ADVANTAGES OF A GPS SYSTEM
GPS is an acronym for the Global Positioning System, and the GPS system constitutes a group of 27 satellites that orbit the Earth, and of these, 24 are active, and the remaining 3 are back up satellites. If you are wondering Where to buy GPS Systems, buyagpssystem.com is an excellent source.The GPS system, as we know it, is the brain child of the U.S. Department of Defense and was first invented to assist the operations of the United States Air Force.
The principles of Triangulation are what the GPS system is based on, with the 24 active satellites relaying signals to the earth’s surface, which are then triangulated by the receiver, and on the basis of these signals, a person can pinpoint their exact location on the Earth.When pinpointing your specific location, your GPS receiver should be able to pick up a minimum of 3 signals from 3 different satellites, with these signals being used to calculate the distance of each satellite from the other, as well as the distance of each satellite from the GPS receiver (in other words, you), resulting in these distances being calculated, and your exact location determined.
To Start:
First of all when we talk GPS Systems, you must realize that there are different types of GPS systems for different purposes, like: Auto, Handheld and Marine are 3 types.
Car GPS Systems:
A Car GPS System is meant for navigational use while you are driving, and it will typically feature a big display screen so that it is easy to read without taking your eyes off the road for long.Newer vehicles usually have built-in car GPS systems, thus doing away with the need to buy another portable car GPS device.The car GPS systems have a street mapping feature, which offers you directions to your intended destination, and usually the basic car GPS system can be obtained for about $200-$250.
Handheld GPS Systems:
A handheld GPS system is a small and compact GPS device that typically fits in the palm of your hand, and are made so that they are easy and convenient to carry when on foot, bike riding, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, etc.Handheld GPS units fall into two broad categories: Mapping and Non-mapping, meaning: non-mapping GPS system typically shows your location, the time, compass heading, height from sea level, the strength of signal and the position of different satellites, and a mapping handheld GPS system will also display maps in addition to the other features, with both basic handheld GPS units running about $100-$150.
Marine GPS Systems:
Marine GPS systems are used on boats and other sea vessels, with the purpose of helping you to determine your exact co-ordinates so that you never get lost at sea while boating, deep sea fishing, fleet tracking, and various other marine applications.A marine type GPS unit is typically weatherproof. These GPS units also feature marine mapping and back tracking abilities, along with another feature that is exclusive to marine GPS systems, and that is active sonar.You probably should expect to pay over $250 for a basic marine GPS system.
How To Choose A GPS System That Is Right For You:
You will be using your GPS device while on foot, or you will be installing it someplace such as your car, boat, mountain bike, etc., so if you are planning to use your GPS system while fishing, hiking, trekking, hunting etc, then the main criteria to look out for is the weight of the device and whether or not it is weather-proof, and if you choose a GPS system that is too heavy and bulky, you will not be able to carry it, thus making it useless.And as you are likely to experience ill weather, buying a weather proof GPS system is an absolute must, and another feature is the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). where your handheld GPS device will be able to pinpoint your location to within 10 feet of where you are standing, which can be critical for adventure seekers and outdoor buffs, or if you happen to get separated from the rest of your party.
