GPS Systems And Navigational Equipment

I heard a story of a man who once bought his wife a GPS system for her car so that she would know exactly what time she would need to leave wherever she was in order to get home in time to have dinner ready and waiting when he walked in the door. After I got over my initial “and shes still with him?” experience, it did occur to me that GPS and navigational systems have the capacity to truly change our lives in manners such as this, hopefully with more positive results.

I first learned to use these navigational aids on the water where in my opinion, I thought they belonged. The invention of personal GPS systems for pleasure sailors and cruisers made a lot of sense to me. In fact, since learning a sextant was so difficult for me, I thought that it was the answer to my directionally challenged life. When they introduced these gadgets for the interior of the car, I met the idea with mixed emotions. First off, I couldnt understand why you would need such a device in order to get from one place to another. That is what a map can do for you.

Being lost is very frustrating to me. Since our little family tends to run out and have impromptu excursions from time to time, it really isnt all that surprising that we find ourselves lost more often than not. Just because we know the general direction of one particular state doesnt mean we can find the small town were looking for or take even the shortest route there.

When Mapquest came into my life, I thought this was all the answer I would ever need. It no longer mattered if we knew where we were going, we could just hop in the car and follow the directions and we would end up there. While this has turned out to be the case more often than not, there has been a few times where these directions took us into some very interesting areas. I was just tremendously grateful that we didnt end up having any sort of mechanical failure while we were exploring these very interesting areas.

Despite our frequent impromptu travels, our hesitant attitudes toward getting out and asking for directions, and our short tempers when it comes to other peoples incompetent driving ability, I was still highly resistant to any type of GPS or navigational system entering either one of our cars. Like I said, thats what a map is for, right?

One day, not all that long ago, I had a sudden change of heart. Out of nowhere I decided that these navigational pieces were actually indispensible to our lifestyle and our love of road trips. I wanted one. I wanted one in each car despite the fact that we only used one car for traveling. I wanted one in my car despite the fact that it is really more of a back up car that leaves the house once a day for errands and for my daily trip to the health club. Of course, the rest of my little family couldnt fathom my change of heart since I had been so completely sure that we didnt need one of these gadgets and that I had even once preached about the loss of spontaneous side trips and serendipities along the way. So finally, I confessed.

These things can help you avoid traffic. If theres one thing I cant stand is sitting in bumper to bumper traffic because there is an accident on the other side of the road! What is that? Is our need to peer into someone elses tragedy that strong that traffic can be backed up for five miles because everyone needs to take a moment and get their 50 cents worth of tragedy? I mean come on! Let the people who are suffering at the moment have a little privacy and respect. How much do you want people to gawk at your mishaps?

Avoiding traffic is my number one motivator for the addition of a navigation system to our cars. And it gets you out. When you find the exit, it can get you back into the travel mode faster than blinking, and you still get to see those cute little towns you would have otherwise missed. These gadgets are perfect for road rage suspects. Get them out of the traffic and everyones life becomes so much nicer.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Susan is a contributing editor to Fuzing.com. This view is brought to you by trade leads from the GPS Navigation area of our Business to Business portal.
By: Susan Banks Sr

GPS Devices – Fulfill your Navigation dreams

Years ago, driving across the country meant one eye on the road and the other fixed on a heap of tangled, shredded paper covering the dashboard – otherwise known as a map. But in today’s interconnected world, even when you’re lost, you’re not really lost.

GPS devices are no longer reserved for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, skiers or geocachers. Trip navigators, like the Garmin Street Pilot help road trippers navigate through just about any city, state and province. Take a wrong turn, no problem. The device automatically plots a new course based on your current location. Whether you want to spend a few hundred bucks or reign in your budget, a GPS device can be your best friend.

Pinpointing precise locations is as easy as turning on your device, but making your GPS work smarter takes some time, skill and a PC. It’s all about customization.

Connecting Your GPS Device to Your Computer
Anyone can buy a GPS, enter their starting point, begin wandering and find their way back again. No special skills required. You don’t need a PC to use your GPS device, but connecting the two allows you to customize your routes.

• Before you begin, connect your GPS device to your PC. Decide the area you want to explore and load the appropriate maps (additional software you’ll need to purchase beforehand).
• When you begin your adventure, your GPS device will show your exact location on the maps you’ve uploaded.
• Set your initial location as your home point.
• Begin wandering or follow the route you’ve mapped out. Enter waypoints along your route.
• When you return home, connect the GPS device to your PC again, upload waypoints to your PC to track your routes for future use.

There’s a GPS device for every trip you’ll take this year. Just make sure the one you buy is the one you really need. If you’re a wilderness adventurer, you’ll likely want a high-end and more expensive GPS device than if you’re an urban trekker who wants to track a route from Boise to Fort Lauderdale.

For the road tripper, consider a large enough screen that you can quickly glance at but won’t cause you to take your eyes off the road for long. If you’re a hiker, get one that fits into your hand (or on your wrist) comfortably. Protect it in a plastic cover in case you drop it in the swamp.

Navigating has never been easier, or for tech lovers, more fun.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

James W. Coates, an avid traveler and Outdoor Explorer, loves to roam national parks. Even more, he loves to swap stories with other people who share his love of the outdoors. Drop by his blog at Nomadik.com and exchange GPS tips with him.
By: James W Coates

GPS Devices in the Desert

Navigating wastelands pose numerous problems – even with a GPS device. Scarce landmarks mixed with undulating sand dunes challenge even the best navigators attempting to chart a course. In addition, the underlying danger of hidden canyons to navigate around heightens the degree of difficulty.

Luckily GPS devices can help you navigate a clear path through the desert. Since vegetation is sporadic, your device will have continuous communication with satellites – unlike trekking though densely covered forests that block signal paths. Using waypoints, one can easily chart distances in the desert which can then be indicated on maps that truly reflect the landscape.

Distances are difficult to judge in the desert since usual points of reference (steep drop-offs, unusual tree formations, etc.) are all but absent. To get around this, identify any landmark that is easily distinguished from the background and indicate it as a waypoint on the GPS unit. Seek out one more and indicate that point as well. From those two waypoints distance can be calculated. Judging distance with the naked eye alone can be deceptive.

Since desert topography shifts more than forested areas, maps can contain erroneous information. Nevertheless, using a paper map and a GPS unit allows you to indicate on the paper map the locations of erratic landscapes and places to avoid on the way back, which leads to a safer crossing of the desert.

Taking along a GPS can save your life if used wisely. But it can also carry a false sense of security. Bring your GPS unit but also remember to do the following:

• Always check weather conditions and routes thoroughly before setting off into the dusty horizon. Conditions can change rapidly so check them often..
• If traveling by car, remember to check the oil and gas at the last stop.
• Bring road and trail maps that correspond to your GPS maps and waypoints.
• Bring at least a gallon of water per person per day.
• Never set off into the desert alone. Use the buddy system and inform others of your whereabouts.
• Bring extra batteries for your GPS unit - its not just your body that can become overheated.

Since most areas in North America have been explored, finding a detailed GPS map to bring with you for any of the four major desert systems causes no problem. However, even if you have all the necessities for your trek into the barren lands, remember each desert is different and contains unique dangers.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

James W. Coates has trekked across deserts in India and Africa and knows the importance of sticking to the beaten path – sometimes! Join him at Nomadik.com and share your desert stories.
By: James W Coates

Vehicle Tracker: Never Losing Track Again

Vehicle tracker, also known as GPS vehicle tracking system, is a device that uses satellite signals to track vehicles. The device is placed inside of the vehicle, allowing either real-time or passive monitoring of its location.

How a vehicle tracker works

Vehicle tracker emits a signal that is picked up via satellite and conveyed to a monitoring system. A subscription service to the tracking company allows you to get reports and access to real-time monitoring displays.

There are two types of vehicle trackers available. One type offers passive tracking. A monitoring device is placed in the vehicle and data can be retrieved later to determine where the vehicle has been and the mileage driven. The other type is real time tracking, which is more extensive. It allows the vehicle's location to be monitored on a computer while it is being driven. Special software is loaded onto the computer to allow you to receive real-time information on the location, speed and direction of travel. Typically these movements are shown on a gridded map, making it user-friendly.

Why use a vehicle tracker

Anti-theft device – One of the major concerns of new vehicle owners is theft. With the use of a tracker, your vehicle can be quickly located if it is stolen. A deterrent to criminals, you can display the sticker, which indicates your vehicle is equipped with GPS. Many insurance companies offer discounted vehicle insurance rate to those who have a gps tracking system installed in their vehicle.

Navigation tool – The vehicle tracker or GPS can be used as a navigation tool. Newer vehicle tracking systems not only provide directions, but also suggest alternative route when traffic congestion is detected. You can also receive traffic information such as availability of parking spaces and the nearest public transport line.

Business – Many companies that have fleets of vehicles will find GPS tracking system helpful. The reports provide information on business mileage driven and location of vehicles.

Emergency – While cell phones may not be able to specifically locate you via 911 services, the GPS tracking device can detect your exact position. This enables you to receive medical or emergency assistance as quickly as possible. Some new vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking systems that are useful in emergency situations.

Surveillance – Vehicle tracker can be used to track a family member's whereabouts. It is useful for tracking teens and others who may only be allowed minimal vehicle access. The device can be mounted inside the vehicle so that it is virtually undetectable.

Benefits of using a vehicle tracking device

There are many benefits to using a tracking device in your vehicle. Emergency location is an important factor when considering getting a vehicle tracker. This can help bring peace of mind to those who travel frequently or who may need to drive late at night or in unknown areas. Many thousands of vehicles are stolen each year. Stolen vehicles can be more easily recovered and the perpetrators caught through the use of vehicle trackers. GPS vehicle tracking system is a fantastic street navigator, so you no longer need to worry about getting lost or being stucked in a traffic jam.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

GPS system is becoming popular for providing vehicle tracking solutions to personal and business needs. FInd affordable GPS vehicle tracking systems that can save you time and cost www.gpstrackingsys.com
By: Alvin Toh

Trapster – best accessory for drivers!

The moment we learn how to drive is perhaps one of the most important in our lives. We fill our heads with all the traffic regulations, speeding limits and parking techniques hoping that we will never have to deal with the traffic police. However, it is impossible not to receive a speeding ticket at least once in your life especially since the number of speed traps are increasing and the policemen seems to be more intent on raising revenue money using such methods.

Despite all of the facts presented above, there is a solution that will probably bring the smile back on your face. It’s called the Trapster Speed Trap and it is the thing you need to escape from getting a ticket without wasting too much time, effort or money (FREE service). The technology was especially adapted to be used on mobile phones, alerting users with just a couple of seconds before they approach a speed trap. Trapster is perfect for phones with GPS, providing audio and text alerts in perfect time. The driver can adjust the speed and pass through the speed trap conforming to the traffic regulations.

Non-believers would say that such a system encourages risky driving and excessive speeding on the road. However, statistics have shown that drivers are less likely to exceed the regular speed limit if they have such an application installed on their mobile phone, the affirmation being also valid for those who have a radar detector. They don’t feel stressed anymore about the police surprising them and they can finally direct their attention on where it was supposed to be in the first place, meaning on the road.

If you don’t know how the speed trap sharing system works, then you can easily enter online and check out the demonstration video especially recorded for such purposes. It explains all the steps that you have to follow and provides an example of how the Trapster Speed Trap functions on the mobile phone. Then, you can browse the website and find out for real how you can download the application, why sharing traps is so essential and finally how you can announce some speed trap alerts on your own.

Just imagine: with just a ringtone, you will save a lot of money that you would have paid for the speeding ticket. The speed trap alerts are also sent when a speed camera is nearby and in the case of red light cameras, protecting drivers from static traps as well. Given the fact that it is so easy to install, it is no wonder that the number of downloads increases every day. As more and more people sign up, the speed trap sharing system grows in efficiency and practicality.

If your mobile phone does not have Java or Windows Mobile then you will have to install them first in order for the Trapster application to work. Moreover, you will need to have GPS technology so as the program functions with all of its characteristics. If you don’t want to install it on the phone, then use the voice recognition services to receive and sent out speed trap alerts as well. Are you ready to ‘decorate’ your mobile phone with this really cool widget?

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Trapster alerts you to police car speed traps, speed cameras, and other road way hazards: www.trapster.com/
By: ingrid sure

Tom Tom GPS

Tom Tom GPS began in 1991 as Palmtop, a business to develop applications for the first handheld computers. Initially those applications were business oriented, but soon individuals wanted personal organizers to keep track of their fast paced lives. The company then began to develop games, dictionaries, personal finance products and route planners for PDA's (personal digital assistants). As the demand for these applications grew globally, specifically after the launch of the successful Palm Pilot, the handheld market expanded rapidly and Microsoft also got into the game. Palmtop developed applications for all these units.

Near the end of the 1990's, Palmtop began to spend more time on the development of GPS (Global Positioning System) software, which could identify your location anywhere on Earth. The field of navigation showed incredible opportunity for growth. Palmtop started to focus more and more on navigation solutions like route planners. Mobile opportunities were opening up incredible opportunities.

In 2001 with increased focus and vision on navigation aids a new name was needed. Tom Tom was born. Tom Tom GPS utilized its strengths to create the first mobile automobile in car navigation system utilizing the Global Positioning System. The Tom Tom GPS Navigator was a massive success.

When TomTom GPS Navigator 2 hit the market in 2003, it was clear that more than PDA owners were in need, and wanted, GPS devices. It was dictated by the public that getting from place to place should not require stopping and asking for directions all the time. People wanted a full time map at their disposal that would change to suit their destination.

TomTom GO, introduced in 2004, was hailed as the most easy to use and most portable stand-alone automobile GPS navigation device ever. Then came TomTom MOBILE, a brand new GPS navigation solution designed to make smartphones operate as in-car navigation systems.

TomTom's products emphasize innovation, quality, and simplicity of use, safety and consumer value. These products include all-in-one navigation devices, which allow customers to navigate as soon as they take the GPS unit out of the box. That is the award-winning TomTom GO family of products, the TomTom ONE XL and TomTom ONE products, and the TomTom RIDER for motorcycle and scooter riders.

TomTom also supplies GPS navigation software products that integrate with third party devices. This Is the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA's and smartphones. The TomTom WORK product line combines intelligent navigation technology with strong communication technology to provide industry leading vehicle tracing and tracking expertise.

TomTom provides customers with foreign language assistance, entertainment, and local weather and traffic information. Get from A to B stress free with TomTom GPS systems.
by Wayne MacLean

About the Author

Wayne MacLean is an avid hiker, snowshoeing enthusiast, and loves the outdoors. He is a writer for both online and offline businesses.

Waterproof Marine GPS System

A waterproof marine GPS system is available in both a handheld version and a version that is mounted on your boat. And it does not matter if you have a tight budget or if you want to spend a lot to get what you want. Handheld models that float start under $200 and will provide the ability to save up to 500 of your favorite places in memory and chart a straight-line course to your destination. These units are also IPX7 waterproof to endure an accidental dunk in the water. They come preloaded with numerous cities worldwide combined with marine navigation aids like day beacons, lights, buoys, and sound signals. Whether you are boating, hunting or fishing, you have tide information, sunrise and sunset information, celestial data and a hunting and fishing calendar right at your fingertips. They are also WAAS (wide area augmentation system) enabled for precise accuracy to within 3 meters.

A waterproof marine GPS system can also be used in your automobile. Although these units are more expensive than a handheld, it can save a lot of hassles when deciding on a GPS system. The pre-installed auto-routing basemap will guide you on your way on major interstates and highways. An optional automotive kit that includes City Navigator® detailed maps, an automotive mount, and a data card to help you easily navigate on land. This kit, once loaded will provide voice-prompted turn-by-turn guidance to millions of addresses and points of interest. Maybe you are looking for a hotel restaurant, gas station or the nearest marine. No problem. You will find it.

A waterproof marine GPS system can combine a color chart-plotter and automobile navigation system that is perfect for wet or dry applications. Use it on your boat and then transfer it to your car. Now that was easy. When you are out on the water the sun can be strong so these navigators come with a TFT display that is easily read in bright sunlight. For extra-precise navigation a Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) that is normally found in aircraft, is included on some models. You will quickly be advised if you have gone off your chosen course, and will be guided back on track. You can also track external NMEA sources for water characteristics like temperature, speed, and depth.
by Wayne MacLean

One unit can provide all you need for land or sea. Doesn't that sound like a great idea?