For various reasons everyone these days needs to have an automotive GPS navigation system. Knowing what these reasons are will help you see why you need to get your own GPS system as soon as you are able to.

Here are the most important reasons why a GPS navigations system is needed by anyone that is legally able to drive.

1. Not getting lost – This is a big reason why a navigation system is important these days. Cities continue to grow and if you have never been there before finding your way around can be confusing.

The GPS allows you to get from your starting point to the ending point without getting lost in an unfamiliar area. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you will not be getting lost anymore and will save you a lot of time trying to find your way back to a familiar area.

2. Insurance premium reduction – Were you aware that most insurance companies will reduce your premium if you have GPS navigation?

These systems come with tracking installed that makes it very easy to find your vehicle if someone steals it and this is why insurance companies are willing to provide lower premiums for anyone that has a GPS in their vehicle.

3. Road navigation made easier – There will be many times when you drive to someplace new and find that the route is blocked with construction or something else. With the GPS navigation you can easily find an alternate route to take to get you there.

All GPS devices have preloaded road and directional maps that make road navigation simple for anyone. With there being more than one route that you can take it really makes it easy to get where you need to go quicker.

4. Emergency service access – There are some GPS units that come with built-in monitoring capabilities that will make it much simpler to connect your vehicle to an emergency number for quick response.

If you have a GPS with this monitoring available than if there is an accident you will receive the important help needed faster since the GPS will make it very simple for emergency responders to find you.

Now that you know these important reasons you can see why an automotive GPS navigation system is needed by anyone that gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. Take time for yourself to decide if you will be getting your own GPS system or if you will continue to hope you get where you are going without getting lost.

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GPS devices have become commonplace in automobiles. When it provides commuters with dynamic street and highway maps as well as driving directions, getting lost during their weekend drives or vacation has become a thing of the past.

Portable GPS even provides directories of hospitals, car services, restaurants, gas stations and other points of interest through point, touch or voice prompt operations, supplying the driver will all the information he needs while allowing him to keep his attention on the road. First time GPS users share the same impression about automobile GPS devices. The incredible accuracy and driving convenience features of mobile GPS are one driving safety and security add on that must never be an option.

With that said, automobile GPS has become an essential part of everyone’s daily commutes. Hence, putting your money on the best valued GPS makes a fine investment for your car. But with the number of models and portable GPS devices that you can see in the market today, picking one could be a challenge.

To effectively trim down your options, keep four things in mind; ease of use, voice directions, map updates and bright screen features.

Look for units that offer ease of use. Modern GPS receivers are now incorporated with advanced navigation systems that may seem complicated for a layman like you. Unless you are knowledgeable about those advanced GPS applications, you may enjoy high-tech GPS receivers. Make a list of GPS features and tools that you know how to use. Hi-tech units never come cheap; it would be a shame to pay for expensive features that you will never use.

When driving, it is important to keep your focus on the road. With that said, complement your daily commutes with GPS devices that deliver voice directions. It would be an added comfort if that same unit can take voice commands. That way, you don’t need to constantly look at the device to know exactly where you are going. This way, you get to maintain absolute command of your driving.

Updatable maps are excellent if you are a well-traveled person. Reputable GPS brands offer updatable map features in their company websites. Lastly, look for GPS units that are capable of displaying crisp and clear electronic maps and navigation details.

The mounting feature of GPS receivers is the most overlooked yet important GPS feature. Since portable GPS has become a commodity, it has been complemented with a variety of mounting kits. Just make sure that its mounting hardware is secure enough to hold the device in place and is study enough to protect the device through the vibrations and sudden humps and bumps that you encounter on the road.

Also, consider welcoming some new GPS system features. For instance, take advantage of models that offer full 3D street maps with traffic alerts and re-routing features. Some units are even integrated with hands-free cell phone applications. To keep you entertained, some units are integrated with FM transmitters. For added security, some are even protected with theft-prevention features.

Not all GPS receivers and mobile devices are created equal. Each GPS model and brand are cut out to cover your basic driving need, and more. Though extra features and advanced GPS application costs more than traditional GPS navigation applications, they may add convenience in covering your driving safety needs. The claim of being the best GPS to use on your automobile is pretty subjective, but it must be something that meets all your expectations and covers all the information you need to avoid getting lost in the middle of nowhere.

Donald Stuart reviews GPS Navigators at http://www.gps-navigators.com/index.html Find out more about GPS Navigators at his website.

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GPS navigation system for your carThe Global Positioning System (GPS) is a global navigation satellite system that has been established with the aim of.

Publish Date: 05/13/2010

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Navigation systems for vehicles have been around for decades. Car GPS Navigation Systems were first used by the military and then little by little the technology found its way into the private sector. Finding GPS systems in phones, watches, radios, cars, trucks, suvs and more is common.Over the years the technology has become more and more sophisticated. GPS nav systems are a large part of our lives.

Below are a few areas where GPS systems have really altered the way we go about our day.

1) A GPS car navigation system has provided traffic relief for many drivers. It is not uncommon for even the simplest system to come with the capability to remap our daily routes around serious traffic jams. There are those that talk to you and provide turn by turn directions so you can place your focus on road where it belongs. There are even those that mimic a famous signer or actor’s voice. These are not only comical, but can provide a bit of comedy for your passengers.

2) These GPS systems will help you find the nearest ATM or gas station. If you live in a larger city like I do, there are times when you may find yourself in an area of the city where you are not familiar with. Hit a button and your GPS system helps you find your way to a bank or gas station. Often times a GPS system will not stop there. They are even capable of finding places like restaurants, parks, airports, amusement parks and other places of interest. If you have an actual address, the GPS system will take you there with pinpoint accuracy. It is truly a joy to have one in your vehicle.

3) A built in GPS car tracking system has also started to provide a lot of value. If you have ever been in a situation where you are in trouble or completely lost in the desert or mountains, a tracking system can save your life. It can tell others where you are at, getting aid to you quickly.

Once upon a time I owned an Acura TL with a navigation system in it and it was my favorite feature of the car. Although it has been many years since I had that vehicle, I still miss the comfort of having it around to show me where to go. I travel often and hate to have to use a map to find my way.

Not only are maps outdated, they are hard to read in the dark and are never detailed enough to take right to where you want to go. Google Maps and Map Quest are great alternatives, but once again they are not integrated into the car.

The most recent models of navigation systems will accept voice commands. One of the biggest drawbacks to voice recognition is it does not respond to all voices. You find yourself repeating the words so the system can recognize what you are saying. It is easier just to stop the vehicle for a minute and enter the data into the system than to speak the words. Often times the voice recognition is too hard to use.

If you find that your vehicle is lacking the great functionality of a GPS system, then do not fret. There are a number of very good quality portable units that will not only do all the featured mentioned in this article, but also provide the feature of portability. The money spent will be well worth it. You will find yourself a lot happy on the road, less distracted and a safer driver. A lot of vehicles are now coming equipped with them as part of vehicles original price. Yet there are still those economical vehicles that do not have this option, but they can easily be outfitted with a portable unit.

Join us here for more information on Car GPS Navigation Systems If you are interested in tracking systems then please join us for great information on GPS Car Tracking System

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Automotive navigation system An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a car GPS.

Publish Date: 04/21/2010

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What is GPS? The Global Positioning System (GPS) uses satellites to transmit signals to a GPS unit on earth to accurately identify a person’s. … Automotive Devices and Solutions Index …

Publish Date: 05/04/2010

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There’s a stereotype about men that states they will never stop to ask for directions. Well, now they don’t need to. Women don’t either; not with a car GPS navigation system. Years ago, when you needed directions, you would have to look at a map, call someone who knew where your destination was, or you had to stop and ask for directions. Then, the cell phone came out and everyone seemed to get one. This allowed you to stay on the phone with someone until you got to where you were going. Then, another technology came out: the car GPS navigation system. This system revolutionized how people traveled. And the technology continues to get better.

Turn by Turn Directions

A car GPS navigation system uses satellite communication in order to be able to tell you where to go step by step. Most of us have printed directions to someplace on the internet. This printout tells you how long it takes to get to your destination, how many miles it is, and it gives you a list of where and when to turn. These printouts are very handy and they’ve helped many people get to their destinations efficiently. Now, what if you didn’t need a printout to get where you’re going? What if someone, or something, could tell you where and when to turn? That’s what a car GPS navigation system does.

For Travel

A car GPS navigation system is perfect for travel. You can find any destination you need, whether it be a city, a specific address, or a business. You can even program your car GPS navigation system to warn you when you’re driving over the speed limit, when you’re coming up to a rest stop, an ATM machine, or any other destination you need.

No longer do you need to look down at a map while you’re driving, which can be extremely dangerous. The car GPS will speak to you and let you know where and when to turn each step of the way, just like those printouts do. You can keep your eyes on the road and get to your destination safely.

Getting Home

Another great aspect about these systems is that, in case you ever find yourself unable to find your way home, you can just hit the home key and your navigation system will guide you there. Everyone has been lost in a strange neighborhood at least once in their life. Most subdivisions these days are like mazes. With a GPS system, you can just hit the home key and get home without a problem.

Most new cars these days come with the option to have a car GPS installed. But you can also buy a relatively inexpensive one that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. These systems are a must for anyone who’s not directionally inclined, but even those with great direction sense will find them extremely useful for a number of purposes.

If you want to get a car GPS navigation system all you have to do is click HERE!

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Publish Date: 04/24/2010

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So nowadays it seems like every other person owns a GPS and of course, having a GPS is absolutely helpful if you travel a lot and thus you want to buy one. But you don’t know exactly what to look for and the question in your head is: “What is the best GPS for auto navigation?” That question might a bit difficult to answer as there are all sorts of GPS out there that is considerably good for auto navigation.

When you are looking for the best GPS for auto navigation you should know these three things:

First you should know that even the high end car GPS system performs pretty much the same functions, at least the basic ones, as an average priced one. They will show you exactly where you are and how to get to your destination.

Second, you must know that all of the available GPS units came equipped with pre-programmed destinations to help you get to where you want to be in no time at all.

Lastly, all of the available GPS systems for your car feature a touch screen technology which makes it easier for you to operate them especially when you are driving.

See? Pretty much any device that can perform those three basic functions can be considered as the best GPS for auto navigation. But of course, what sets them all apart is their makers. Yes, yes. That’s where the difference lies and one that would help us determine the best GPS for auto navigation.

It pays to stick to more well known brands if you don’t know what to look for. The best GPS for auto navigation that most people would agree with are the ones that come from either Magellan, Tom Tom and Garmin.

See our latest review Magellan Maestro GPS and get Good Deals on GPS Systems. When you go to GPS Globle Pro don’t forget to signup to our RSS Feed.

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Publish Date: 04/03/2010

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This article talks about GPS Navigations Systems as they relate to the auto industry.  This article gives a little bit about the history and then also how some of these systems work and the differences in some of the systems.  It also discusses some of the features found in the different navigation systems that are out there today.’ As with any technology, over time, the cost will come down and the features will increase.’  Read on for more.

Over the past couple of years, the cost of installing a GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably, and as an inevitable result of this, more and more people are taking advantage of it in order to make it easier to find out where they are going, plan their journeys, and keep track of where they are.

Satellite navigation dates back a lot longer than many people realize. The principles behind SatNav were first tested back in 1967, but it took nearly 30 years before the NavStar GPS System first began operation as a military application in the mid 1990s. Civilian use of GPS navigation was made available soon after the military launch, but the initial costs of using the system were very high, and required ongoing subscriptions to be paid. The first people who took advantage of GPS were pilots, and surveyors, who needed to be able to measure distances with pinpoint accuracy. In the early days , an affordable GPS auto navigation system was out of reach for the average car owner.

Over time, the costs of GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably, and there are increasing numbers of applications for them and the data that they provide in our daily lives. Manufacturers such as Garmin and TomTom have combined GPS signals Data with existing map information and complex mathematical algorithms to create systems that can be used for navigation on the roads and highways.

These GPS auto navigation systems can be installed into any car in a matter of minutes, and then be used to plan journeys, and keep track of where you are to stop you getting lost on the roads. By being combined with other data, such as traffic news feeds, GPS auto navigation systems can warn drivers about road congestion, and provide alternative routes in real time to ensure that no-one who has such a GPS needs get stuck in a queue again.

There are a number of different styles of GPS auto navigation systems available to suit the needs of the individual, from basic models through to expensive and highly accurate systems able to manage large amounts of data and provide information to the users in order to give feedback about where they have been.

The simplest kind of auto navigation GPS system is a removable gadget that stores the map data internally, and uses a satellite signal to pinpoint the position of the unit. By combining the map data and the satellite signal, routes can be planned, and the user can find their way, while seeing a graphical representation of their route on a small screen. These GPS auto navigation systems can be either removable, or fixed into the car. Many new models actually integrate the GPS into the dashboard, while non fixed systems can either be mounted on the dash, or attached to the windshield using a suction cup.

As well as dedicated auto GPS devices, it is also possible to buy a large number of other gadgets with GPS as a built in feature. Some GPS PDAs can have a GPS module plugged in to them, and used in cars, and an increasing number of cell phones have GPS as a standard feature. On the whole, although these devices have GPS built in, it is not of the same standard as a dedicated system, and wile it may help you know where you are, it will not provide such accurate data or be able to plan routes on the go as well as one of the custom systems from Garmin or Magellan.

At the top end of the list of auto navigation GPS systems, there are a number of fantastic options available. Many of the high end GPS auto navigation systems include a range of features to make getting around as simple and convenient as possible.

Aside from the standard information about maps and positions, these GPS systems can also provide information about local amenities such as gas stations, motels, and even speed control cameras in certain countries. More expensive GPS auto navigation systems come with the ability to upload additional map systems so they can be used in different countries, and through the use of local radio services, provide comprehensive traffic information to the driver wherever in the world he is.

Whether you want a simple auto navigation GPS system to help you avoid the traffic problems in your home town, or are a cross country driver who needs the long distance planning flexibility for getting from a-to-b as efficiently as possible, there is a GPS system available that will suit your needs.

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Once they were only for the rich and were only fitted in the very high end cars but today SatNav systems are available to all. You can either opt for the in-car fitted systems that are still quite expensive or you can go for the handheld or protable units. This article is about the latter.

What is SatNav?

SatNav is a system that comprises of 2 elements, a GPS data receiver and a CPU/display unit. The receiver gets information from orbiting GPS navigational satellites and communicates it to the CPU/display unit. This unit is then able to find its exact location on the planet by comparing signals from various satellites.

The unit incorporates road maps of the area and places an indicator on the map showing where the car is on the maps.

Features

The units allow you to plan a journey ahead of time and then the unit will guide you to you destination by displaying a map showing you where you are and the direction you should be heading. Most now have voice instructions so the unit will tell you, when you are approaching a junction, which turning you should take. The units are also capable of making real time adjustments to the route, this means that if you go the wrong way the until will recalculate the route to your destination taking into account the wrong turning you have just made.

Maps

The maps for the unit can be loaded for the different regions you visit, so they may have a map of the UK and another for France and so on. Most modern unit have the maps stored on a removable memory cards like SD cards or similar memory card but some units read directly from a CD or DVD. The display can be set to show the conventional flat map view or the new 3D view that shows a view as if it was above you and looking forward. This view is very good and clear.

Traffic

Some units offer systems that will warn you of road works/traffic jams etc as they happen, and offer suggestion as to how to avoid them.

POI

Most units have POI’s (Points of Interest) incorporated into them that will show things like garages, restaurants, historic sites, airport and ferries etc. You can also add your own POI’s of your favourite places. One POI that is very popular is the location of all the speed camera and accident black spot locations.

Weather

Another feature that is becoming increasingly available is the weather for a location. The system will tell you the weather at a certain location on the map i.e. at that beach location you are planning to visit.

When you want to plan a journey you will need to enter the start and end destination, this can be done in a number of ways, the city, street and house number. The street intersections, the post codes and a location chosen on the on screen map. The start can be done in the same way with the addition of the present location as the starting point (remember the unit knows where you are). There are then itinerary or way points, these allow you to program destinations along the way. Finally you are usually presented with choices of routes with choices like, Fastest Route, Shortest Route, Scenic Route, Avoid Motorways etc some have the choice to avoid toll charges.

Fitting

The units can be fitted into the car in a number of ways but the 2 most popular ways are with a mounting bracket that has a strong suction cup that sticks to the windscreen. The second way is a bracket that fixed to the cars air vents, this method can be very good but required a fixing for each type of car. The unit is then fitted to the brackets and adjusted to the best viewing angle.

There are dozens of systems available now with a variety of choices of the options available. You need to choose which of the above options are important to you and then choose the until that best suits you or suits you price range.

You can see a large variety of different units at different costs at my favourite comparason site www.wangled.co.uk just type in “Mobile GPS”

The preceding article may be freely reprinted provided:

1. The article is not edited or modified in any way

2. The source is credited: reprinted by permission of Wangled.co.uk

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In 1973 the U.S. Department of Defence launched the Navstar GPS network. This consisted of 24 satellites orbiting the earth every 12 hours and five ground stations. This positioning system was made available for public use. With this capability, consumer location devices were produced to accurately determine location and other data such as current and average speed, directional heading, and elevation. These GPS devices need an unobstructed view of at least four satellites to provide a reliable 3D fix.

The GPS receiver overlays this location data onto map files stored on the unit, to give a current position on the map as well previous track. The receiver constantly recalculates position, giving real time position.

A typical GPS device contains:

• 12-channel receiver – the quality of the receiver determines how long it takes the device to acquire a 3D fix.
• Antenna to capture satellite signals – positioned to get a clear view of the sky.
• CPU to process the data and overlay on maps
• DVD Hard-drive – where maps on DVD’s or available online are uploaded and stored. Some cheaper units do not upload the maps, but reference them off the DVD or CD.
• Display Screen – mostly color with handheld units using black and white
• Voice Interface – more advanced units

How The GPS Device Gets A Fix

The first time you start your GPS device, its data store is blank so needs a to collect satellite information to determine your position. This is known as a cold start. Some units only take 30 to 45 seconds to acquire a 3D fix during a cold start, while others can take several minutes. Subsequent position updates only take 3 to 4 seconds. If you go out of range from losing line of sight, such as passing behind a large building or through a tunnel, a good receiver will instantly recover, whereas weaker units will require more time to reacquire a 3D fix.

How Different GPS Navigation Units Differ

Location of Antenna - A factory installed in-dash unit antenna is integrated into the dashboard where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. Many portable models have a suction-cup-mounting device to position the device on the windshield. Add-on antennas are also available. Regardless of the type of unit and antenna, the important thing is to keep the antenna visible to the greatest area of sky possible. Choose a unit where this can be done AT THE SAME TIME as being able to maintain a clear view of the screen.

Screens and Display - important to check how bright these are, and if they are clearly visible from the mounted position in bright day light. Onboard navigation systems are generally color screens, and portable units are black and white to save power. Larger screens and integrate better with other vehicle electronics.

Input Buttons – most enroute buttons are on the display screen. Ensure these are easy to use when driving; that is they are big enough and colored sufficently to see without causing a driving hazard.

Map Media - Earlier models were CD-based, requiring multiple discs to cover the entire United States. Newer in-dash systems are DVD-based; only 1-2 DVD’s required for an entire country of maps.

Cost - In-dash systems are usually more expensive than portable counterparts. Aftermarket in-dash models usually require professional installation and can be just as expensive as the factory models.

Upgrading - always check how easy it is to upgrade the firmware and maps on your GPS unit. Some units detach a portion to be connected to the computer via USB, whereas others are done using a DVD. Those units which can be upgraded online, are much more convenient.

Added Features of GPS Units

Apart from giving you a current position, a number of GPS navigation devices can give you:

• A track of where you have been – the number of tracks and waypoints stored varies from unit to unit. You may also want to save on part of a track for future use.
• A path from your current position to your destination
• Maintain commonly used navigation paths for reuse.
• Points of Interest – user sets the types of points of interest, such as tourist, bank ATM, petrol stations, historical, accommodation, restaurants etc.
• Real time traffic reporting to avoid traffic delays. This can also include road works.
• Voice recognition to receive destination instructions, and voice guidance to give driving instructions
• Weather updates
• Street name navigation – instead of just turn left 200m it was say ‘Turn left into Stanley St’
• Integrated Multimedia players – MP3 players, image viewers, and audio books.
• Onboard or Portable GPS Navigation

The downside of onboard GPS Navigation units are susceptible to theft; and you cannot take them with you to use in other vehicles or when travelling abroad. Portable units, such as the Garmin StreetPilot 2720, can be used in multiple cars; being easily moved from car to car. Depending upon the power supply and portability, portable and handheld units can be taken when travelling or used on cycles, boats, private aircraft etc.For more information on Go-Reviews.com Car Electronics Section.

Garmin StreetPilot 2720 Traffic-Ready Portable GPS Navigator

Nicola Carr – Nicola is a technology strategist and publisher of Go-Reviews.com. She provides product reviews and buying guides on a wide range of technology. Nicola is also a feature writer for Electrosmart Digital Publishing and RichMediaMix demonstrating how technology is integrating into business and media.

[tags]gps car navigation system, gps device, gps receiver, garmin[/tags]

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