Tuesday 20 October 2009

Different Types Of GPS Devices

By Jason Myers

The ability to know where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there was once best established by using a paper map. If you were taking a trip in your car then there is a great chance you utilized either an atlas or one of those large tri-folded maps which really weren't much help as you are trying to drive. Fortunately finding your way in the world nowadays is easier thanks to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the varied kinds of GPS devices that use it.

If you are wondering how these GPS gadgets accomplish what they do then read on. The Global Positioning System was formulated and implemented by the United States Department of Defense when it started its first GPS satellite back in 1978. At present there are 24 satellites in the GPS system that are the cornerstone of the whole system.

There are a number of varied types of GPS gadgets that are designed to benefit from this constellation of satellites. GPS mapping tools are used to gather points and any data attached to those points for mapping function. Actually these devices have been utilized for years to collect the data that creates the maps and mapping features used by different GPS navigating systems.

Which brings us to the very popular consumer GPS gadget: the GPS navigating system. The most common of these is the in-car GPS unit that shows you map of where you are going and informs you through voice directions how to get there. These GPS gadgets are either mounted in the cars dash or are portable and can be moved between cars.

A number of navigational devices provide a feature where you can find restaurants, shopping, hospitals, and motels regardless of where you are; this can be incredibly useful when hunting services in a town with which you are new. The smaller versions of these navigational gadgets are portable devices that can be used by backpackers, hunters, and other outdoor aficionados.

These types of GPS units will record where you are, leave a breadcrumb trail of where you've been, and will show you to where you want to go. A lot of of these units also include built in cameras and voice recorders, allowing you to keep a record of your journeys.

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