Saturday

How Does Your GPS Work Anyway?

Have you ever given serious thought to the incredible benefits having an auto navigation system will bring to your life and your travels? The truth of the matter is that the more sophisticated GPS systems on the market today provide much more than simple directions from point A to point B. Today's auto nav systems are your one-stop travel shop when it comes to finding points of interest, restaurants, fueling stops, and places to sleep along the way.

If you've never given it much thought, perhaps learning a little more about how an auto navigation system really works will give you something to think about when you get around to considering the impact a device such as this can make in your life and the lives of your family members. The thing to remember is that not all GPS or auto nav systems are the same. There are different types of information along with different kinds of functionality and design. However, they all work on very similar principles.

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

GPS systems use satellites that orbit the earth in order to send signals that are received by the GPS device. The system has software which interprets the signal and uses the data in order to form conclusions about the current location based on the time it took to receive the signal from the satellite, and the exact location of the satellite that sent the data. By combining the information, a conclusion can be drawn by the GPS or auto navigation system as to the exact position of the GPS device. Three satellites are used in order to determine the point of intersection and a fourth satellite insures the accuracy of the data.

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Auto navigation systems are more sophisticated and much more functional than the original military GPS devices that were first used. You can not only get directions to guide you on your trip, to make up for detours, and get you back on track after wrong turns, but you can also get information about local destinations, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and a few other points of interest along the way.

Many auto nav systems have upgrade packages which allow you to purchase a subscription to provide you with up to the minute information about traffic, weather, and construction along your route. The subscription costs for these services may be a deterrent for the casual driver but will prove invaluable to those who rely on correct directions and being on time while traveling extensively for work.

Be sure, when you purchase a GPS or auto navigation system, that the system you purchase is not only fully upgradeable but also easily upgraded. It does no good to have a system that's capable of being upgraded if you can't figure out how to upgrade it. Many of these systems can be upgraded by using a something as simple as a CD or DVD in order to deliver the information and upgrades.

If you can't upgrade your system it will become obsolete in time as new roads are constantly being built and old roads are often closed for construction and upgrades. If you don't have the latest data on roads you're essentially driving just as blindly as you would be without an auto navigation system.

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