken in many diverse areas. These areas include (i3 conducted) Earth imagery mapping, satellites, GPS-enabled cellphones, and dedicated in-car GPS navigation units.
They also include software (mapping, database, and control), hardware (inertial navigation unit, memory, pocketPCs, and the plethora), database systems, and micro-electronics. You need to also mainly thank the US Department of Defense (DoD) and erstwhile late US President Ronald Reagan.
Coming back, a navigation unit is simply an electronic device that helps you track your route, know your current position, reach a destination, or find how far you are from a specific well-known location. The circuitry in it helps it to locate its position at all times. It works by receiving microwave signals transmitted at certain preset frequencies by a cluster of 32 Navstar-GPS medium Earth orbit US-launched satellites up in the sky.
The signals tell you the coordinates of your (actually that of the navigation unit available with you) current location, wherever in the world you might be, in the air, over the seas, or on land. Moreover, you also have available with your navigation unit a database (in memory) that has already been developed through a process known as mapping.
Using mapping, the database stores the coordinates of all well known locations in nearby areas. Using software to compare your coordinates with those of nearby well known locations, you can also know exactly where your current location is with respect to these well-known landmarks.
Now, a navigation unit (such as the Garmin 2610) is something that you can have built-in into your Lincoln Continental SUV/car dashboard. Alternatively, you can have a navigation unit packaged smartly in your new GPS-enabled Nokia cellphone or simply use a dedicated Garmin etrex navigation unit.
Since everyone carries their cellphone wherever they go it becomes easy for government agencies to locate them. In this way terrorists can be discovered and caught or a criminal's movements traced, or a person in an emergency can be located and reached in hospital in time. Privacy laws are infringed anyway, but see the advantages of a navigation unit. Its advantages far outweigh the small issue of privacy.
The US DoD it was that launched those 24 GNSS (global navigational satellite system) satellites for military purposes, but President Reagan ordered them later to be also used for civilian use. So, next time you hear the word navigation unit, I am sure you would not bat your eyelid.
Kip D Goldhammer owns and operates http://www.garmangpsnavigation.com
Worldwide GPS Navigation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kip_Goldhammer http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-a-GPS-Navigation-Unit-That-Fits-You&id=1391619
Choosing a GPS Navigation Unit That Fits You
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kip_Goldhammer]Kip Goldhammer
Gone are the days when the only option you had while traversing unfamiliar roads and terrain was to ask the locals for directions. For you can now use a (global positioning system) GPS-based navigation unit to accomplish the same task without the need to ask local people the directions. A navigation unit for most laymen is a wonder gizmo that will help you to know your position and direct you towards your selected destination.
How does such a navigation unit work?
Well, first simply thank the long and rapid strides technology has taken in many diverse areas. These areas include (i3 conducted) Earth imagery mapping, satellites, GPS-enabled cellphones, and dedicated in-car GPS navigation units.
They also include software (mapping, database, and control), hardware (inertial navigation unit, memory, pocketPCs, and the plethora), database systems, and micro-electronics. You need to also mainly thank the US Department of Defense (DoD) and erstwhile late US President Ronald Reagan.
Coming back, a navigation unit is simply an electronic device that helps you track your route, know your current position, reach a destination, or find how far you are from a specific well-known location. The circuitry in it helps it to locate its position at all times. It works by receiving microwave signals transmitted at certain preset frequencies by a cluster of 32 Navstar-GPS medium Earth orbit US-launched satellites up in the sky.
The signals tell you the coordinates of your (actually that of the navigation unit available with you) current location, wherever in the world you might be, in the air, over the seas, or on land. Moreover, you also have available with your navigation unit a database (in memory) that has already been developed through a process known as mapping.
Using mapping, the database stores the coordinates of all well known locations in nearby areas. Using software to compare your coordinates with those of nearby well known locations, you can also know exactly where your current location is with respect to these well-known landmarks.
Now, a navigation unit (such as the Garmin 2610) is something that you can have built-in into your Lincoln Continental SUV/car dashboard. Alternatively, you can have a navigation unit packaged smartly in your new GPS-enabled Nokia cellphone or simply use a dedicated Garmin etrex navigation unit.
Since everyone carries their cellphone wherever they go it becomes easy for government agencies to locate them. In this way terrorists can be discovered and caught or a criminal's movements traced, or a person in an emergency can be located and reached in hospital in time. Privacy laws are infringed anyway, but see the advantages of a navigation unit. Its advantages far outweigh the small issue of privacy.
The US DoD it was that launched those 24 GNSS (global navigational satellite system) satellites for military purposes, but President Reagan ordered them later to be also used for civilian use. So, next time you hear the word navigation unit, I am sure you would not bat your eyelid.
Kip D Goldhammer owns and operates http://www.garmangpsnavigation.com
Worldwide GPS Navigation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kip_Goldhammer http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-a-GPS-Navigation-Unit-That-Fits-You&id=1391619
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)