BUYING GUIDES..since 1995
|
GALT HOME:
Internet Guides - Finance - Audio/Video - Travel - Household/DIY - Health - Cars - Fashion - Sports - Entertainment - Cell Phones |
| MENU: Technology and Internet Guides | Travel | Health | Household | Sports ...independent online guides since 1995 |
What does GPS mean?As GPS functions have been added to phones and more and more mobile devices, we still hear people asking, "What is GPS? What does GPS stand for?" GPS stands for Global Positioning System. OK, so what the heck is that?? Basically, a Global Positioning System lets you figure out where you are on the Earth, including longitude, latitude, and altitude. Once you begin moving, a GPS system can tell you how fast you are going and what direction you are moving in. Think of it as a magic, technological super-compass. But how does it work? The GPS system is dependent upon 24 satellites (that hang 20,000km above the Earth!) launched by the US government over a period of 20 years, from 1978 through 1994, officially called the NAVSTAR GPS. The satellites are set up such that from any location on the planet, at least 4 are within direct line of sight at any time. Once in place, the satellites work like a series of electronic lighthouses, trasmitting a beacon radio signal at a regular interval. Their signal gives the exact atomic time and their position. And just like surveyors can take exact measurements by triangulating their position from other known positions, GPS receiver devices can pick up the signal from several of these satellites and triangulate their exact position. All this is done in the blink of an eye by computer chips, with the results being printed out on a display screen.
How much does GPS access cost?Amazingly enough, it doesn't cost anything to access the GPS signals broadcast by these satellites. The system is in place and functions as a public service, much like a light house. So if you buy a GPS mapping device for your car, there are no monthly service or access fees to pay to anyone - it is like the radio, it is just being broadcast and you can turn on a receiver to pick up the signal any time you want. Some cell phone companies are now offering basic GPS driving maps on their phones, again piggybacking on this freely available public data source. Check out VerizonWireless.comfor info on their VZ Navigator system -- if offers real-time directions and maps for $10 per month or $3 per day if you need it only occasionally. Of course the maps and street names are tiny on a phone screen, but the turn by turn graphics are usable and workable if you don't want to shell out for a stand alone GPS mapping device. Actual GPS devices cost from around $120 for basic navigation tools, to over $600 for fancy car mapping systems with voice prompts, maps of entire continents built-in, and much more.What is GPS used for?GPS devices that receive and decode the GPS signals from the satellites are used mostly for navigation, in everything from boats and planes, to cars and hikers and hunters. Hunters, fishermen, and hikers often use personal navigation devices, basically handheld portable GPS devices that display location, directions, and basic mapping functions (like the Magellan eXplorist 100, 200, and 400, priced at $120-$250). For mapping services, most of these smaller, cheaper handhelds require you to download maps of specific regions. GPS devices for cars are getting more and more popular, letting you easily find any store, restaurant, hotel, or other point of interest. Magellan, Tom Tom, and Garmin are the 3 big makers of GPS devices for cars. The real power of automobile GPS comes when you overlay your latitude and longitude information with a database of mapping information. The result is an interactive, real-time map showing exactly where you are in relation to all the roads and streets nearby. Just punch in a street address and the mapping system will give you turn by turn instructions on how to get there, updating itself as you drive.Miss a turn, no problem -- it will readjust and still tell you how to get there. We like the Garmin Nuvi 350 (don't pay extra for the bluetooth 360). Many cars come with GPS as an expensive built in option, but it is also easy to buy one of the GPS mapping systems to add to your car. Most come with a windshield and/or dashboard mounting kit and a cigarette lighter power cord -- just plug it in and go. If you get a small enough one, it is easy to take it with you in your pocket as you walk around a strange town, allowing you to get quick directions and maps when you need them - very handy. Also, the portable devices allow you to move them from car to car, or to a rental car -- you can't do that with a built-in GPS system in your car. So if you are in the market for a new car, consider turning down the expensive factory GPS option and get your own aftermarket kit - save yourself some money, and get a portable system that goes with you.
Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.
Send email to: galtemail (@) yahoo.com
|
