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Fundamentals of GPS Systems
GPS has become a mainstay of transportation systems worldwide by providing accurate navigation for aviation, ground, and maritime operations. Disaster relief and emergency services depend upon GPS systems for providing precise location information. Everyday activities such as banking, mobile phone operations and even the control of power grids, are facilitated by the accurate information provided by GPS. Some of the features of GPS systems that may have to be considered before you decide to buy a GPS system are given below.
The basic thing to remember here is most of the high end features come with the higher models, in the range of $1200- $1500 and above.
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology, USB or serial port cables may be required to connect a GPS device to your computer. However, you may have to utilize an adapter if you find that your computer is not compatible with your GPS system.
Audio Support
Some GPS systems have in-built voice-assisted guidance. This provides the facility of easy navigation assistance without the requirement of having to refer to the unit's video display while driving.
Display Screens
You can take your pick from GPS systems that may have color or black and white display screens. GPS systems with color display screens are useful if you have to view maps on the GPS systems.
Storage Capacity
These devices promise good storage capacity. One does not need to worry whether the information on maps will be stored or not. High data storage is essential for travelers as they would have to save map information pertaining to different areas.
PDA GPS units
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is designed specially for those business travelers, who are constantly on the move across the world and they need to be updated on their schedules and contacts at all times.
Power Source
It would be advisable to go in for GPS devices that utilize rechargeable batteries as they are quite economical. If you spend a lot of time in traveling to distant places, then you can choose a GPS system that comes with a cigarette lighter power adapter.
Important Terms used in the GPS devices
It would be worthwhile to update yourself on the terms that are commonly associated with GPS systems. POI (Points of Interest) is used to refer to locations on the maps that may be of use to the traveler such as banks and hotels. Waypoints are used to denote locations that are precisely marked by latitudes and longitudes. The accuracy of a GPS system can be ascertained by the number of waypoints that it can store. Some GPS systems support WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System). Such GPS systems provide very accurate information for identification of locations.
Software essential for the GPS Systems
It is advisable to install and use additional mapping software along with your GPS system. You can choose software that is compatible with your GPS system and that allows you to add your own maps including waypoints and points of interest pertaining to your area of interest. However, you may have to carry out a survey to identify a suitable software if you are a Mac user as all mapping software may not be compatible with Mac PCs.
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