GPS for the Newbie
How it worksGPS devices work by decoding signals from satellites. These satellites orbit the earth and pass their signals to inexpensive aerials, which is then passed to your GPS. The information received by the GPS will be used by its dedicated software. Through different signals from various satellites, your GPS software now analyzes your position in terms of longitude and latitude.
Furthermore, the software in your GPS is so advanced that it can even identify the specific satellite that passed on the signal – its location and the exact calculation of the signal’s travel time.
Mapping
When the GPS receives the signal and identify its location, it will then compare it to a map and analyze possible routes to follow. This is the reason why a GPS device is so expensive. Of course this map has to be regularly updated to make it accurate.
Different maps are used for varied users:
· Drivers need to have maps that contain accurate data of road systems in the region. They do not necessarily need the land layout.
· Hikers do not need detailed road information. Instead, they require specific data of tracks or trails, water spots, or local terrain.
· Sailors need navigable channels, sea bed data, and other information that would allow them safe sea travel.
· Fishermen need to use a marine GPS to track fish movements and predict where they need to fish the following day. This made cooperative fishing easier, as the boats relay their location to one another while they look for a good fishing spot. In fact, there are other features like “fish finders” where the GPS uses sonar functions that track movements of fishes in real time. The marine GPS even stores detailed fishing data as well as maritime information.
How to Get Started
You can easily avail of GPS devices designed for your specific need. In a car, it could contain features like route calculations, voice guidance, and even map upgrade.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can get hold of GPS devices such as Magellan and Garmin which is a rugged handheld GPS device with a map.