Garmin StreetPilot c330 Vehicle GPS Navigator Average Customer Review: (659 customer reviews)

The invention of the GPS navigation system is not as new as most people believe; they have been around and used ever since the first GPS satellite was launched into space back in 1978. Global positioning satellites have many civilian and military applications, but one of the most pervasive is aviation navigation.

However, using a GPS navigation system inside an ordinary automobile, is somewhat different than using it on airplane. Transportation by car is dependent on the roads that are traveled. In reality, GPS readings alone such as longitude, latitude and altitude are for all practical purposes useless when you’re driving to Aunt Mabel’s house. When driving an automobile you can end up going through urban canyons and tunnels, where satellite singles cannot get through. So a different type of GPS technology is needed for automobile GPS navigation systems.

People have seen the potential for automobile GPS navigation systems for years, and have tried various ways to implement them. In 1983, Honda released an automobile navigation system that was based on an accelerometer, not on GPS. It wasn’t until 1990 that an automobile GPS system was released by Pioneer. Automobile GPS Navigation systems still didn’t really come into use until Magellan released its version in the US in 1995. Since the more portable GPS systems have been develeped for greater ease of use for people.

Automobile GPS Navigation System Components

An automobile GPS Navigation System requires a GPS receiver and a map database. Some systems also have drive train sensors to supplement when GPS signals are blocked for brief periods. The map database converts the portable GPS systems coordinates into map locations, such as street names and addresses. Some map databases contain GPS coordinates for specific locations, such as points of interest or rest stops. It’s the information in the database, however, that directs you to your location either visually or by voice. Which means your GPS navigation system is only as good as your GPS car systems map database.

Commercial Applications

Many corporations and businesses use GPS navigation system within their vehicles to dispatch and track vehicles. In various cities throughout the US, taxis come equipped with a GPS navigation system. Dispatchers at the taxi company Know where all the taxis are located at any given point in time, and can dispatch them more effectively than before.

Commercial shipping companies find GPS navigation systems indispensable. In addition to being able to track where the trucks are whenever they want, they can also give the customer a tracking number, and then the customer would have the ability to track their individual package themselves.

Garmin Nuvi 350 Pocket Vehicle GPS Navigator and Personal Travel Assistant Average Customer Review: (859 customer Reviews)

It’s fairly certain at this point that GPS navigation will become a semi-standard automotive feature, and a soon-to-be standard one. While there are a few people who don’t really like having GPS system in their car, the majority of people are ecstatic with this new, advancedAdvantest version of finding your way to destination.

One method among many, that people used for directions was an Internet service called MapQuest. While this was an easier method to use instead of unfolding a large map in your car, it had its limitations. Particularly, you had to plan your route and then printed out prior to leaving your house, which means you had to plan ahead in this leaves no room to change your plans while en–route. In today’s tactic modern society both men and women need a more dynamic means of direction than a service like MapQuest was able to provide. With the invention of the in car GPS system there are no such limitations, basically you input where you want to go when she got in the car, and presto, you get step by step directions, which do not even have to be read since the majority of GPS units give you oral directions as you approach turning points.

Too Good to be True

Admittedly, relying on GPS in your car does have its limitations at times. GPS relies on technology and wave-signals that are sent to your car, similar to signals being sent to your cell phone. Anyone who’s tried to use a cell phone in a valley or in the middle of the woods knows that being without a cell signal can be a maddening experience. However, in most cases, being without a cell signal simply means that you can’t make a phone call, but if you’re relying a 100 per cent on your car’s GPS system to get you where you need to go, and you don’t have a signal, you’ll find yourself in a bit of trouble. One model that is recommended as reliable is the Magellan 760 GPS which has a more intelligent detour function, text to speech functionality, as well as multiple destination preparation. It should also be noted that the Magellan GPS 760 has a excellent feature so that if you’re stuck in traffic and if you speed goes below 15 mph for a set period of time, the unit will automatically recalculate a brand-new route around the problem area.

However, as the demand for GPS technology increases in the automobile industry, there will be more technological advances, permitting the weaker singles to be adequate for the task.

While this is happening there will be additional singles sent out the GPS units, just like there are more and more cell phone towers being built in isolated areas. For the time being, have fun with your car’s GPS system and enjoy the freedom it allows you. On the other hand, if you set yourself up to never be lost again, never have to look at a map again, or never have to stop and ask for directions again, you’re probably setting yourself up for at least minor disappointment and inconveniences. All of that will change in the next few years though; it’s only a matter of a little time.