Don't Get Lost, or Become The Wrong Way Roadster
Author: Jarred Lowe
GPS Can Get You Back On Track.
If you've ever gotten lost on the way to a business or social function,
then it's time to consider a GPS system. It can pinpoint your exact location
and provide a map that shows you how to get to your destination.
How does GPS work?
GPS measures the satellite signals in proximity to your location. The GPS
receiver absolutely needs to know where it is! This happens by receiving
signals from a minimum of three satellites. If it wants elevation, then
a fourth satellite needs to come into play.
Next, is the high end math; GPS locks onto a position and uses
trigonometry to calculate its position. This is measured in latitude and
longitude. From that point, as long as it stays locked onto your location, it
can provide the speed, distance and that most valued of all things a map to
your destination.
What is the signal accuracy of GPS?
GPS signal accuracy is approximately 50 feet. But some systems go beyond
this range.
Ground stations help GPS systems achieve an accuracy greater than 50 feet.
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) correct satellite orbital errors. With
25 ground stations in the U.S., WAAS calculates and transmits the corrected
data to fixed-position satellites WAAS-enabled GPS receivers reach accuracies
of 10 feet or less.
DGPS (Differential GPS) also has a correction method with its network of
towers. DGPS systems achieve an accuracy of between 10 and 20 feet, but the
downside is that these systems require an antenna to receive the corrected
signal.
What options are there for a GPS system?
You can either choose a dedicated GPS receiver with displays, or a
receiver that works in conjunction with your PDA or notebook computer. At the
lower end, dedicated receivers with displays show the location and basic
maps. Others at the higher end offer downloadable capability so you can
receive more sophisticated map configurations from a PC.
Pocket PCs, Palm OS devices and notebook computers also offer GPS
receivers combined with mapping programs. GPS devices come built into some
PDA mounts offered by Akron and Seidio.
Consider these factors when selecting a GPS system:
1. Watch out for lost signals. The GPS signal with a satellite could
conceivably get lost in rough or remote terrain, like in a canyon or forest.
This can be minimized with a system that continuously monitors 12 satellites.
2. Is the GPS system programmable What is the data package like? Is it
cost-effective?
3. What is the power supply like? Some in-car systems come with their own
batteries, while others are dependent on the car itself.
4. Pay attention to interface. Some GPS interfaces run better than others.
Find out about their performance from tech journals and colleagues.
5. Look at how the maps and directions are displayed. Do you like the
presentation? Is it easy to navigate?
GPS - Gets you on track
Think of GPS as a modern take on that classic refrain heard by car
passengers everywhere, "Just ask for directions." Only now, you can
ask your very own GPS system without worrying about getting lost.
GPS Capable Cell Phones & portable devices are a great resource with
GPS capability.
Author: Jarred Lowe is a reporter based in Atlantic City. He's on the
look out for mobile devices to enhance his productivity. Jarred's reviewed
countless sites on the net, but always turns to the one run by Bob Caldwell.
His website, as he says, cuts to the chase and has valued information on: Bluetooth
cell phone, Cingular
cell phones, cell
phone comparison, and wireless
phone plans and cell
phone family plan assessment here.
This article is copyrighted. To publish or reprint it you need to obtain
permission from the webmaster.
|
