Top Gadgets

Posts Tagged ‘portable gps systems’

Portable GPS Systems

February 23rd, 2009 |

The Global Positioning System or GPS is a navigational system, which uses satellites and computers to determine position of a receiver on Earth. It is a constellation of 24 satellites, which provide information to a GPS receiver, so that software in the receiver can determine a position in three dimensions (altitude, latitude, and longitude). It works day and night and in all weather conditions. GPS was declared fully functional in 1985. GPS is used for navigating on land, sea and air. Portable GPS tracking devices were originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for use in precision weapon delivery. Today, GPS tracking systems are more common to the general public. There are two types of GPS tracking: passive and real time. A passive GPS tracker will record travel activities and positions, which can be downloaded to a computer. A real time GPS tracking system will show its position, live. Availability of better and cheaper GPS devices has led to extensive usage of GPS systems. Portability is another key factor. In addition to operating from a car’s battery, a number of portable GPSs have built-in rechargeable batteries that will power the unit from 4 to 15 hours. Size and weight may also be a consideration for pedestrian use.

A portable GPS can be any small handheld device like a wristwatch or radio. GPS watches can be fitted with a GPS receiver, which relays a signal to a central command center equipped with GPS software systems. The system can track the position of the wearer and transmit the information. A variety of such GPS phones and wristbands are now sold in the market. They are useful to mountain climbers and hikers. Lates portable GPS systems have text-to-speech technology. Text-to-speech is a technology that enables a portable GPS to pronounce virtually any street name. Most GPSs will announce an upcoming turn with a phrase like, “In point-5 miles, turn right.” Those with text-to-speech capability can announce a turn like this: “In 400 feet turn right on Cherry Street.” Since the name of the street is announced, you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen.

The next frontier for automotive GPS is live traffic data that’s fed directly into your navigation system to alert you to construction delays and accidents along your planned route and suggest detours. This summer, both Garmin and Magellan will be adding Bluetooth capabilities to their new products. Bluetooth-enabled GPSs let you make hands-free phone calls from your Bluetooth-enabled phone. Because most POIs (Point Of Interest) include phone numbers, it’s really easy to place a call through the GPS once you’ve found, say, a restaurant.