Don't Get Lost, or Become The Wrong Way Roadster; GPS Can Get You Back on Track

If you've ever gotten lost on the way to areceivers combined with mapping programs. GPS
business or social function, then it's time todevices come built into some PDA mounts
consider a GPS system. It can pinpoint your exactoffered by Akron and Seidio.Bluetooth GPS
location and provide a map that shows you howReceiverThe Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a stand
to get to your destination.How does GPSalone receiver that can communicate with a
work?GPS measures the satellite signals inPocket PC or Smartphone. To use the GPS
proximity to your location. The GPS receiverreceiver with your Windows Mobile device it
absolutely needs to know where it is! Thisneeds to have Bluetooth capability, or you can
happens by receiving signals from a minimum ofsimply add the receiver to the unit with a CF or
three satellites. If it wants elevation, then a fourthSDIO Bluetooth card.You don't have to be exactly
satellite needs to come into play.Next, is the highnear your GPS receiver to use it. This is what is
end math; GPS locks onto a position and usesreally cool about this receiver. It's very flexible
trigonometry to calculate its position. This istoo. You can place it within 30 meters of your
measured in latitude and longitude. From thatother Bluetooth devices and still have full GPS
point, as long as it stays locked onto yourfunctionality. Even more surprising...it can actually
location, it can provide the speed, distance andproduce a map and location details while inside a
that most valued of all things; a map to yourclothing item or in a container.It's convenient too.
destination.What is the signal accuracy ofBefore you leave for a trip, you can input where
GPS?GPS signal accuracy is approximately 50you want to go and have it all mapped out when
feet. But some systems go beyond thisyou depart for your new destination.Consider
range.Ground stations help GPS systems achievethese factors when selecting a GPS system:
an accuracy greater than 50 feet. WAAS (Wide
Area Augmentation System) correct satellite1. Watch out for lost signals. The GPS signal with
orbital errors. With 25 ground stations in the U.S.,a satellite could conceivably get lost in rough or
WAAS calculates and transmits the correctedremote terrain, like in a canyon or forest. This can
data to fixed-position satellites. WAAS-enabledbe minimized with a system that continuously
GPS receivers reach accuracies of 10 feet ormonitors 12 satellites.2. Is the GPS system
less.DGPS (Differential GPS) also has a correctionprogrammable? What is the data package like? Is
method with its network of towers. DGPSit cost-effective?3. What is the power supply like?
systems achieve an accuracy of between 10 andSome in-car systems come with their own
20 feet, but the downside is that these systemsbatteries, while others are dependent on the car
require an antenna to receive the correcteditself.4. Pay attention to interface. Some GPS
signal.What options are there for a GPSinterfaces run better than others. Find out about
system?You can either choose a dedicated GPStheir performance from tech journals and
receiver with displays, or a receiver that works incolleagues.5. Look at how the maps and directions
conjunction with your PDA or notebook computer.are displayed. Do you like the presentation? Is it
At the lower end, dedicated receivers witheasy to navigate?GPS - Gets you on trackThink
displays show the location and basic maps. Othersof GPS as a modern take on that classic refrain
at the higher end offer downloadable capability soheard by car passengers everywhere,"Just ask
you can receive more sophisticated mapfor directions." Only now, you can ask your very
configurations from a PC.Pocket PCs, Palm OSown GPS system without worrying about getting
devices and notebook computers also offer GPSlost.