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Author:
Rene Tse

If you've ever gotten lost on the way to a business or social function, then it's time to consider a GPS system. It can pinpoint your exact location and provide a map that shows you how to get to your destination.

How does GPS work?

GPS measures the satellite signals in proximity to your location. The GPS receiver absolutely needs to know where it is! This happens by receiving signals from a minimum of three satellites. If it wants elevation, then a fourth satellite needs to come into play.

Next, is the high end math; GPS locks onto a position and uses trigonometry to calculate its position. This is measured in latitude and longitude. From that point, as long as it stays locked onto your location, it can provide the speed, distance and that most valued of all things; a map to your destination.

What is the signal accuracy of GPS?

GPS signal accuracy is approximately 50 feet. But some systems go beyond this range.

Ground stations help GPS systems achieve an accuracy greater than 50 feet. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) correct satellite orbital errors. With 25 ground stations in the U.S., WAAS calculates and transmits the corrected data to fixed-position satellites. WAAS-enabled GPS receivers reach accuracies of 10 feet or less.

DGPS (Differential GPS) also has a correction method with its network of towers. DGPS systems achieve an accuracy of between 10 and 20 feet, but the downside is that these systems require an antenna to receive the corrected signal.

What options are there for a GPS system?

You can either choose a dedicated GPS receiver with displays, or a receiver that works in conjunction with your PDA or notebook computer. At the lower end, dedicated receivers with displays show the location and basic maps. Others at the higher end offer downloadable capability so you can receive more sophisticated map configurations from a PC.

Pocket PCs, Palm OS devices and notebook computers also offer GPS receivers combined with mapping programs. GPS devices come built into some PDA mounts offered by Akron and Seidio.

Bluetooth GPS Receiver

The Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a stand alone receiver that can communicate with a Pocket PC or Smartphone. To use the GPS receiver with your Windows Mobile device it needs to have Bluetooth capability, or you can simply add the receiver to the unit with a CF or SDIO Bluetooth card.

You don't have to be exactly near your GPS receiver to use it. This is what is really cool about this receiver. It's very flexible too. You can place it within 30 meters of your other Bluetooth devices and still have full GPS functionality. Even more surprising...it can actually produce a map and location details while inside a clothing item or in a container.

It's convenient too. Before you leave for a trip, you can input where you want to go and have it all mapped out when you depart for your new destination.

Consider these factors when selecting a GPS system:

• 1. Watch out for lost signals. The GPS signal with a satellite could conceivably get lost in rough or remote terrain, like in a canyon or forest. This can be minimized with a system that continuously monitors 12 satellites.

• 2. Is the GPS system programmable? What is the data package like? Is it cost-effective?

• 3. What is the power supply like? Some in-car systems come with their own batteries, while others are dependent on the car itself.

• 4. Pay attention to interface. Some GPS interfaces run better than others. Find out about their performance from tech journals and colleagues.

• 5. Look at how the maps and directions are displayed. Do you like the presentation? Is it easy to navigate?

GPS - Gets you on track

Think of GPS as a modern take on that classic refrain heard by car passengers everywhere,"Just ask for directions." Only now, you can ask your very own GPS system without worrying about getting lost.

Copyright © Rene Tse is on the look out for mobile devices to enhance her productivity. Rene's reviewed countless sites on the net, but always turns to the one run by herself. Her website, as she says, cuts to the chase and has valued information on: free GPS cell phones, free camera phones and Bluetooth cell phones are the best buys for accessories.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to GPS... GPS Technology Can Be Useful To You If you have a job that requires as much traveling as mine does, or if you want to ensure your personal well-being wherever you go, you should look at your options for installing a GPS tracking system in your car. Nowadays, the tracking system is being included in more and more cars directly from the manufacturer. If your car was made before the wave of GPS standards, there are many outlets on the internet through which you can locate a GPS system that will fit your needs. One of the best things about GPS technology is its ability to always find out what road you are on in the event that you get lost. If you ever need to use map out a course for traveling, the GPS has course-planning functionality as well. Another benefit of GPS is that you will be more protected from vehicle theft. Your GPS system will be able to assist the police in tracking down your car with practically no problem. It’s exact location can be pinpointed every moment it’s on. Many insurance companies offer reduced rates for those of us who purchase cars with GPS systems built in, or spend the money to get it installed. Having the system installed will pretty much pay for itself in the long run. As I said before, many automobile producers now install GPS systems right off the bat. Usually the added feature doesn’t increase the total cost by a substantial amount. So if you’re looking to buy a new car, it’s a good idea to look for one with GPS pre-installed. If you look online for GPS systems, you should be able to find them with no trouble. You can also look for systems in electronic stores and car specialty stores. They usually carry tracking systems to their customers, and most stores will also offer installation services for a miniscule fee. As I have demonstrated, there are countless benefits...