The Global
Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation
system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit
by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended
for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government
made the system available for civilian use. There are no
subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.
Satellite navigation dates
back a lot longer than many people realize. Civilian use of
GPS navigation was made available soon after the military
launch, but the initial costs of using the system were very
high, and required ongoing subscriptions to be paid.
In the early days, an
affordable GPS auto navigation system was out of reach for the
average car owner.
Over the past couple of years, the
cost of installing a GPS auto navigation system has fallen
considerably.
Do not think that auto navigation
systems are application used only by those who do extensive travels.
What you need to know are the
different auto navigation systems and determine which of these
suites your needs more.
There are different auto
navigation systems on the market today:
1. Stand-alone auto navigation
system Stand-alone navigation systems provide the most thorough and
complete mapping utilities.
2. Multipurpose Handheld
Navigation Devices.
Comparing to the stand-alone navigation system, the multipurpose
handheld navigation devices do not have the full-detailed
information that the former can offer you.
3. Laptop/Palm Based Systems
Below are some of the ways on how
you can use the auto navigation system and GPS technology during
your every travel:
Over the past couple of years, the cost of
installing a GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably.
Satellite navigation dates back a lot longer
than many people realize. In the early days , an
affordable GPS auto navigation system was out of reach for the average car
owner.
Over time, the costs of GPS auto navigation
system has fallen considerably, and there are increasing numbers of applications
for them and the data that they provide in our daily lives. Manufacturers such
as Garmin and TomTom have combined GPS signals Data with existing map
information and complex mathematical algorithms to create systems that can be
used for navigation on the roads and highways.
These GPS auto navigation systems can be
installed into any car in a matter of minutes, and then be used to plan
journeys, and keep track of where you are to stop you getting lost on the roads.
By being combined with other data, such as traffic news feeds, GPS auto
navigation systems can warn drivers about road congestion, and provide
alternative routes in real time to ensure that no-one who has such a GPS needs
get stuck in a queue again.
The simplest kind of auto navigation GPS
system is a removable gadget that stores the map data internally, and uses a
satellite signal to pinpoint the position of the unit.
As well as dedicated auto GPS devices, it is
also possible to buy a large number of other gadgets with GPS as a built in
feature. Some GPS PDAs can have a GPS module plugged in to them, and used in
cars, and an increasing number of cell phones have GPS as a standard feature.
At the top end of the list of auto navigation
GPS systems, there are a number of fantastic options available. Many of the high
end GPS auto navigation systems include a range of features to make getting
around as simple and convenient as possible.
More expensive GPS auto navigation systems
come with the ability to upload additional map systems so they can be used in
different countries, and through the use of local radio services, provide
comprehensive traffic information to the driver wherever in the world he is.
Whether you want a simple auto navigation GPS
system to help you avoid the traffic problems in your home town, or are a cross
country driver who needs the long distance planning flexibility for getting from
a-to-b as efficiently as possible, there is a GPS system available that will
suit your needs.