Computer Software

Garmin, a leader in consumer electronics, is on the cutting edge of global positioning system (GPS) technology for aviation and the general consumer.

The Garmin GPS system is affordable, accurate and made with the latest technological features which is why Garmin products are one of the best selling GPS products on the market.

Garmin aims to improve the lives of their customers and they are customer oriented and committed to manufacturing quality GPS products. Their products are multifaceted and serve the nautical and aviation interests as well as hiking and car navigation.

Garmin started in 1989 with a group of devoted engineers who had a big idea which eventually turned Garmin into the GPS technology leader. Garmin has achieved this status by making the best products at affordable prices.

From supporting the coalition forces in the Gulf War to innovative features for today’s hikers, Garmin has remained at the forefront of GPS technology.

Garmin has sold millions of GPS receivers worldwide with distributors all over the globe. Although their instant success can be linked to their innovative products, their continued long term success is a result of their commitment to customer support after the sale.

The GPS receivers made by Garmin locate satellite signals quickly and lock on so you can track your location wherever you go. Their GPS units are user friendly, smooth scrolling and provide real time moving map functionality. They have proven themselves to be accurate and reliable, as well as stylish.

If you are looking to purchase a GPS system, units made by Garmin have proven to be a good choice. You will appreciate the high quality and easy of use. You would be hard pressed to find a GPS system any better.

Garmin GPS units make great gifts for your friends that love to hike or who would appreciate a navigation system for their car.

Copyright 2006 Alvin Toh

When it comes to purchasing a GPS tracking system, it is essential for you to make the right decisions. Although it is nice to see a beautiful unit displayed at your local department store and to just want to snatch it up, this can cause many problems for you in the long run. There are times when marketing gimmicks can make a standard product seems much more than it really is. If you are looking for quality and use of function from the unit, you must ensure that you make the right decision about the GPS tracking system that you purchase.

You can easily learn just about everything on GPS tracking system on the web. There are consumer reviews on GPS tracking system to assist you in comparing various options and choosing a suitable unit. The first thing to know is that the price tag does not necessarily reflect the value of the unit. When it comes to a GPS tracking unit, you will want to select the highest quality product rather than the one that has the biggest price tag on it. Now, that does not mean any unit with a low price is worth it either. In most cases, you are looking for a well-priced, high quality unit.

Instead of looking for the name brand that you have heard of, look at the features that the GPS tracking system has to offer. Does it have the right type of reception for your needs? Is it durable or waterproof? If you drop it into the lake when you are fishing, will it make it home still working? Can the GPS software be upgraded?

In addition, you need to consider the usability of the unit as well. Each and every one of the units on the market has a different look to it but each should be easy to use and benefit from. The ability to use GPS tracking units should not come too hard in this day and age. If you have used a computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, or other such electronics, you can easily move from one use to the next. If you have to pull out your user manual to determine how to navigate the menu, how likely are you to use it? Is it well-written, in good terminology that is easy for you to understand?

Some of the largest brand names in GPS tracking systems do cost a bit more but are well worth the price. You may have heard about Garmin or Navman. These are considered some of the best. But, you still have other options including Magellan, Mapopolis, AdvanTrack and Cobra GPS.

Once you have gathered the information that you need about these units and how well they fit within your life, you can move on to finding the best price. You must determine your needs, quality and usability of the product before you worry about the price. That is not to say that you should spend a small fortune on these products, but you do have to select the right product. Otherwise your money is wasted.

A GPS tracking unit is one of the best tools to have whether you’re a sportsman, runner or even just someone who needs a bit of help getting from place to place. When you take the time to find the best product for your needs, you can be sure that it is money well spent.

Do you ever get lost? You know, maybe you’re looking for that friend’s new place, and you take a wrong turn and end up in the middle of nowhere. This is a rather common scenario that happens to the best of us. We all lose our way every now and again. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone stops and asks for directions. Some of us hate to stop at the random gas stations or pit stops to get that much-needed heads up on how to get to our destination.

And this is why we often carry on driving around, circling aimlessly. Oh and of course, act like we know what we’re doing. Well, fortunately these days there are simpler ways to deal with this common dilemma. Ever heard of the new car navigation systems or GPS? I’m sure everyone has by now. Probably the best thing since slice bread.

Does your vehicle have one of those car navigation systems? Although this option is rather choice on some of the newer cars, it can be a little bit on the steep side. The good news is you can buy a GPS system separately and then choose to use it whenever or wherever you like. Garmin is currently one of the top sellers of portable and car navigation systems.

I bought one from Wal-Mart for a couple hundred dollars. While this may sound expensive for some, trust me it’s a purchase you’ll be glad you made. Just last summer I had to make a trip into the heartland. Okay, maybe not everyone knows what the heartland is; therefore if you’re not privy to this vital information, the heartland is Iowa. Anyway, I decided to take my nice little GPS system on this road trip and it turned out to be a life saver.

I basically programmed the start and finish point addresses into the navigation system and it told me where to go. And when I say it told me, I mean it literally told me out loud! Many of these contemporary car navigation systems talk to you, which proves wonderful on the road. This way you don’t have to worry about having to look down to read the map half the time.

Car navigation systems run off a satellite signal and works like a charm just about anywhere on the planet. If you’re in search of a modern GPS system, then it’s imperative to look online. The Internet is loaded with car navigation systems to suit anyone’s needs. Make sure you get up to speed with a new navigation system at your side.

Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs are truly useful devices, they are hand held devices which remind you of appointments, store your business and personal records and can even double as a phone. By putting a GPS system on your PDA it can even give you direction and location information.

Just How Accurate Do You Have To Be?

Before investing in a GPS system for your PDA, ask how accurately it should operate. All units use data from the GPS satellite network, but the accuracy of the information relies on the PDA clock hardware.

The satellites are fitted with expensive atomic clocks which have great precision. PDA GPS units have less accurate clocks. Unless you have to know your position with detailed accuracy, say around 12 inches, you can choose a PDA GPS unit with the less expensive time piece and still find it extremely useful.

The GPS device transmits signals to the GPS satellite network, transmitting a timestamp, and the available satellites compare that with the timestamp from the signal which was previously received. The satellite then figures in how long it took to receive the signal, comparing this time calculation and the relative location of the other satellites. This is how it triangulates your earth based position. Information from a minimum of three satellites is required to collate all of the information required to advise your location. Another satellite adds enough accuracy to calculate altitude.

How Will You Use Your GPS?

Decide how you need to use a PDA GPS and get the features you need.

GPS systems designed to be used while driving a car, come with spoken instructions advising which direction to turn, how far from destination and other pertinent information. The safety aspects of spoken instructions rather than glancing at a device continually are obvious.

If you only need a guide while walking about, the less expensive and advanced alternatives may be suitable.

Generally, a the most advanced PDA GPS systems come equipped with maps which continually update your location on a updating map, also giving verbal instructions such when and where to turn next. Less pricey options let you transfer non updating maps via your PC or Mac and compare your position relative to your destination.

While GPS receivers are becoming quite commonplace in vehicles and their value is widely recognized, many people do not realize that it is becoming the new utility for the outdoorsman.

In order to understand why GPS is so important to the outdoorsman, it is important to understand exactly what GPS is and how it works. The Global Positioning System, or GPS as it is widely known, is a navigation system originally developed by the US military which continues its’ maintenance today. It is an integrated system of 24 satellites that orbit the earth and through the navigational process of triangulation can pinpoint a position anywhere on earth where a GPS receiver is located. During the 1980’s the government opened up the use of the GPS to the private sector. It is widely expected to become the next personal utility in the same way that cellular phones have over the past couple of decades.

The GPS used by an outdoor enthusiast varies significantly from that used in most automobiles. Rather than giving turn by turn directions as do GPS receivers designed for cars, those designed with the adventurer in mind will provide location and distances between two locations as well as charting or plotting capabilities. Many have additional features tailored to the specific needs of the purchaser. When choosing a GPS for your outdoor activities do your homework and choose the one that will best help you in your specific activities.

For the sailor or fisherman there are GPS equipped with depth sounders and fish finders as well as charting capabilities. For the boating enthusiast a GPS will serve many functions in addition to keeping one from getting lost. For example one can make note of a favorite anchorage or a location where the fish were plentiful and with the help of their GPS be able to return to that exact location.

If you are a long distance runner, plan on hiking, or backpacking and camping off the beaten path there are several features one should consider. First since you will be carrying the GPS on your person, weight and size must be a consideration. Also since it will be exposed to the elements make sure that the unit you purchase is weatherproof. It is also important to purchase a system that has multiple channels – I would recommend a minimum of 12 channels for outdoors use. Remember that the entire concept of the GPS is based on the theory of triangulation and if your unit cannot communicate with any of the satellites it will not be able to locate your position. The multiple channels will allow your system to work even though some of the signals may be blocked by the terrain or trees if you are in a heavily wooded area. Make sure that the system is also equipped with WAAS (Wise Area Augmentation System). WAAS will provide greater accuracy in pinpointing your location, generally within a few feet. This is much more important if you are in the wilderness than if you are cruising down and Interstate in your car. I would also recommend features such as backtracking and topographical mapping.

Today one can hardly turn on the TV or pick up the newspaper without hearing of someone lost in a remote area. With a handheld GPS, they would be able to find their way back to their start point or some other destination – depending on the elements and food supply this could be a matter of life and death. Don’t head into the wilderness without your GPS.

The Global Positioning System, or GPS as it is widely known, is a navigation system originally developed by the US military which continues its’ maintenance today. It is an integrated system of 24 satellites that orbit the earth and through the navigational process of triangulation can pinpoint a position anywhere on earth where a GPS receiver is located. During the 1980’s the government opened up the use of the GPS to the private sector. It is widely expected to become the next personal utility in the same way that cellular phones have over the past couple of decades.

There are many benefits for the automobile owner to have their vehicle equipped with a GPS navigation system including; saving time, fuel economy, safety, and tracking.

Saving Time – With the use of a GPS receiver in your car you will avoid wasting time being lost. Whether you become truly lost and loose valuable time by going way off the direct route to your destination, or whether you are merely just driving around a neighborhood looking for a specific address a GPS will direct you to your end destination via a direct route. This can save you valuable time, disagreements with fellow passengers, and keep you punctual for your appointments.

Fuel Economy – With the GPS directing you to your destination via a direct route you will end up driving fewer miles. In these times of high fuel prices, any reduction in the number of miles driven will have a positive impact on what you are spending at the pump. You will realize additional savings from needing to service your vehicle less frequently due to; fewer oil changes, fewer engine services, and tires lasting longer just to mention a few. With reduced mileage driven during a year you may even qualify to reduce your auto insurance premium.

Safety – By directing you on your route you will not become lost – therefore you should have no need to have to stop and ask for directions. Nearly everyone has had to stop and ask directions in a neighborhood they did not feel totally safe in – whether it is due to the neighborhood itself or the time of day. In this day of car jackings and random crimes this is an important benefit of owning a GPS receiver for your car.

Tracking- Some GPS are equipped with a feature that allows you to track the location of the vehicle that has the GPS in it. This has significant value if you are trying to keep track of a child that has just received their license or another family member.

While these all have significant impact for personal use, the benefits are greatly compounded when you are using the GPS in a delivery or courier vehicle. If you are in charge of a fleet of vehicles, think of the benefits and how quickly and easily you can recoup your initial investment to equip your cars and/or trucks with GPS. I for one would not consider leaving my home without GPS in my car if I am venturing further than the local supermarket.

As GPS technology has become more main stream and accessible to consumers, the variety of GPS enable devices has also increased at an incredible rate. Most of us know someone with GPS in their car or we own a unit ourselves. As the technology gets more advanced even smaller and more versatile, handheld portable GPS devices are becoming increasingly popular.

Portable GPS systems for serious use

GPS technology is being used more and more each day for business matters and emergency use. Many of us already own GPS enabled cell phones. Emergency 911 operators can now pinpoint the caller in distress by locating their GPS cell phone. GPS cell phones report their location at all times they are turned on.

For businesses, PDA’s can be used by delivery, sales and repair personnel to find their way and also have their positions tracked by the head office. There is time saving software which will plan the route for a delivery run based on the location of their drop-off points for the day. Surveyors use specialized GPS equipment to plan roads, and map out fields. Locating and re-locating survey markers and boundaries is also made much easier with GPS.

Laptop computers can easily be turned into PDA receivers or trackers with the addition of USB plug in devices and software. The possible uses really are limitless.

Using your portable GPS for fun

The accessibility of this million dollar technology to the general population has of course, opened up new recreational uses. As well as tracking your own location, you can use GPS to track other people’s and or objects locations.

Geocaching is a type of hi-tech treasure hunt. A small item with a GPS transmitter is hidden, and then hunters with GPS devices compete to find it.

GPS enabled watches, cameras, pet collars all provide interesting applications to this technology. The cameras can imprint a precise geographical location on photos taken so you can re-locate that position easily. For pets who stray, what easier way than logging into a website to locate them. Some of these pet collars can even send messages to cell phones with Fido’s location. If you are attending a large event and are separated from the main group, you could use GPS to hone in on a GPS watch signal to find them.

These are just a few instances of GPS technology and what it can do for you. The possibilities really are endless. Wherever it leads us, we will be able to track it!

Copyright 2006 Angela Carter

Imagine driving somewhere new, you’re lost, unsure of where you are at, and the more you try to find your way out the more confused you get. Do you know how safe the area which you’re in is, is it safe to get out of your car to ask for directions or are you risking being attacked? What if you are threatened or attacked, you have your cell phone, dial 9-1-1, but are unable to tell the operator how to find you. Imagine having an accident, or witnessing an accident, but you are unsure where you are, you call 9-1-1 but are unable to tell them where you are. Imagine becoming ill while in your car, you dial 9-1-1, but become unconscious before you can tell someone where you’re at, how will anyone find you? Imagine being on a hike or bike ride when you suddenly realize you do not know where you are, how will you find your way back safely?

The U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has mandated the E911 (Enhanced 911) which requires that the location of any cell phone used to call 9-1-1 can be determined. This program is divided into two parts; the first requires carriers to report the telephone number of the caller and the location of the antenna that received the call. The second part requires carriers to be able to provide a more precise location. This will require that the manufacturers to install a GPS receiver in all cell phones. The benefit of this not only means that a cell phone can be quickly located, but that cell phones will have the ability to receive driving directions, and to be used as a hand-held GPS out of the car.

There are two ways that a GPS cell phone can be used to get driving directions. The first is to subscribe to a GPS navigation service, which is becoming available but is limited at this time. The second way is through use of a software program. Being able to subscribe to a navigation service has its disadvantages, if you are outside your coverage area your navigation functions won’t work. Plus, not only do you have to purchase a GPS cell phone, you must also pay a set up fee and a monthly fee and be under a 3 month to one year contract.

The second way to get driving directions is to buy a software program, but you need to have a compatible cell phone. The programs and maps are on a memory card and there is no need to pay a monthly fee and since the maps are in the phone you are not dependent on a GPRS connection.

If you want to take your GPS cell phone with you while out of your car, not only are there integrated GPS cell phones, there are GPS add-ons available also.

Another advantage to having a cell phone with GPS technology is that parents know where their children are at any time (as long as they have the phone with them). Some carriers are offering this child location service as a ‘peace of mind’ feature. There is usually a monthly service charge for this service.

You’ve been hearing about GPS and have decided that you might be interested in buying one for yourself. The first three things you should do are understand what a GPS is and how it works, determine how you will use it, and then determine a budget. There are many choices available but once you have completed these three things you will be prepared to make an educated choice and get the best value to meet your needs.

What is GPS?

The Global Positioning System, better known simply as GPS, is a satellite based navigation system developed by the United States military and made available for civilian use in the 1980′s. The overall GPS network is made up of 24 satellites that orbit the earth. Basic GPS receivers can pinpoint any location within a few feet. It is widely expected to become the next personal utility in the same way that cellular phones have over the past couple of decades.

GPS works using the navigational process of triangulation. It can determine your location by using its’ relative position to that of two or more of the satellites. The more satellites a GPS receiver can communicate with the more exact a position can be determined – in some cases down to inches.

How will you use your GPS?

GPS work differently and provide different output based on the need they were designed to fulfill. There are specific GPS designed for automobiles, pilots, and others for hikers and/or other outdoorsman. Some will show a map while others will just give longitude and latitude coordinates for someone charting their movement. Within each category there are several choices based on how sophisticated a system you want and how much you are prepared to spend.

If you plan to use you GPS in your car there are several choices available; a system designed specifically for cars, a laptop system or a system that integrates with your PDA. In addition a handheld system can be used but offers much less versatility than the other options. I would not recommend buying a handheld unit for use in your car but if you already have one you may find it helpful in navigating while driving.

If you are planning to use your GPS in your car on a regular basis I would recommend a unit designed just for cars. The advantages are that they have a bigger screen which is easier to see while driving, have voice commands, and will give you turn by turn directions. These advantages make for fewer distractions while driving and, in my opinion, are well worth the extra cost involved. While both laptop and PDA compatible software are available these options may require additional equipment such as external antennas to operate properly and even then you may experience some reception difficulties.

If you are looking for a GPS to use while hiking/backpacking, hunting or fishing, you have several options available. You can use a basic handheld unit, a handheld mapping unit, or a PDA based system. While relying on any of these systems if you are off the beaten path I recommend you take alternative means of navigation with you such as a map and a compass as well as back up batteries for your unit.

With the most basic handheld units you will have to plot your position as obtained from the GPS on your paper map – therefore make sure your map is marked with latitude and longitude coordinates. Systems offering a mapping feature may well be worth the extra cost to many, but remember because they offer more functionality they are slightly heavier. For the fisherman there are also systems that include depth sounders and chart plotters in addition to the basic functionality.

Depending on your requirements, systems range in cost from around $100 for the most basic handheld unit to several thousand dollars for the more sophisticated systems.

Copyright 2006 Angela Carter

Vacations are times to relax and enjoy, not worry about finding your way around. Are you flying, or driving? Are you going somewhere that you know well or somewhere totally new? Are you renting a car if you’re flying, or are you going to depend on taxis? If you are traveling by taxi do you know if a ‘shortcut’ the taxi driver suggests is really a shortcut or possibly are you being scammed to increase your rate. What are your plans once you get to your destination? Are you going backpacking, hunting, or fishing, or do planning a trip to a resort and plan on lying by the pool and just relaxing? Wouldn’t it be nice not the have to worry about finding a location, or a good restaurant. Your visit would be much more enjoyable without this concern.

Is it possible that you will be off in your own airplane, with a GPS you can create your flight plans and get automatic calculations of headings, winds, time, and fuel or recalculate your heading. Are you driving or plan on renting a car once you get to your destination? Do you know the route well or is this a new adventure? Whether this is a trip that you frequently make or not a GPS can be indispensable. What if you get detoured due to an accident or road construction, what if you run into a large traffic jam do you need to sit and wait, or is there possibly another route you could take? Have you ever wanted to get off the beaten path and explore somewhere new but were afraid of getting lost? Wouldn’t it be nice just to take off to somewhere new without the fear of getting lost? Do you plan on going fishing? Wouldn’t it be nice to know where the fish are, so you can spend your time catching fish, instead of spending your whole vacation with the possibility of catching nothing?

Have you planned a trip to visit a foreign country but were afraid you have trouble getting around when street signs are in a different language? With a GPS you put in your destination and find the location that you would like to go to. There is also translation software which can be downloaded to your PCA.

Are you going backpacking, hiking or camping, or even plan on taking a bike ride, with a GPS you have the added security of knowing if you get lost you can find your way out. Is there an area you always wanted to explore, but was afraid of not finding your way back.

Vacations are too far apart (2-3 weeks a year?) and are planned, paid for and anxiously awaited for, to have to worry about getting lost. Whether you plan on lying by the beach or pool all day, you might want to find a certain restaurant or shop, or hiking through the forest a GPS can take the worry out of traveling and allow you to enjoy you’re trip.