GPS Maps

GPS or Global Positioning Systems are an inexpensive and reliable way of finding your exact position on the globe at any given time. For the driver this can mean never having to look up a road map again. Motorists in Europe, America and most parts of Asia can now rely on GPS maps to accurately navigate and get pin point driving directions to their desired destination. The new GPS technology with the aid of geo-positioning satellites means no more pulling into gas stations to get directions, making driving in a new unfamiliar city an absolute breeze.

GPS Technology Using Satellites

There are now more than 24 operational satellites; new ones are launched periodically to replace older satellites. Since GPS systems utilize 24 satellites that orbit the earth in a grid pattern, there are always six to eight satellites that are able to communicate with any given position on earth at any given time providing accuracy well within normal driving needs.

The Many Uses of GPS Maps

Whether you are biking, hiking, or jogging among skyscrapers, the GPS road navigation system will keep track of your surroundings and exact location.

GPS navigation and mapping systems are equipped with mapping software that can give you driving directions. It also has the capability to show you alternate routes if you're stuck in a traffic jam, though inaccuracy may at times be caused by major road works that are not updating in the mapping database. While you're on the road, a GPS navigation system can also guide you to the nearest gas stations, restaurants and other places of interest.

GPS Map Navigation Systems and Software

Some of the more trusted manufacturers of GPS in-vehicle map systems and softwares are Allied Signal Aerospace, Conexant, Datum Inc, Garmin International, Honeywell Commercial Aviation Systems, IIMorrow Inc, Interstate Electronics Corporation, Javad Positioning Systems, Lowrance Electronics, Magellan Systems Corp, Motorola, Northstar Technologies, Sony Corporation of America, Starlink Inc, and Trimble Navigation Ltd. Garmin is one of the top sellers of portable and car navigation map systems.

You can also buy GPS mapping software and load it into handheld PDAs that are loaded with the necessary GPS functionality with PDA holders to mount your system to your dashboard or windshield. Nowadays most GPS-enabled PDAs come with preloaded maps so you can find nearby roads easily. This is a great feature because prior to this you would have to take the unit to your PC and download the appropriate maps onto the unit. If you'd like more than the basic mapping software, you may want to consider buying a system that has additional memory capacity, such as space for a removable CompactFlash card. It's also a good investment to buy a GPS navigation system that has voice prompts, so you won't have to look at the screen while you're driving.

With new GPS map technologies and increasingly better mapping databases, getting lost is now a thing of the past.

Our thanks to David Gloss for this informative article on GPS Maps.