About GPS units
The wonders of technology have struck again.
Now we have a computer system to help us when we are lost…or to direct us when we don’t know exactly know how to get to a store, hotel, restaurant, or a relative’s house.
And why…?
Because we didn’t have time to look up in the map book that is covered in dust somewhere, or has had coffee spilt all over it or worse…it isn’t even in the car.
The great invention of GPS. That stands for Global Positioning System (as if you didn’t know). Some are more user-friendly than others; the voice that directs you at every turning can be frustrating, especially if you are constantly reminded how many feet you have before you have to turn.
Now we have a computer system to help us when we are lost…or to direct us when we don’t know exactly know how to get to a store, hotel, restaurant, or a relative’s house.
And why…?
Because we didn’t have time to look up in the map book that is covered in dust somewhere, or has had coffee spilt all over it or worse…it isn’t even in the car.
The great invention of GPS. That stands for Global Positioning System (as if you didn’t know). Some are more user-friendly than others; the voice that directs you at every turning can be frustrating, especially if you are constantly reminded how many feet you have before you have to turn.
The basics of how to use a GPS unit
But for what it is built for, it has become a very handy and popular device. As technology becomes more advanced, so does the navigation system.
“…There are many benefits of an automobile GPS tracking system... …First of all, if you ever get lost, having an automobile GPS tracking system makes the difference between you being OK, or not…”
GPS is now available on mobile phones and mapping services. So now you can walk down the street and find the fasted route to the pub or theatre for the evening. It is a tool that many people, who are employed to drive a large distance on a daily basis, cannot do without.
A basic GPS unit is reasonably cheap and as with most things, the more advanced the model, the more expensive.
So how does it work?
Satellites are the basic answer. Every GPS system needs at least 3 satellites in order to get an exact location. The beam from your unit broadcasts a signal to the satellite which uses that information to locate you.
The satellites transmit the position information. Every system has ground stations which track and control the satellites. These satellites are in fixed orbits, which mean they do not move in relation to the world. Then there is the receiver of information, the GPS unit, which you as the customer have bought.
“…GPS systems help you drive more efficiently which in turn helps you economize on gas and brake wear…”
The receiver gets the data from the satellites and computes the information in order to find an exact location. The GPS receiver has an aerial with which to receive the data from the satellites. Your GPS unit can only receive data, it cannot send it.
Inside your GPS receiver is a database which stores map information. It holds maps for the area it covers, whether it be in Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA etc.
Most GPS units have a mapping application which you can use to find your way to your destination. You type in the address, the system then uses the satellites to load your current position, and can even tell your speed at which you are travelling at if you are on the road.
From your current position the database stored in the GPS system will then work out how to get to the destination via the quickest and most convenient route. It then displays the route on screen and follows your progress advising you when to turn.
Some units will not have the directions application; they will only let you know where you are. This is a very good tool if you are lost somewhere or are on a hike in an unfamiliar place and are unsure of your position in the world.
“…There are many benefits of an automobile GPS tracking system... …First of all, if you ever get lost, having an automobile GPS tracking system makes the difference between you being OK, or not…”
GPS is now available on mobile phones and mapping services. So now you can walk down the street and find the fasted route to the pub or theatre for the evening. It is a tool that many people, who are employed to drive a large distance on a daily basis, cannot do without.
A basic GPS unit is reasonably cheap and as with most things, the more advanced the model, the more expensive.
So how does it work?
Satellites are the basic answer. Every GPS system needs at least 3 satellites in order to get an exact location. The beam from your unit broadcasts a signal to the satellite which uses that information to locate you.
The satellites transmit the position information. Every system has ground stations which track and control the satellites. These satellites are in fixed orbits, which mean they do not move in relation to the world. Then there is the receiver of information, the GPS unit, which you as the customer have bought.
“…GPS systems help you drive more efficiently which in turn helps you economize on gas and brake wear…”
The receiver gets the data from the satellites and computes the information in order to find an exact location. The GPS receiver has an aerial with which to receive the data from the satellites. Your GPS unit can only receive data, it cannot send it.
Inside your GPS receiver is a database which stores map information. It holds maps for the area it covers, whether it be in Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA etc.
Most GPS units have a mapping application which you can use to find your way to your destination. You type in the address, the system then uses the satellites to load your current position, and can even tell your speed at which you are travelling at if you are on the road.
From your current position the database stored in the GPS system will then work out how to get to the destination via the quickest and most convenient route. It then displays the route on screen and follows your progress advising you when to turn.
Some units will not have the directions application; they will only let you know where you are. This is a very good tool if you are lost somewhere or are on a hike in an unfamiliar place and are unsure of your position in the world.
Here is a poor man's version of a GPS
The system that the USA uses was developed and is run by the military and uses a minimum of 3 satellites to pin point positions.
The Russians have developed a similar version; it has spare satellites just in case they are needed. The Chinese version can span the entire world sphere and offers 2 types of service, one military and one for public use.
In India there is great anticipation for their system to be released in 2009, but this system will be under restricted government control.
The European’s version has been created by the public and so the military will have the power to block public use. There will be stations in Italy and Germany and it should be operational in 2013.
These systems can make mistakes, believe it or not.
The Russians have developed a similar version; it has spare satellites just in case they are needed. The Chinese version can span the entire world sphere and offers 2 types of service, one military and one for public use.
In India there is great anticipation for their system to be released in 2009, but this system will be under restricted government control.
The European’s version has been created by the public and so the military will have the power to block public use. There will be stations in Italy and Germany and it should be operational in 2013.
These systems can make mistakes, believe it or not.
You can't always trust your GPS unit…
Well, as in all computer equipment, they are only able to work on the information they are programmed with. If they are programmed with a mistake, or a road changes after the information is inputted, they can give you completely wrong directions, although this is quite uncommon.
A driver should not depend on the GPS unit to totally control where they are going. Drivers still need a good level of common sense and sometimes, when driving long distances, it is better to double check the best route available.
“…There are few models which will inform you which lane should be taken to help you make turns in streets with heavy traffic more easily. This can become very handy when you travel in a densely populated city like Chicago…”
Checking online is another excellent option, as this enables you to find out any recent or current road changes on all possible routes. Take into consideration: road works, detours or public events which may disrupt your journey.
Many rental companies use the GPS system and it is also extremely valuable to the police services. They are able to track vehicles wherever they are and judge the speed at which they are going. This helps greatly in the hunt for stolen or speeding cars.
A driver should not depend on the GPS unit to totally control where they are going. Drivers still need a good level of common sense and sometimes, when driving long distances, it is better to double check the best route available.
“…There are few models which will inform you which lane should be taken to help you make turns in streets with heavy traffic more easily. This can become very handy when you travel in a densely populated city like Chicago…”
Checking online is another excellent option, as this enables you to find out any recent or current road changes on all possible routes. Take into consideration: road works, detours or public events which may disrupt your journey.
Many rental companies use the GPS system and it is also extremely valuable to the police services. They are able to track vehicles wherever they are and judge the speed at which they are going. This helps greatly in the hunt for stolen or speeding cars.