GPS Navigation, GPS Systems & GPS Devices

GPS devices are available for Commercial and Leisure use such as GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation for Car, Bike and Hike. Accurate Satellite Map Positioning.

GPS definition translates to Global Positioning System. The underlying technology driving GPS Navigation Systems relies on constellations formed by twenty four satellites constantly orbiting the earth which are evenly scattered across six equally spaced orbital planes. As a result, a minimum of at least 3 satellites always capturing data correlating to longitude, latitude and altitude at a specific time for any location on the surface of the earth. As the popularity of GPS Navigation Systems continues to grow manufacturers promote Portable / Handheld Navigators or Handheld Navigators as well as more conventional Automobile GPS or Car Navigators as newer options.

Satellites comprising the GPS Navigation System emit coded signals which contain key GPS Navigation or GPS Location data including position of the satellite in orbit and the exact timing of every signal or pulse transmitted to earthbound devices. The most complex aspect of any GPS Navigation System involves the massive resources required to deploy an array of satellites in precise geosynchronous orbit. By comparison, an earthbound GPS Receiver is a relatively unsophisticated instrument that simply calculates point-of-origin and transmission timing for each pulse emitted from at least three different GPS satellites to pinpoint location and plot position on a graphical map interface. Since satellite reception relies on "line-of-sight" technology weather conditions have little impact on the accuracy of GPS Systems. However, heavy solid object such as mountains, buildings, bridges and even densely wooded forests can interfere with satellite reception.

The United States Department of Defense developed GPS Navigation technology in the 1970s to improve military mapping capability. As GPS technology became more standardized a less precise version of the military GPS Navigation System was made available to commercial entities for civilian uses. Garmin Nuvi 660 manufacturer was among the first private companies to produce devices compatible with the DoD GPS Navigation System. Magellan GPS, a major competitor of Garmin GPS, took inspiration for their name from Ferdinand Magellan, the first European explorer to circumnavigate the globe.

With the advent of GPS Navigation Receivers as a viable mass-market product specialization took hold almost immediately as customers demanded activity specific features from off-the-shelf GPS Navigation Systems. Manufacturers immediately discovered pent up demand for niche applications such as GPS Marine Navigators. Innovations in GPS Navigation Receivers offer end-users expanded capabilities and functionality including GPS Antennas and Add-on GPS Receivers to provide Real-Time Traffic reporting and memory slots to update GPS Maps and Guides. A wide variety of aftermarket accessories support the modern portable lifestyle with GPS Cases and Covers for protection and every possible permutation of GPS AC Adapters, GPS Car Adapters, GPS Mounts and GPS Cases & Covers.

Uses for Global Positioning System (GPS)

Portable / Handheld Navigators and Handheld Navigators GPS brands continue to see rapid innovation from industry leader Garmin Nuvi 660. The Magellan GPS Navigation System provide solid alternatives and push development through healthy competition. The rapid embrace of GPS Navigation Systems by soccer moms, budding execs and joe sixpacks alike led to Automobile Navigators with factory installed GPS Mounts integrated GPS Maps and Guides and GPS Antenna embedded in the vehicle frame by design.

The demand for GPS Navigation Systems spawned entire subcultures devoted to the celebration of longitude and latitude. Leading manufactures Audiovox GPS, Cobra GPS, Garmin, Lowrance GPS, Magellan GPS, Navigon GPS, Pharos GPS, TomTom GPS sponsor GPS Geocaching web communities for users to solve riddles and hunt for hidden caches left by fellow initiates. Highly technical Marine Navigators employ Add-on GPS Receivers combined with detailed charts of coastal and inland waterways. Outdoor convenience enhance by Portable GPS while electronic components protected by rigid GPS Cases & Covers.