HOW GPS IS USED (Navigation, Mapping, Positioning)

Imagine yourself in an unfamiliar place. Walking around, you realize you've lost your way. By bringing out your GPS handheld device you locate where in the world is the ground you are standing on located. Not only can GPS locate where you are at, it can locate where your car is parked and where the hotel is. It can even give you directions to get to the nearest highway from a crowded city. So how does it work and how can you maximize its capabilities?

The GPS Navigation System

GPS devices can determine your location and position through the help of GPS satellites orbiting the Earth at any time and in any given place. Navigation is guidance across a specific terrain. How do you navigate from one point to another in a city? You can use a road map, look for streets or use landmarks. With GPS, navigation is carried out via satellite feed. The GPS system relies heavily on keeping time. It measures the distance between the GPS receiver and the satellites above through calculating the time it takes for the signal, which has a known speed, to travel between them. It also needs at least 3 satellites in range to determine your location by calculating the accurate intersection of those signals. Now with this at hand, you can be easily led through a set of directions to your destination, or know exactly where you are standing.

GPS Navigation with Maps

Is there a better way of navigating? Can actual maps be included into the GPS devices? It is possible to incorporate maps into the GPS system you are using, but these have proprietary rights stamped over them. If the GPS device you are using is of Magellan's then you need to subscribe or buy the maps from Magellan. If you are using Garmin devices then it can only be compatible with Garmin map software. Not all parts of the world are mapped however, and it is still better to bring a paper map together with your GPS device when navigating through an unfamiliar city. This can be remedied if you can get hold of maps that can be downloaded from the internet and if you can link your GPS device onto your pocketPC and run some GPS AutoRouting programs to aid you in navigating on your downloaded map or on "digitally uncharted" areas.

More mobile phones and cars are fitted with GPS chips and interfaces, and it is fast becoming part of our daily lives. Our daily lives will be easier, saving a lot of precious time and making us focus on more important things. Other features will help you track your mobile phone, your car, your naughty dog or your kids. It will put an end to getting lost in the middle of forest or ocean, in the middle of the city or in the middle of a great big parking lot.