Thursday, June 12, 2008

How GPS Systems Operate

By Chris Channing

GPS systems are the new device used to assist people when lost in new territories world wide. These systems prove far superior to maps because they actually tell you how to find where you are trying to step by step. They are great for people who have trouble with maps, road signs, and directions. It doesn't matter if you are in the middle of the wilderness or on the interstate, a GPS system can help you.

GPS stands for global positioning system. The system allows a person to tell where they are in the world via satellite. These satellites track the user's location and give a detailed map of the area around where the user is located.

If someone would like to find a route to a destination, but does not know how to get there himself a GPS system can be used. Just plug in the address of the desired location and turn by turn directions will be provided as you travel.

GPS devices can be used to find places to eat when the user does not know what restaurants an area has to offer. Supply the system with the name of the city and a list of eating locations will be provided as well as the address and turn by turn directions. This feature can come in very handy when on a family trip in a new city and need an eating location in a hurry.

The cost of a GPS system can vary depending on the brand, function, and quality. Some GPS systems can be bought for as little as fifty dollars. Systems for this price would most likely be handhelds, used for hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities. A GPS intended to be installed in automobiles will most likely range within a few hundred dollars. GPS systems that are intended for open sea navigating can cost all the way up to ten thousand dollars. These systems are top of the market and only used by people who absolutely need to have them.

There are four basic kinds of GPS systems. They are the portable outdoor unit, the marine systems, automobile navigations systems, and PDA hybrid systems. The portable outdoor unit can be used in cars or other vehicles, but is much more dependable as a means of navigation while on foot. Campers have found great use for this system because they can find their way about the wilderness without the use of a guide or complicated trail system.

For travelers who frequently find themselves traveling be motor vehicle will appreciate automobile navigation systems. This system can be used during business trips, family vacations, and road trips. These trips can be made much easier because you will never find yourself lost. Beware these systems can also be set to aware you of traffic violations you are committing such as speeding. This feature can prove annoying. PDA hybrid systems are a combination of automobile navigation systems and portable systems.

Marine systems and automobile navigation systems are both used when traveling long distances. Marine systems are used by fishermen and other people required traveling in to the ocean. These systems are some of the most expensive because it is the most important to have accurate. If a marine system failed a poor sailor could find themselves stranded at sea.

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