GPS Resources

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By Ashton Bishop

Buying the right GPS Unit to fit your needs.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) unit is quickly becoming an integrated piece of everyday life just like the cell phone and all its permutations. With a GPS device, you can determine your position anywhere on this planet to within 3 meters. Well, I guess there are places that are mot covered by a GPS signal, but if you travel anywhere in the US, Canada or Europe, you will never have to worry about directions of being lost ever again.

What is GPS.

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. These satellites circle the earth at an altitude of 12,000 mile above the earths surface. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

How it works

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

There are many implementations of GPS technology into devices used for other purposes like fish finders and their are many GPS based devices that are specifically designed for use in a specific activity.

Automotive GPS. - These handy little devices will become a standard part of every car in the future I am sure. Not only do they show you where you are, but the technology has become so advanced that some of the pricier models will tell you when to make turns, let you know what street you are on and all the while be providing an up to date visual representation on the little screen of where you are in relation to a road map that will tell you exactly where to go. There are GPS models specifically built for motorcycles also. Tomtom and Garmin provide some really great Automotive GPS units, like the tomtom go 700, or the Garmin StreetPilot I5.

Handheld GPS - Devices built specifically for walking, running, skiing, camping, hiking, riding a bike. Each with a specific ergonomic implementation, yet still providing the basic service of letting you know precisely where you are to within a distance of 3 meters. If you feel lost in the middle of a forest, or in the middle of a desert. You can quickly and easily find yourself in relation to the nearest town or city at any time. No more getting lost. The GPS signal from your handheld receiver also transmits your position, so if you are on a hike and become disabled, a quick call and a transmission of your GPS coordinates and help will arrive shortly. You will never get lost again. Well, unless the batteries run out.

Fish Finder GPS - The combination of a Fish Finder with GPS technology has revolutionized fishing in open water. With one of these units you are able to record the GPS coordinates of the locations of your favorite fishing spots so you can return to the same place without having to hunt for it. They also allow allow you to plot way points and courses through the water.

Garmin, TomTom, Lowrance, Norcross, are the preeminent manufacturers of GPS. For additional information about GPS and if you would like to see all the GPS devices and GPS accessories from these and many other manufacturers, please visit this link. GPS