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5 Top Picks For Handheld GPS
by: John Rivers
Before, people have laboriously made sure they know where they are
heading to just to avoid getting lost. They created detailed maps,
erected landmarks, and memorized the positions of the stars in the
night sky. But that was before.
Later, with the availability of accurate maps, nobody has to memorize the stars in the sky and nobody has to erect landmarks.
Today, there is no need to do all these things. With a device
that could pinpoint your exact location in an instant, you can
eliminate all the hassles of early practices. So when you are out for a
hike, mountain climb, or just a simple camp out on the wilderness, all
you need is one device: handheld GPS.
To help you choose one that is right for you, here are the top picks for handheld GPS:
· Cobra GPS 1000 DLX Handheld Navigator- is a battery operated
handheld GPS that is capable of guiding your way through different US
state highway, boundaries, European countries, provincial boundaries of
Canada, and several other worldwide cities. All you have to do is
install your desired location from a software to this receiver and you
will see where you are going in its 2.8in w x 6.1in h x 1.3in d 1.8in w
x 2.4in h display. It uses Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for
more accurate pinpointing of location with ASAP II Technology™ that
makes this handheld GPS works 2 times faster that ordinary GPS
receiver. It uses a 32 mega-byte memory card for map installation. The
Cobra GPS 1000 DLX Handheld Navigator keeps you on course wherever you
are.
· Garmin eTrex Vista – If there could be one GPS available in
the market today with supreme functionality and jam-packed features;
the Garmin eTrex Vista should be the one. The Garmin eTrex Vista has
24MB internal memory capacity capable of storing numerous kinds of data
and can store different types of maps. The high resolution LCD gives
Garmin eTrex Vista the advantage in giving crisp details for easy
reading even for small type. With the use of Wide Area Augmentation
System (WAAS), it provides less than 3 meters of position accuracy. And
the eTrex can stay dry for 30 mins under 3 ft. of water with its
waterproof coating and rubber for shock absorption.
· StreetPilot 2650 GPS Handheld – Once you are out on the wild
or making finding the way between tall buildings, the StreetPilot 2650
can do its job best. It possesses all features of the 2610 as well as a
large color display, built-in maps, a voice prompt, and an automatic
route capability with touch screen that makes navigation easier. It can
pinpoint your exact position with accuracy that depends on the WAAS
technology.
· Garmin eTrex Standard – If you want simple yet could make
your way to your desired destination, the Garmin eTrex should be your
choice. Though it lacks other upgraded features you would look for a
GPS, you wont be having any trouble using it. This pocket size GPS is
perfect for beginners.
· Magellan GPS 315 – If you want worldwide navigation, this one
is for you. With more than 15,000 cities available, this pocket-sized
GPS could get you going anywhere in the world.
These 5 wrap up the top picks for handheld GPS. It is up to you to decide which one you should prefer.
About The Author
John Rivers is the owner of GPS Navigation Systems. On his website you can find information on everything related to GPS. http://www.gps-navigation-systems.net.
Article provided by Articlecity.com
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How to Choose a GPS
by: Billy Bert
You've heard that new sport, geocaching, is fun. Or, you're tired of
getting lost on your travels. Welcome to the 21st century. Global
Postioning System (GPS) has been around long enough that prices are
reasonable and the technology is user-friendly. With myriad brands and
models, how to choose?
If you want a GPS for both hiking and driving use, then a handheld
unit would be the way to go. Some handhelds even have accessories to
allow them to be installed in an automobile. But don't rule out a PDA.
More on that in a moment. For driving only, there are GPS receivers
made just for vehicle use.
Handheld GPS receivers are either mapping or non--mapping. A basic,
non--mapping unit can often cost less than $100 US and usually
has/displays the following:
* Location
* Compass heading
* Elevation above sea level
* Accurate time
* Satellite location and signal strength
* The ability to calculate distance traveled
* The ability to record your path as a set of waypoints
* The ability to navigate routes
* The ability to retrace your steps
Handheld mapping receivers do all the above plus have the ability to
display maps. The maps are either pre--loaded or uploaded from your PC.
Prices are reasonable for mapping units, starting at around $150 US.
Paper maps are strongly recommended whether you're using a mapping
receiver or not. Paper maps do not require batteries and probably won't
go defective. Also, a paper map gives you a "big picture" view of your
situation -- something lacking on the small screen of a GPS.
I mentioned earlier your considering a PDA with GPS capability. A
PDA is bulkier and the battery life is usually shorter, but if you're
using a PDA anyway, then there are several ways to turn a PDA into a
GPS. Some PDAs accept a GPS "sleeve." That is a device that the PDA
nestles into. Another choice is one of Garmin's PDAs. Garmin is
probably the most popular GPS maker and they have one PDA/GPS that is
Palm--based and one that is Pocket PC--based.
Prices for automotive GPS start at around $250 US. These provide
turn--by--turn guidance. Spend a little more than that and you get
voice guidance. These are larger than handhelds in order to accommodate
a screen large enough to be seen while driving. They are powered by the
car's electrical system and because of this, they can only be used in a
vehicle.
Many automobile manufacturers now offer built-in GPS receivers as
an option. Because they are built-in, the big advantages are security
and aesthetics. They are quite a bit more expensive than add-on units
and often have fewer options. I've also heard some stories of people
having a hard time getting map updates.
A PDA/GPS is a good alternative for automotive use. Its screen is
about the size of an automotive unit, so seeing the display is not a
problem. They can also be powered by the car, eliminating battery
worries. The Garmin PDAs mentioned above both come with the hardware
and software for automotive use.
If you're hiking, a basic handheld unit (without maps) will be fine
since you'll always have paper maps with you anyway (you will, won't
you?). An advantage to a handheld mapping unit is that they usually
have more advanced features than the basic units. For driving, you have
the choice of a handheld, in--car dedicated, or PDA. The handheld does
have limited usefulness in a car, as it does not provide turn--by--turn
guidance.
Billy Bert writes for http://www.surevehicletracking.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.
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Global Positioning System (GPS)
by: John B. Whitsell
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Originally designated the NAVSTAR (Navigation System with Timing And
Ranging) Global Positioning System, (GPS) was developed by the US
Department of Defense to provide all-weather round-the-clock navigation
capabilities for military ground, sea, and air forces. Since its
implementation, the GPS system has also become an integral asset in
numerous civilian applications and industries around the globe,
including recreational uses (e.g. boating, aircraft, hiking), corporate
vehicle fleet tracking, and surveying.
The GPS system employs 24 spacecraft in 20,200 km circular orbits
inclined at 55 degrees. These spacecraft are placed in 6 orbit planes
with four operational satellites in each plane. All launches have been
successful except for one launch failure in 1981. The full 24-satellite
constellation was completed on March 9, 1994.
The first eleven spacecraft (GPS Block 1) were used to demonstrate the
feasibility of the GPS system. The orbit inclination used for these
satellites was 63 degrees, differing from the 55 degrees used for the
operational system. The Block 2 spacecraft began the operational
system. The Block 2A spacecraft (A = Advanced) were a slight
improvement over the Block 2.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was designed as a dual-use system
with the primary purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of U.S. and
allied military forces. GPS is rapidly becoming an integral component
of the emerging Global Information Infrastructure, with applications
ranging from mapping and surveying to international air traffic
management and global change research. The growing demand from
military, civil, commercial, and scientific users has generated a U.S.
commercial GPS navigation systems equipment and service industry that
leads the world. Augmentations to enhance basic GPS services could
further expand these civil and commercial markets.
GPS systems receivers use triangulation of the GPS satellites'
navigational signals to determine their location. The satellites
provide two different signals that provide different accuracies.
Coarse-acquisition (C/A) code is intended for civilian use, and is
deliberately degraded. The accuracy using a typical civilian GPS
receiver with C/A code is typically about 100 meters. The military's
Precision (P) code is not corrupted, and provides positional accuracy
to within approximately 20 meters. Numerous on-line tutorials on how
GPS works and its applications are available, including those at the
University of Texas and Rentec International. GPS systems satellites
are controlled at the GPS Master Control Station (MCS) located at
Falcon Air Force Base outside Colorado Springs, Colorado. The ground
segment also includes four active-tracking ground antennas and five
passive-tracking monitor stations.
GPS receiver technology has developed by leaps and bounds over the last
few years. GPS receivers were initially the size of a suitcase with the
antenna the size of a kid’s blow up swimming pool. Over time, the
system has been developed into a civilian friendly program, and GPS
receiver technology has miniaturized as well. Automobile GPS receivers
are the size of a deck of cards. The gps receiver used in hand held
devices is not much larger than a small cell phone. Many newer cell
telephones have a GPS receiver integral in their hand set. As
manufacturers develop the GPS receiver, they will have to work through
display, power use and dexterity limitations. An individual will need a
screen with a size that can be viewed from any angle and at a
reasonable distance. The GPS receiver is generally always on while in
use, so managing power will continue to be an on going problem. The
ability to push the small buttons will limit just how small a GPS
receiver can be. As touch screens develop and other input systems are
introduced, we will see the GPS receiver continue to change in
appearance and use.
Author: John B. Whitsell
Making Tracks GPS
http://www.makingtracksgps.com
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GPS units
GPS technology and fishing
by: Angela Carter
What type of fisherman are you? Are you satisfied go out and drop your
fishing line and be totally unconcerned about if you catch anything or
not? Is the time that you spend with your family, friends or even by
your self enjoying nature what your trip is really all about? If you
don’t caught anything that’s fine-you can always stop at the fish shop
on the way home, but it would be nice if you caught something. Or do
you feel like your trip’s been ruined because you didn’t caught
anything, and go home frustrated. Or is fishing how you make your
living, either by catching fish or taking customers out to fish? If you
take a customer out to do some deep sea fishing, it would be much
better to bring home a happy customer with his catch, who could be
possibly a repeat customer or tells his friends about how great his
trip was bringing you additional work. A frustrated customer will think
twice about using your services again and when planning his next trip,
might go elsewhere and may be steering other potential customers away
from you. What if there was a way to make sure you go where the fish
are? What if there was a way to guarantee that you would catch your
limit, to be able to ensure that your customers will go home happy and
raving about your great service.
With GPS technology it is now possible to go where the fish are and to
remember the spot so you can relocate it. The other good thing about
using a GPS while on the water is safety. You can enter the spot where
you put your boat in the water in the memory of your GPS unit. Most GPS
units hold at least 500 landmarks or areas where you want to get to. If
you run into fog or bad weather you should be able to find your way
back. Also if you stay out longer than expected you can find your way
back in the dark. If you run into an emergency while on the water, you
can call someone and let them know your coordinates, and then they
could find you. If someone falls overboard a GPS unit can pinpoint the
exact area where the incident happened and helping rescue crews with
their rescue. This allows you to enjoy your day and not worry about
getting back to land safely.
A chart plotter GPS with a map chip can give you your position relative
to land features, water depth, and harbor entrances. Using a GPS with a
water depth can allow you to follow the bottom looking for fish. It is
also possible to let others know about a spot that you have found by
using GPS coordinates.
Often people like to fish around a wreck, with a GPS unit you can enter
the location of the wrecks to be able to find them easily. Plus knowing
where a wreck is only part of the scenario, you need to know how deep
that wreck is and if there are any areas you need to avoid. Often a
fishing trip starts out before daylight, with a GPS you can pinpoint
where you are going.
No matter what your intent is when you go fishing. A GPS can enhance that experience.
About The Author
Angela Carter is a successful, independent business woman who is a nurse by profession and remains to actively practice.
http://CartersGPS.com/
Article provided by Articlecity.com
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