Starting from the signal from orbiting satellites, GPS receivers are able to determine the geographic position or location in real time. The applications of the Global Position System technology are very large, with GPS receivers functioning for the aviation, the marine, the military and the average consumer. The satellites on which the receivers depend circle the globe twice a day, and they are arranged in such a way on the orbit, that at any moment of the day, four of them should be present on the visible sky allowing one to find the right location or direction. Although initially, the system was planned for the use of the US military alone, it was soon opened to the public for individual, civilian applications.
There are two types of GPS receivers available for purchase: the stand alone GPS receivers and the items that require computer connection in order to function. The stand alone devices insure great mobility, being designed for cars mainly. Pre-installed software with route info, routing directions and maps is part of the built-in features of the most advanced GPS receivers. Some units even allow for updates on the local attractions in certain area. Garmin, Magellan, Mio, Navigon or TomTom are the companies that make the best GPS equipment available.
The computer-connected GPS receivers need to be installed on a computer to function, but they also match the mobility needs if used on a PDA, smartphone or a laptop. The connection of the two devices together can be established through Bluetooth technology, or with a USB or serial cable. The disadvantage with this kind of GPS receivers is that they don't have the navigation software included, and the buyer has to get the program separately. People nevertheless buy these GPS receivers because they are cheaper, although they raise a bit of a challenge in terms of installation.
While our ancestors had to read the stars to find their way, we can now manage to travel in the urban jungle and all over the world with automatic assistance from GPS receivers. GPS modules will not include world maps, but that is hardly an inconvenience. The Google Maps program can be used for downloading data for a certain geographical area or country. From the avoidance of traffic jams, an increase in fuel economy and travel comfort to the possibility to choose the best routes possible and receive lots of practical information, GPS receivers are trustworthy travel companions that rarely fail.
Author Resource:
The Author has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website over at GPS Navigation Reviews which helps people find the best advice on Tom Tom GPS Navigators along with all the news, information and resources on GPS Navigation today.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")