GPS
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Shopping Guide - GPS
A device that receives data from a network of satellites in orbit geo synchronic around the Earth and uses the information to calculate its exact position. When you connect it to three satellites, it may indicates your latitude and longitude. With a fourth satellite, it calculates latitude, longitude and altitude. Exactly that is the functionality of the already popular GPS.
What is a GPS?
GPS is a system of radio navigation, based on satellite, developed and operated by the American Defense Department. The basic functions of a GPS are informing the coordinates of their position in the land and give guidance for navigating to any other point. The GPS was originally intended for military applications but in the 80’s the American government made the system available for civilian use. The GPS's work in any condition of time, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, and it is not charged any fee to use the GPS.
What is DGPS?
The differential GPS (meaning of the acronym) allows you to decrease the effects of interference that degrade the GPS signals and increase the accuracy of the GPS receiver. With DGPS, a GPS receiver unit is put in a known place and the information of the position of the receiver is used to calculate the position of corrections in the data transmitted by satellites.
Must we pay monthly for the use of GPS?
No. The use of the GPS system is free.
What about updating the maps?
Manufacturers of GPS, traditionally, make an update of their annual database of information. This depends on each manufacturer. Some brands can offer the option of a monthly or annually cost to meet the updates of maps and new routes, or even available on their own sites downloads of maps and new routes. It is highly recommended to upgrade the equipment so that it is always beneficial to your needs.
What is the accuracy of a GPS?
Nowadays the GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to the design of multi-channel parallel. After the acquisition of the satellites, the signals are maintained even in dense forest or urban sites with high buildings Some atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. The GPS receivers for most modern ships equipped with WAAS (System for High magnification of Area), which has the ability to improve the accuracy less than three meters on average. It is not necessary any additional equipment or payment of fees for use of the WAAS. Users can also improve the accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS) which corrects the signals of GPS for an average of three to five meters.
How to buy a GPS?
Some systems are autonomous, strictly for navigation. Others include a configuration multimedia embedded in the vehicle that uses a video monitor to display maps or DVD movies. Another format uses a small unit with single DIN that combines a radio receiver with the navigation system.
Determine the GPS device You Need
The GPS devices are presented in three categories:
- GPS Entertainment: Take your GPS Entertainment for anywhere. The units of Portable GPS is fit in your pocket, backpack or in the support of the panel of your car. Some, such as the manufacturer Garmin Forerunner also come as a wristwatch, perfect for people who are walking or riding a bicycle and seeking a lightweight GPS device which can be viewed at a glance.
- GPS for Cars: GPS Devices for Vehicles are designed specifically for use in vehicles generally include maps or allow you to download data from mapping. Many of them also provide directions by voice command so that you can keep your attention on the road, to touch screens and options for installation.
- Sea GPS: The sea GPS device intended for use on board ships and other vessels, bearing a design enhanced proof to water. Generally it includes maps and nearby off the coast, functions of the route maps and a display that is clearly visible in the sunlight. Some even have the ability to predict tides or locate shoals of fish.
Find the ideal GPS features
The GPS devices have a variety of features and options.
- Accuracy: Most GPS devices can determine their location within 15 meters (about 49.21 feet). If you need greater precision, look for a differential GPS (DGPS), which calculates its location from 1 to 3 meters.
- Interface options: The GPS devices display a variety of sizes of screen and can be monochrome or color. The larger screens and colorful cost a little more than devices of monochrome screen. The screens provide colorful details, but spend more battery. When searching for a description of the items, evaluate the image that the seller provides and make sure the screen is adequate for your needs. When buying a GPS device for vehicles, look at the navigation by touching the screen, voice commands for auditory direction and on-board computer. These features will help to keep your eyes on the road and on-board computer advise on the remaining distance when you drive from point A to point B.
- Maps: Most GPS devices includes software, maps, such as the map of the streets of the United States. You can also purchase additional software containing, for example, the maps of Europe.
- Data Storage: Many GPS devices come with embedded maps, but you can store more information if your device is compatible with removable memory cards Secure Digital or CompactFlash. The data for mapping do not take much space, and many units already come with memory cards of 128 MB.
- combination of GPS units: GPS Devices independent work great for most people, but some personal digital assistants (PDAs) and bi-directional radio comes with the functionality embedded. If you need a PDA or a bi-directional radio, consider one of these combinations.
- Resistance climate change: Like all electronics, certainly you try to keep your GPS device to save climate change and falls. Look for a GPS device with enhanced design and characteristics of resistance climate change if you plan to use it outdoors.
