If you are the type of person who wants to preempt and avoid another directions-catastrophe in the making, the trick to fix things may simply be just a car GPS system. Take your pick: a stand-alone GPS system, a handheld system or a computer or personal data assistant type? Whatever form they take, they are a big help in keeping drivers focused on the right road (or dirt path for that matter, where appropriate).

Regardless of the car GPS system you plan to avail of, note that it is possible not to have monthly fees for the automotive GPS service or other GPS-related subscription fees. What you may expect however are extra services and features that can be added, which will certainly require additional fees for you to enjoy. An example of this situation would be real-time traffic reports, or new weather updates, or high-end satellite radio, which all cost extra.

And now, a bit of history for our background. Even if GPS navigation appears unthinkable, say, some ten years ago, the network of “Global Positioning Satellites”, property of the US government, has actually been around since the 1970’s. Military purposes were actually the original behind the then-novel technology.

But where how does the public’s accessibility of this government property come in? Sure, the US Government has the last say on the GPS network, but fortunately it maintains the broadcasts in unencrypted form. This means just about anybody with a receiver can help him or herself to the free GPS data. Companies and some private high-tech folk alike use receivers in many different applications.

The use of a global positioning system is legally fine under federal law, since the federal government provides the service anyway, which is why companies cannot put charges on the car GPS service. As we have seen, the exception to all the free-loading is when you want to get turn-by-turn directions or a map of your pending travel route.

A definite perk in owning another car GPS product, a GPS-supported tracking system, in your vehicle is the security in knowing where it is at any given moment. In the rare (but very real) event your vehicle is stolen, if your system is connected to a national service, its current location can by identified and that information passed on to law enforcers.

The handheld units can be connected into your PC at home and the automotive GPS maps can be stored in your PDA for use in an upcoming trip. Signing up for the turn-by-turn directions feature greatly reduces the likelihood of losing your way and messing up precious vacation time. A lot of handheld units can be used for a variety of uses, as varied as geocaching to “looking” for ideal fishing spots.

One last idea about automotive GPS. Is a car GPS really up by one notch versus a cell phone GPS? It can surely help you sort out unfamiliar roads, help you give exact directions to someone coming to “rescue” you from your stranded vehicle or enable you to be located in the event you cannot seek help on your own.

Lei San
http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/automotive-gps-to-never-again-be-lost-670335.html

When you are lost and you cannot find your way it is a good idea to have a GPS tracking system in your car, you will receive directions on how to get to the place you need to get to. Above the earth there are many satellites orbiting the earth that are continually communicating and providing information about where the vehicle is located on the earth.

GPS or Global Positioning System tracks your location by interpreting the data received from 3 or more satellites. Since the invention of the cell phone, cell phone companies are able to help the authorities for many years by triangulated the position of someones cell phone by using there signal and the cell towers. Many cars and trucks are able to record the location and speed of the vehicle and is able to transmit this information back to the office.

There are many different types of GPS tracking systems, and many companies are manufacturing them. There are so many different kinds of handheld GPS systems, one kind has a built in radio which allows you to communicate with each other but also allows you see the position of all the other people on your screen, this is good for hikers to keep in contact with each other. The governmental agency (FCC) has instructed GPS system providers to help with 911 calls for those people who are lost and need to be traced and tracked. The GPS systems are so advanced now it allows the proper authorities to track locations for 911 emergency calls; this is only allowed when there is an emergency and will not be used on a daily basis. Many automobiles are being equipped with passive GPS tracking, these system will record the location and the drivers speed, this information can be used later on for statistical information. A vehicle’s location is updated at intervals of between 2 - 15 minutes.

There are many types of GPS vehicle tracking; wireless passive, cellular and satellite systems that can track in a real time basis. When talking about a cellular based system, these systems transmit the vehicles information over a land network every 5 minutes.

GPS vehicle tracking systems are more affordable and more popular than ever before, but do you need one. Many business are starting to use GPS systems that track their vehicles so they know where each vehicles it. Many car manufactures are including these GPS systems in their cars and trucks. GPS tracking systems are used by businesses in the service, transportation and manufacturing industries.

There are other types of GPS or global positioning systems can help give you peace of mind in knowing when your pet has crossed outside the safety zone of the backyard, or somewhere in your neighborhood. Many pet tracker system use GPS technology to keep track of your pets, these devices are so small they are able to fit into the pets collar. GPS tracking system do cost more depending on the brand name, but the features and functionality are well worth it.

David Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/track-your-position-with-gps-107392.html

A car that has a GPS system can be safe from theft because the technology attached to it will help provide very useful and accurate information about the exact position of your car.

It also serves as a digital map that is very much interactive through a monitor. If you need to go somewhere unfamiliar, you can key in the place and the GPS system will calculate the ideal route for you to take. It will even give you tips on where you should drive so that you will avoid heavy traffic. A more detailed mapping system will also give information on the locations of ATMs, gas refilling stations, hotels, or restaurants. The more highly sophisticated GPS systems can even talk and give directions on where to go.

Other use of the GPS is in the calculation of your car?s mileage and speed while you?re driving. Very detailed information on where the car has been like street names, locations, or even how long it has stopped in a certain place can be provided. Some would even alert the driver if he or she were already speeding. This vital information is very useful in monitoring the whereabouts and condition of the car. This is especially useful if you suspect your partner to be doing something behind your back.

Such a full functioning system is something to be thankful about when your vehicle is stolen. Since it is a very effective tracking system, your vehicle can be recovered fast without fear that it will be in pieces already and being sent out to another country as spare parts. The GPS system will send a notification to the owner once the alarm is set off.

A vehicle can be traced via a computer map in the central monitoring hub and you can even communicate with an operator during car jacking situations. There are GPS systems that can also serve the owners pro-actively. If for instance, the control system detects that the car is running through a strange location in very odd hours, the owner can be alerted through phone to check if he is aware of the whereabouts of his vehicle.

The GPS tracker is not cheap to have of course. There is a high price to pay for such an efficient and effective technology. Monthly rental charges are at work and the system can cost around $400 to $1000 to fit.

But the cost you pay is worth it especially if you get into the situation when you really need access to such a gadget. It will burn some holes in your pocket, but you have the peace of mind that your car is safe and you have no way of getting lost while you out driving using the GPS system.

Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/technology-of-gps-systems-in-vehicles-683486.html

One of the most popular technological items on the shelves these days is GPS systems. You can find these in the stores, in your rental cars, on your cellular phone, and in a number of other places. In short, GPS navigational units are everywhere these days. They are used in anti-theft systems, on vacations, and when enjoying certain sports outings. Whenever you want to know just where you are in the world, the GPS navigational system is your number one shot at learning this information.

GPS navigational units used to be quite expensive. However, these days it is possible to pick up a reasonably priced unit that is packed with enough features to offer you more than you may need. No matter how many features and how good a price is you need to ensure you know what you are looking for in a GPS navigational system. There are numerous choices, features, options, and prices for all of the units out there and if you do not know what to look for you just might get stuck with something that you do not need or cannot use.

While the GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, has many uses, the primary use of the GPS is supposed to be to calculate or pinpoint the exact location a person is by using satellite signals. As the GPS learns where a person is then it can direct them to their point of destination.

Boat Captains use GPS navigational systems because they can tell the Captain how far from land they are sailing or how far they are from where they are going. They can also find out if they are right on course. Some Captains even use their GPS system to find and catch fish.

Other sporting enthusiasts that use GPS navigational systems include hikers, campers, backpackers, rock climbers, hunters, runners, and other enthusiasts who are active in the outdoors. Using a handheld GPS Unit in this environment can make things safer. You will not have to worry about getting lost and if you do, you will be given directions to the campsite, home, or any other location you wish to travel to on your trip.

With all of this in mind, it is important to know why you are planning to buy a GPS unit. GPS systems have numerous features but depending on your use of the GPS some features will be desired and others will not be necessary at all. For instance, if you are using it for sports purposes, like a runner might you would want something that is portable and small.

Additionally, you will want it to have weather resistance qualities. You should look for specific features for people that will be walking or on foot when using the system. For example, you might decide to get a GPS unit with a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). WAAS is important for sporting trips because it increases your accuracy by at least 10 feet, which is a significant amount when in the wilderness.

When it comes to reception you want a number of channels. You should try to shoot for at least 12 channels. Your GPS navigational system is not going to work without an active signal. Having extra channels will ensure that no matter where you are you have a better chance of gaining the information that you need pertaining to your location.

Now if you are going to use your system in the car, you do not need something that is handheld and small. As you will not be holding it, weight and portability are not serious issues. Instead your prime goal should be finding something that transmits street maps in a clear fashion. If you purchase a non-handheld GPS system, you can have it mounted in your car. In these cases it generally goes on the dashboard. As it is inside the car you do not have to worry as much about durability and weatherproofing.

Once you know what kind of GPS navigational system you are looking for, you should determine what the fair prices are for the possible GPS units that suit your needs. As with all things, you will find some GPS systems are very low in price, while others cost thousands of dollars. Keep in mind the phrase, you get what you pay for, applies to GPS systems.

Do not attempt to buy a $100 GPS system (or less) and expect a feature packed system that is the best on the market. When it comes to the reasonably priced, better end GPS systems on the market you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600.

The following features are important depending on the reason you are looking for a GPS navigational system.

Sports GPS
· Computer Interface
· Back Tracking Capabilities
· Topographical Mapping
· Durable
· Portable/Handheld
· Waterproof/Weatherproof
· Multiple Receivers (At least 12)
· WAAS

Driving
· Street Mapping Capabilities
· External Antenna
· Non-Portable
· Large Display Screen
· Computer Interface
· Multiple Channels

Boating/Water
· Active Sonar
· Weatherproof/Waterproof
· Computer Interface
· Color Screen
· Back Tracking Capabilities
· Marine Mapping

Catherine Tower
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/what-to-know-before-purchasing-a-gps-unit-99170.html

A GPS System refers to any form of Global Positioning System, which locates items using satellites that are orbiting the earth. These were once only used by the military, but are becoming very popular in business and personal protection. In fact, many of the packages that you receive by special carrier have been tagged with a GPS so that they can be more easily tracked.

As an individual, a GPS system offers you security and information – two of the most important components to protecting yourself and your family. A GPS tracking system can prevent theft, increase the change of vehicle recovery, and even help thwart attempted kidnappings.

Attaching a GPS tracking system to your car means that the police will be able to locate the whereabouts of your vehicle should it ever be stolen. As car thieves improve their skills is becoming highly unlikely that stolen vehicles will be recovered before being copped up for parts. A GPS tracking system drastically improves those odds in your favor.

The GPS system has also proven highly beneficial in protecting people and their personal safety. These items have been used to locate cars after kidnappings and hijackings, which has resulted in arrests and victim recoveries that would be otherwise impossible. A GPS tracking system also enables emergency crews to find vehicles that have gone off the road or been involved in some sort of accident. By facilitating quick medical attention to those who are in accidents, GPS systems save lives.

Furthermore, GPS systems allow you to keep track of where your loved ones are and where they have been. Parents all know too well the dangers and deceptions that go along with raising a teenager. Unfortunately, it seems that the more dangerous the world becomes, the more freedom our teens demand. Don’t let your teen trick you about their whereabouts, know for sure that they are safe with a GPS tracking system.

A GPS system is not just for the individual either. Most small businesses are now installing such tools into their company vehicles as a way of managing their fleets. By installing a GPS system you will be able to monitor where your vehicles are going and what your staff is doing on your time and with your money.

Those businesses that use these systems report that the money they save in formerly wasted fuel and labor, more than pays for the cost of the system. No longer can staff members take joys rides, complete personal errands, and use the company car for their own pleasure.

A GPS system can benefit every family and business. A great place to look for one is at

http://bljsselfdefense.com/index.php. This company offers a wide variety of items and online resources. In addition, BLJ’s Enterprises supplies its customers with personal attention to help ensure that they receive the product that is right for them.

Barry Jenkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/gps-tracking-and-its-many-uses-115339.html