Telenav Software for Mobile Applications Devices

Telenav is constantly releasing new navigation software for mobile devices. The Blackberry Tour from Verizon is the latest mobile device that can use this company's software, and there's a version for the Apple iPhone, too.

Blackberry Tour

Telenav is a popular provider of location-based (GPS) software applications for mobile devices. Recently, it has released applications for both the Blackberry Tour and the latest version of the IPhone.

Telenav, who has partnerships with nearly all of the major wireless carriers and mobile device manufacturers, is respected in the GPS field. The advantage of GPS units on mobile devices is that you always know where you are. You can always get directions, especially spoken turn-by-turn directions, to where you want to go, and, it helps to prevent you from getting lost. So the introduction of this GPS software onto mobile devices that previously didn’t have them is a huge step for the market and consumers.

Telenav’s GPS Navigator software being available for Verizon’s Blackberry Tour is notable because, up until the release of this phone, Verizoncustomers were forced to use only VZ Navigator if you were looking for a GPS-enabled navigation application.

Customers are allowed a 30-day free trial to test out the software. And, after that, it's $9.99 per month. The service features up-to-date maps, the latest information on traffic, the latest gas prices for an area, and an advanced points of interest database. Being able to use this system over Verizon’s VZ Navigator will be a huge improvement for consumers

IPhone

Telenav has also released GPS software for the latest versions of the IPhone. It coincided with the introduction of Apple’s IPhone Operating System 3.0. The one major problem with this software is that it only works on IPhones that have GPS capability. So, the original edition from 2007 will not be able to use this software.

Same as above, you will be given a 30-day free trial, and then the software runs $9.99 per month. But, the software works great with the IPhone and is well worth the investment.

How to Use GPS to Track Your Children

It's a dangerous world, and some parents want some reassurance of their children's location within it. Today's GPS technology can help you accomplish this to fit almost any situation, from wristbands to cellphones. Here's a guide.

To Track, Or Not To Track?

Before anything else, make sure that tracking your children is really what you want to do. GPS tracking is a complex network of ethical quandaries, so make sure that you've explored all sides of the issue before heading forward. Privacy? Trust? Practicality?

There are a few features that you might want to consider looking for in your tracking device:

Geofencing

Basically, geofencing is the ability to set a virtual fence around a predetermined zone of your choosing. If the tracking device (and presumably the child with it) leave this area, some sort of alert is transmitted to the parent or other authorities, typically a text message. Some services allow scheduled geofencing, which have different geofences set up for different times of day on different days of the week.

Real Time Tracking

Real time tracking means that you can track your child anytime, anywhere, seeing their exact location on a map. This is opposed to tracking mechanisms that can only be activated in case of emergencies, and may not be accessible by the parents themselves.

This is often web-based, allowing the parent to track their daughter or son on a web app on their cell phone, at work on the computer, or something along those lines. The idea is that the parent can know where their child is at anytime, no matter what.

SOS

Many tracking devices support the ability to make emergency SOS-style calls to parents and/or authorities with a press of a button. This is a potentially useful ability for kidnapping situations when a teenager might not necessarily have enough time for a full fledged phone call.

There are a variety of GPS devices available for tracking purposes, which all suit slightly different needs:

Cell Phone Tracking

This type of tracking is more suited towards all day, everyday tracking in real time of your child, particularly teens who are more likely to be using their cell phone on a regular basis and won't just “forget” it or leave it off.

This is probably the most common type of tracking device available, and for most services, the cheapest. Many major phone companies offer some sort of tracking service for parents, such as Verizon's Chaperone. Other than buying a GPS-enabled phone, mostly you need to pay for the appropriate subscription service.

Wristbands

While this may not go so hot with your teens, tracking wristbands are a more permanent solution that might suit very young children. They provide a reliable, tamper-proof signal that will go wherever your child will go. These are generally a bit more on the expensive side, but are extremely effective.

Car Tracking

Worried that your teen might be driving too fast, or going somewhere they're not supposed to be going? There are GPS car tracking devices that can be installed in the car for purposes of locating (and possibly chastising) your child. While they're obviously no good once the teen steps out of the car or hitches a ride with somebody else, it's a good, non-invasive way to know where your teen is when they are enabled to fully do as they please.

Wilderness Tracking

You don't have to assume the worst in a child to want to track them. Sometimes children really do just get lost, especially while out in the great outdoors. For this purpose, there are tracking devices that are designed specifically for when a child gets lost in the wilderness to quickly find them. These devices tend to be quite rugged, water- and shock-proofing usually the minimum for durability. Some even float!

Other Types Of Tracking

GPS isn't the only way to track your child, so if you're more interested in just finding a toddler within the mall than a teen in the next city over, radio frequency (RF) tracking devices might be more of what you're looking for. Some devices also utilize combined tracking capabilities, with radio for precision at a close range and indoors and GPS for general locating on a map.

For a great in-depth review of a variety of child tracking products, from car units to wilderness locators, check out this article.

ACR ResQFix 406 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS – 2897 Review

This article reviews the capabilities and features of the ACR ResQFix 406 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS – 2897 to help you decide if this is the last resort device you want to have on your vessel in the event of an emergency.

he ACR ResQFix 406 PLB with GPS – 2897 Capabilities and Features

The Resqfix 406 Mhz GPS Personal Locator Beacon derives part of its name from the fact that it’s a 406 MHZ PLB which means it has an extremely powerful broadcast of your distress signal along with your exact GPS coordinates. This article series includes a piece on exactly how a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon works in coordination with the LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellite systems dedicated to search and rescue (find the link below).

With the ResQfix, your distress signal with GPS coordinates is sent out on 12 parallel channels as opposed to the one used in lesser beacons. The mandatory online registration process after purchasing this device is easy and this allows rescue personnel to know exactly who you are since every ACR signal has a unique signature to it.

The ResQFix 406 is 35% smaller and 25% lighter than the ACR Aquafix, its predecessor. So at 10 oz., it can be carried easily in a pocket, in a pack or on a life jacket. The holster it comes with makes it easier to put on a belt or use the lanyard so secure it elsewhere. These are especially nice features for soloist maritime explorers in kayaks or other small vessels. You can find smaller and lighter units, but they usually come with a yearly subscription price which ACR doesn’t charge.

Many users who took the time to write reviews of personal locator beacons were happy with the discreet size. Some did feel that the two-step process of deploying the antenna to reveal “ON/OFF” activation button and holding for 1 second might be better served by a one step button push but that hardly seems like a significant drawback in terms of operation. However, the fact that it has to be manually engaged by pressing a button could be a drawback in the event that you encountered something like the perfect storm whereby you couldn’t even free up your hands to use it. The traditional Class II EPIRBs (Emergency Positioning Indicator Radio Beacons) automatically activate when they become submersed in water. That is something to consider when deciding because in a situation where a rogue wave rolls the boat or it’s sinking for any other reason, you’d want immediate deployment of a beacon.

In a maritime disaster setting way off shore; a 24 hour battery life for sending a distress signal (that is an estimate for the most extreme weather conditions conceivable) isn’t as long as some people (perhaps the slightly neurotic ones) would like it to be. But the battery does exceed the required 24 hour operating life at -20°C (-4°F) with a typical operating life: 40 hours @ -20°C (-4°F), 8 hours @ -40°C (-40°F). The lithium batteries are guaranteed to work for five years but they can only be replaced by an ACR approved dealer. It floats of course.

Proven Success

The most important factor in recommending this PLB for maritime use is its success rate. There are many stories out there which tell the tale of this ACR PLB saving the lives of those who were forced to deploy it when they were in mortal danger. ACR PLB saves sailors lives in Coral Sea is one such story where a helicopter was dispatched in time to save a crew whose ship sunk and they bobbed precariously in inclement weather on the ocean surface.

ACR PLBs are used by the U.S. Coast Guard, NATO, and Arctic Explorers to drop a few names in order to reinforce their reliability and performance. 406 MHz technology has saved over 24,500 lives worldwide and ACR, as a world leader in rescue and survival technology is a huge part in making that so.

The 406 MHZ PLB Explained and Reviews of The Best Models

In this informative series you will learn what a Persolonal Locator Beacon with GPS is, how they work in conjunction with satellites and rescue authorities, and what features make the best device model. Also included are reviews of two ACR PLBs; the Terrafix 406 GPS PLB and the Resqfix 406.

• 1. The 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon
• 2. The Workings of a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon
• 3. A Review of the ACR TerraFix 406 GPS I/O PLB with GPS
• 4. ACR ResQFix 406 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS – 2897 Review

A Review of the ACR TerraFix 406 GPS I/O PLB with GPS

In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a look at the capabilities and features that the ACR Terrafix 406 GPS PLB has which will enable an emergency rescue when activated deep in remote, rugged country. In light of that info, will the TerraFix 406 GPS be the device you count on to save your life?

ACR Terrafix 406 GPS PLB Evaluation

Since it’s a last resort, most people will never use it but you want the peace of mind that it will do what it’s supposed to do in a dicey situation. A 406 MHZ PLB is extremely powerful and this particular device sends that signal to the LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellite systems dedicated to search and rescue, receiving your GPS coordinates and relaying them to the proper rescue authorities. Your GPS coordinates are radiated skyward by a powerful 406 MHz signal, which will make it through a dense canopy and heavy clouds. Immediately upon pressing that button a whole predetermined chain of events takes place that ACR is firmly entrenched in. In the U.S. this model is approved by the FCC. This technology was designed with the input and insight of many search and rescue authorities around the world who want the quickest and most effective way to get to a person or party in crisis. 406 MHz technology has saved over 24,500 lives worldwide.

The TerraFix emits a second signal at 121.5 MHz. This is the homing signal that lets the Search and Rescue teams that are on the ground and in the air looking for you get a fix on your precise position; thus avoiding protracted searches in the general vicinity. Time is the essence when lives are on the line in an emergency and the faster they get to you the better chance you have at survival. Built-in redundant technology ensures that your signal will be picked up and your position homed in upon.

The ACR 406 GPS PLB is light enough to pack anywhere, which is exactly what you want for forays deep into wild places, and it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It’s extremely durable, waterproof, and it floats (rafters and kayakers take heed). It will operate anywhere from -40° F to 158° F (-40° C to 70° C). Once activated, the battery operates for approximately 36 hours give or take a little in extreme temperatures. There are others out there that last longer so a few naysayers call that a downside. The two lithium battery packs are warranted at 5 years.

The user interface is dummy proof with the push of a button. Plus, registering it online once you buy it (which is vital worldwide and mandatory in the U.S.) is a breeze. This way authorities know who the signal belongs to and who they should call in terms of emergency contacts while the search is under way to plan for the tearful reunion. No annual subscription fees are also a big plus.

Track Record

Most importantly, when an accident happens will this device work? The answer is yes. It was designed exclusively to be a dedicated device solely as a means of last resort to make finding a party in dire straits easier for rescue authorities. In hurricane force winds on a remote island off the coast of Alaska with raging seas, two men were saved by using this device. Read the rest of the story that bodes well for this product at PLB Emergency Signal Directs Coast Guard To Two Hunters Stranded on Kodiak Island.

It has saved mountain climbers, hikers, and rafters. It was used in one incident to save a beaconless climber with severe injuries by a person with a TerraFix who came upon them. The majority of outdoor enthusiasts who carry it report the great peace of mind it gives them and their family members who don’t always understand why they do what they do. This is especially true for older enthusiasts and the solo set.

This satellite tracking system has been responsible for saving the lives of over 350 people in at least 130 reported incidents in recent years in the U.S. alone. Scouring the web I found that most users gave it between a 4 and 5 star rating for the peace of mind carrying it gave them and the ones who actually used it acknowledged that it probably saved their lives.

In short, the ACR 406 GPS PLB is one of the smallest most effectively functional devices of this nature on the market. Smaller models have been developed by ACR, but the model in this review has the kind of success rate you’d feel most comfortable with at this time. It is a somewhat costly item at roughly $450 but you will likely feel very content with the investment if you ever have to use it. The ACR website sums up their success by stating “Putting vultures out of business since 1956.”

The 406 MHZ PLB Explained and Reviews of The Best Models

In this informative series you will learn what a Persolonal Locator Beacon with GPS is, how they work in conjunction with satellites and rescue authorities, and what features make the best device model. Also included are reviews of two ACR PLBs; the Terrafix 406 GPS PLB and the Resqfix 406.

• 1. The 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon
• 2. The Workings of a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon
• 3. A Review of the ACR TerraFix 406 GPS I/O PLB with GPS
• 4. ACR ResQFix 406 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS – 2897 Review

The Backpacker’s Top Ratings for Handheld GPS

The special criteria that a backpacker has in choosing the best hand held GPS unit for expeditions into the back country needs to be carefully considered. Find the best ratings for a GPS navigational device that will guide a trekker on the trail and, more importantly, off the trail bushwhacking.

Considerations for Choosing a GPS for Backpacking

First consider the primary factors to think about when buying a handheld portable GPS for backpacking starting with size and weight because ultra light backpacking is the best way to go. Also, you’ll want it to have a long battery life and be durable and waterproof for the rugged environment. Whether you get tired, clumsy, or just lost in the beauty of a scenic vista, you will eventually drop the thing. You also want to make sure the screen is easy to read in the sun and that it’s uncomplicated to operate.

Let’s not forget the most important thing is that you can get good maps built in or downloadable for the places you plan to backpack into and the places you haven’t thought about yet. Make sure the GPS you choose has access to the best detailed topographic maps for trails and wild lands like National Geographic Maps. For dense rainforests, jungles, and deep canyons you’ll want one with the best receiver. The same applies to foggy/rainy/snowy conditions that can be encountered. Some receivers are better than others but even the best need to see the satellites so there are antennas you can buy as accessories to put on the backpack or your hat.

Backpackers are, by nature, extremely curious about what their present elevation is so that is a key feature. In that deep snow when every line through the trees looks like the trail, you’ll want this device to tell you exactly where your snow shoes should be pointed to get you where you’re going. With those considerations in mind here are some of the top rated brands and models.

Top Handheld GPS Ratings Backpacker Tested

Garmin: The Garmin Colorado has received praise from experts and enthusiasts alike in the backpacker community. I researched many product consumer reports sites as well as reviews from the folks who bought them to get this consensus. The Colorado 400T ($485), the top of the line, has a large screen viewable in direct sunlight with a 3D map view option for the detailed topographic maps (national, state, and local parks in the U.S.) it comes loaded with. You operate it with an easy, Ipod like wheel. Its receiver is extremely sensitive and stays locked on; it's got an electric compass, and a barometric altimeter. Contour and elevation info make it ideal for the climber. The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx ($300) is an older model but still very popular because it has been tried and true for many trekkers (gear loyalty) although it isn’t as easy to operate and has a smaller screen. Also because it is very lightweight, durable, and doubles as a two-way radio, the Garmin Rino 530 HCx ($369) is a very worthy choice well rated by experts and the grunts in the hills alike.

As far as the cheapest unit you can get that still delivers, but without the eye candy the expensive ones have, is the Garmin eTrex®. ($110) This model is effective, lightweight, durable and still works in deep timber. On 2 AA batteries, this model will last 17 hours which is ideal for long backpacking forays into the wilderness. You can operate the eTrex® H with one hand and the user interface is quite intuitive. On an overnight trip below 10 degrees we had absolutely no trouble with it. You don’t have to drop your trekking poles and gloves to operate it which can get old quick.

Magellan: You wouldn’t think you could really go wrong with the company named after the explorer who changed the name of the ocean previously known as the South Sea to The Pacific. Even if the explorer didn’t really know where he was going, you want the GPS with his namesake to know exactly where you are. The Magellan Triton 2000 ($430) will ensure that you do, it’s extremely accurate and loaded with features that may or may not belong on a GPS. In addition to a lot of the features we've already covered; it has 2-megapixel camera. There are negative reviews about some features that don’t seem to work, glitchy bugs, and customer service issues. At the other end, there are people who swear by this item and it is rated high by experts which is why it’s included here. It has a hefty price tag so do your research to figure out if all those extras are worth it.

GPS Capabilities: 3D Building Views

Wondering what the phrase GPS 3D building could possibly mean in terms of technology? Read on to get an understanding of this budding feature of GPS capability that is available on Google Earth and can interface with many GPS devices.

GPS 3D Building Views

The singularity is supposedly coming and the machines are closing in. Someday, virtual reality and the human brain’s version of reality may become virtually indistinguishable. The technology that fits in a microchip now will someday fit in a human cell. However, until we get there, by my guess crossing a proverbial bridge that looks startlingly real by virtue of a computer-generated hologram, we must be satisfied with the scientific leaps that brought us to GPS 3D building views.

When you’re driving through an unknown city, it is extremely helpful to see the buildings on your GPS screen appear as they do in real life as you are passing them. That way you get to orient yourself and get your bearing by using the gigantic landmarks in the area. In much the same way mountaineers use the distinguishable peaks and ridges out in the wilderness to figure out which stretch of the middle of nowhere we happened to be standing in.

Google Earth 3D Building Panoramas and a Compatible GPS Device

You may already be familiar with the software Google Earth which has satellite imagery for anywhere in the world. Google isGoogle 3D Buildings basically a modern day Genghis Kahn that succeeded in conquering the world by generating a photographic representation of every corner of the world as seen from the hovering satellites in space.

The basic version of Google Earth can be downloaded free so that you can engage in the irresistible activities of zooming in on the place that you live, places you want to visit, or sometimes the places you were just a little bit lost in, using their satellite imagery that resembles aerial photography. Now Google Earth has a GPS 3D building views function that enables the user to see three-dimensional digital representations of buildings as you manipulate the image from your mouse to view from varying horizontal and vertical vantage points.

Once you have Google Earth installed on your computer, you can import routes from your GPS device onto Google Earth and then enjoy zooming in and out and scrolling any which way you like on that route surrounded by 3D views of buildings or natural features. From the Google Earth page click on "Tools" and then "GPS" and the import options will appear. You need a GPS device that is supported and a USB cord in order to do a direct import. Between the data under Google Earth “Tools” and the software detailing your GPS device’s hardware and software, you can determine if your model can directly import routes, waypoints, and Points of Interest onto Google Satellite Images. Garmin and Magellan have models that are compatible and easily interface with Google Earth.

When Google Earth is up and running on your computer screen, go to the "Layers" heading and underneath that, you will find "3D Building" which you just click on to enable. From there just use your mouse to navigate through a world so much better than the old two-dimensional representation.

This technology is now also available on the screens of the GPS devices themselves. The Garmin Nuvi series is one that comes to mind but if you’re in the market, check the specs to see if the mapping software has this capability. And while we are on the subject of mapping software, read up on this vital component of GPS capability in this series starting with Garmin Handheld GPS Maps: Basic Overview.

GPS Collars vs. Microchip Implants for Pets

Both GPS collars and microchip implants can help return a lost pet to its owner. We'll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both to see which one is a more viable alternative.

GPS Collars and Pet Locators

If you're thinking about purchasing a GPS pet collar to use for locating your dog or cat, make sure that you read up on the device first. These locators come in a number of different flavors and have a wide variety of functions – some are only capable of tracking your pet within a few miles of your home while others include more global tracking capabilities. This latter type of GPS collar usually requires you to pay a monthly fee on top of the initial cost of the equipment, so the expenses can add up pretty fast.

Speaking of costs, these devices can be pretty pricey. The collar itself can cost anything from $100 and up with some devices well over the $500 range. On top of that, to get the full benefits of the collar, you'll often have to purchase a monthly subscription service from a company such as Petsafe, which can run in the neighborhood of $20 per month.

Although there are GPS collars that are small enough and light enough to be worn by cats and small dogs, most are really meant for mid-sized and larger dogs. Even if a product is advertised as being compatible with smaller pets, check the weight and size before you buy. Imagine how you would feel if you had to wear something around your neck that weighed a significant percentage of your own body weight! Not only would this make your pet extremely uncomfortable, but it also increases the likelihood that your dog or cat will try to remove the collar every chance it gets.

Despite some of these downsides, GPS pet collars do offer one significant advantage – they allow you to track and locate your pet at any time (subject to the constraints of the particular device, of course). Not only can this provide ample peace of mind, but it could prove crucial to saving your pet's life if it is subject to health problems or if it becomes lost in a dangerous or unfriendly locale.

Microchip Implants

Some pet owners may shy away from microchip implants, because the name of the device suggests that surgery might be needed to "implant" it in the dog or cat. In actuality, this isn't the case at all. The microchip is so small that your veterinarian can quickly and safely inject it under the skin of your pet's neck. If your pet is found by a rescue center or animal shelter, a handheld scanner can be held close to the animal to read the chip to gain the information needed to identify the dog or cat and contact its owner.

Although microchip implants do not have GPS tracking capabilities, they do offer some other advantages. First, they're relatively inexpensive. The chip itself usually only costs between $20-$30, but your veterinarian may charge an additional fee to administer the injection. Secondly, unlike with GPS collars, you don't have to worry about battery life or monthly subscriptions. The one-time expenditure is all that is needed for the life of your pet. As an added advantage, since the microchip is implanted under the skin of the animal and is held in place by connective tissues, your pet won't be able to lose or remove the chip.

On the other hand, if this is the only measure you have to locate your pet, you really are relying on the fact that someone else will find the animal and take it to a place where it can be scanned for identification. This may not be so bad if you live in a well-populated area, but even then, it does make you more dependent on others to help find your pet.

Making the Decision

Since a microchip implant is so safe and inexpensive, there's really little reason not to have one for your pet even if you have very few concerns about it getting lost or running away. However, if your dog or cat spends a lot of time outdoors or has a higher risk of getting lost, it may be worth investing in a GPS collar on top of the implant. Just make sure that you do the research on the device first so you know all of its capabilities and are aware of any additional monthly fees.

Discover What Really Makes a Good Car GPS Unit

There are virtually countless GPS navigation units available in the market. There are certain important aspects of a GPS unit that makes it fit to be used as a GPS car unit. So, let us see what makes a good Car GPS unit

Basic Requirements

First of all, a Car GPS unit must be capable of receiving Real Time Traffic Updates and auto re-routing based on the same. Moreover, it must come with a legible screen, pre-loaded with local maps, and the Text-to-Speech Converter option.

What’s more, high portability, Picture Viewer, MP3 playback, Travel Guide, SD memory slot for extension of memory capacity, World clock, and goodies like the currency converters, temperature converters and the likes of them are also very handy to have on a Car GPS unit.

Top 5 Contenders

Having seen what really makes a good car GPS Unit, let us take a look at the top 5 contenders in the market that satisfy all the requirements and offer a plethora of options at reasonable price.

1. Garmin Nuvi 880

2. Navigon 7200T

3. Magellan Maestro 4370

4. Mio C520 Navigation Receiver

5. TomTom ONE 125 - GPS receiver

Now, let us take a detailed look at them one by one.

Garmin Nuvi 880

Of course, all the contenders in the Nuvi line-up are very promising, but the Garmin Nuvi 880 boasts of an endless list of impressive features including direct MSN Services, text-to-speech conversion capability, BlueTooth Integration, and impeccable performance.

However, what really distinguished the Nuvi 880 from the rest of the contenders is its accurate speech recognition system.

In this regard, it is acclaimed to be one of the best GPS devices ever produced, though it is very expensive, and route calculations aren't too promising.

Price Range: $1,000 - $1,011

Navigon 7200T

The trademark features of the Navigon 7200T include plethora of high-end features such as voice address entry, integrated Bluetooth operation, text-to-speech functionality, 3D landmark renderings, and its elegant stylish design.

However, when you compare this device with the Garmin or TomTom devices, the user interface and maps aren't up to the mark, nevertheless Navigon renders high performance.

The performance level can be further improvised with little training, especially in case of the address entry by voice (you need to check your pronunciation and fine tune it to increase the speed and easy of address entry via voice).

Price Range: $150 - $400

Magellan Maestro 4370

The Magellan Maestro 4370 comes with the innovative new OneTouch interface, rendering quick one-click access to the preferred destinations.

However, there are a couple of minor performance issues with the Maestro 4370, which bring down its rating it comparison to the other contenders.

However, it comes loaded with all necessary GPS features to make up a good car GPS Unit and provides accurate directions to the users.

Price Range: $260 - $640

Mio C520 Navigation Receiver

The sleek and stylish Mio C520 is an affordable GPS device that makes a perfect car GPS unit for the beginner level users.

Loaded with several advanced navigation features, an incredibly huge screen, as well as other goodies, the Mio C520 can also be used as video player.

The only bad thing is that relatively smoother performance and a better navigation experience is rendered by many of the competing systems, and its pricing is not too justifiable.

Price Range: $340 - $350

TomTom ONE 125 - GPS Receiver

Sure thing, the TomTom One 125 isn't one of the hottest portable navigation devices launched in the market off-late, but who really cares?

The TomTom One 125 is one of the most sizzling entry-level GPS devices available in the market at possibly the lowest price tag of under $100.

Therefore, for those don't fancy the latest expensive GPS devices in the market, TomTom One 125 can makes up a good car GPS unit.

Of course, you shouldn't be expecting too much at this price range, but as far as the basic navigation performance is concerned, there's absolutely nothing to complain about.

Price Range: $99 - $180

Conclusion

Depending upon your budget range and the desired features, you can pick any of the above-mentioned GPS units, because each of them have got exactly what it takes to be a good GPS car unit. However, each of them come with their own share of unique benefits and drawbacks at the same time.

Note: All the prices are approximate figures; please check up latest prices, as the variations are very high on rates of GPS Devices.

The Ethics of Using GPS to Track Your Children

Creative applications of technology is what the present age is all about, but sometimes, these applications present some deep ethical controversies. GPS technology is an excellent example of this: knowing where your children are at all time may not necessarily be the right thing. Here's an overview.

Why Track?

There are a number of reasons why a parent might want to track their children. The most pressing one is to quickly locate them in case of a kidnapping to prevent ransoming, rape—or worse. Children also have a tendency to wander off, which can be potentially dangerous out in the wilderness or even just the city. A related concern is just keeping the children from doing things that maybe they shouldn't be doing, like going where they're not supposed to be going, or driving too quickly.

Age Of The Child

Many people distinguish between children of different ages as being more ethically sound targets for tracking. Because younger children are more likely to be kidnapped and less likely have the street smarts to prevent it, many people view that children of elementary school age are a more suitable target for tracking than older children, who are less commonly kidnapped in the first place.

Privacy & Trust

Children are people too, even if they aren't legal adults quite yet. Many parents prefer to give their children some level of privacy, trusting in their children not to get themselves into trouble. This is viewed as part of growing up, giving the child more responsibilities on how to carry themselves in the real world. If they always feel like Big Brother is watching over their shoulder, how will they learn for themselves? Few parents particularly like the idea of a dystopian family. However, it does depend on the child rearing style.

Teenagers Are Smart (Believe It Or Not)

Your kids are smarter than you think, especially when it comes to getting what they want. Just because you might have all these tracking devices hanging off of them doesn't mean they can't get around them. Teenagers like their privacy—they're almost adults, after all, and if you won't give it to them, chances are they'll find a way to get it. There are innumerable Internet resources that explain how to undo all these tracking measures, from hacking the phone to just passing it on to a friend while they wander off. It's hardly rocket science, so just because they aren't necessarily getting straight As doesn't mean they can't figure it out.

Some people have pointed out that if something seems forbidden, rebellious teenagers are more likely to do it, hence many teen drinking problems. If you so strictly make something against the rules by going to the extreme length of tracking the child, what's to say that they won't deliberately go against it? Going for GPS tracking isn't necessarily an effective attitude towards child rearing.

Stalking Made Easier

Of course, there's always the potential that the ability to track your children could get in the wrong hands, including possible stalkers, rapists, and kidnappers. All cellphones have tracking built into them, whether GPS or radio: it's just a matter of activating it, which can be done without the knowledge of either the phone user or the phone company. Installing software intentioned for tracking just makes it all the easier for third parties to do so. Even technology with the best of intentions can be used for worst of crimes.

Even in the case of a kidnapping, GPS devices hardly guarantee the location of your child. Most kidnappers are intelligent enough to be aware of the possibility of such tracking technology, and will likely remove cell phones and other devices from their possession and deposit them in the nearest trash receptacle. Not particularly useful for police when it comes to finding your lost child.

Methods Of Tracking

Some methods of tracking are more invasive than others. Tracking wristbands, for instance, are not only “uncool” for older children, but also are incredibly conspicuous and will more likely than not seriously upset a child with any kind of sense of privacy, perhaps making them even more resentful of parental controls. Having tracking running in background on a cell phone, on the other hand, may be viewed as slightly less offensive to most children, or a tracking device in the car for a teen.

Emergencies Only

For real emergencies, you don't necessarily need these services to find your child. Most phone companies track their customers anyway, whether the parent enables the service for their own benefit or not. While this is a whole other can of worms for technology ethicists, companies do this deliberately to comply with governmental guidelines, which require that cell phones be traceable for purposes of 911 calls. So, if the worst case scenario happens—the real reason most parents want to track their children—the ability is already there. So, why bother with real time tracking on a minute-to-minute basis?

Discover What Really Makes a Good Car GPS Unit

There are virtually countless GPS navigation units available in the market. There are certain important aspects of a GPS unit that makes it fit to be used as a GPS car unit. So, let us see what makes a good Car GPS unit

Basic Requirements

First of all, a Car GPS unit must be capable of receiving Real Time Traffic Updates and auto re-routing based on the same. Moreover, it must come with a legible screen, pre-loaded with local maps, and the Text-to-Speech Converter option.

What’s more, high portability, Picture Viewer, MP3 playback, Travel Guide, SD memory slot for extension of memory capacity, World clock, and goodies like the currency converters, temperature converters and the likes of them are also very handy to have on a Car GPS unit.

Top 5 Contenders

Having seen what really makes a good car GPS Unit, let us take a look at the top 5 contenders in the market that satisfy all the requirements and offer a plethora of options at reasonable price.

1. Garmin Nuvi 880

2. Navigon 7200T

3. Magellan Maestro 4370

4. Mio C520 Navigation Receiver

5. TomTom ONE 125 - GPS receiver

Now, let us take a detailed look at them one by one.

Garmin Nuvi 880

Of course, all the contenders in the Nuvi line-up are very promising, but the Garmin Nuvi 880 boasts of an endless list of impressive features including direct MSN Services, text-to-speech conversion capability, BlueTooth Integration, and impeccable performance.

However, what really distinguished the Nuvi 880 from the rest of the contenders is its accurate speech recognition system.

In this regard, it is acclaimed to be one of the best GPS devices ever produced, though it is very expensive, and route calculations aren't too promising.

Price Range: $1,000 - $1,011

Navigon 7200T

The trademark features of the Navigon 7200T include plethora of high-end features such as voice address entry, integrated Bluetooth operation, text-to-speech functionality, 3D landmark renderings, and its elegant stylish design.

However, when you compare this device with the Garmin or TomTom devices, the user interface and maps aren't up to the mark, nevertheless Navigon renders high performance.

The performance level can be further improvised with little training, especially in case of the address entry by voice (you need to check your pronunciation and fine tune it to increase the speed and easy of address entry via voice).

Price Range: $150 - $400

Magellan Maestro 4370

The Magellan Maestro 4370 comes with the innovative new OneTouch interface, rendering quick one-click access to the preferred destinations.

However, there are a couple of minor performance issues with the Maestro 4370, which bring down its rating it comparison to the other contenders.

However, it comes loaded with all necessary GPS features to make up a good car GPS Unit and provides accurate directions to the users.

Price Range: $260 - $640

Mio C520 Navigation Receiver

The sleek and stylish Mio C520 is an affordable GPS device that makes a perfect car GPS unit for the beginner level users.

Loaded with several advanced navigation features, an incredibly huge screen, as well as other goodies, the Mio C520 can also be used as video player.

The only bad thing is that relatively smoother performance and a better navigation experience is rendered by many of the competing systems, and its pricing is not too justifiable.

Price Range: $340 - $350

TomTom ONE 125 - GPS Receiver

Sure thing, the TomTom One 125 isn't one of the hottest portable navigation devices launched in the market off-late, but who really cares?

The TomTom One 125 is one of the most sizzling entry-level GPS devices available in the market at possibly the lowest price tag of under $100.

Therefore, for those don't fancy the latest expensive GPS devices in the market, TomTom One 125 can makes up a good car GPS unit.

Of course, you shouldn't be expecting too much at this price range, but as far as the basic navigation performance is concerned, there's absolutely nothing to complain about.

Price Range: $99 - $180

Conclusion

Depending upon your budget range and the desired features, you can pick any of the above-mentioned GPS units, because each of them have got exactly what it takes to be a good GPS car unit. However, each of them come with their own share of unique benefits and drawbacks at the same time.

Note: All the prices are approximate figures; please check up latest prices, as the variations are very high on rates of GPS Devices.

Are Aviation GPS Devices Illegal?

GPS is a potentially powerful tool for almost any field you can think of—not least of which civilian aviation. However, there are some legal issues surrounding aviation GPS devices which are important for anyone interested in purchasing one to see. Here's an overview.

Which Aviation GPS Units Are Illegal?

So, which devices are restricted for civilians? Sweet and simple: any GPS reciever that can operate at speeds faster than 500 m/s, or at heights greater than 18 km, are classified as munitions devices, thus making them illegal for civilians to use. Seeing that civilian aircraft don't generally don't go that high or that fast, there are few conflicts with this restriction.

At that, it's not so much that they're illegal as restricted. It's possible to acquire them, but to do so, one must request the appropriate export license from the US State Department. Obviously, the military has full use of such devices, and commercial airplane companies may be licensed for their use as well.

Why Are Some Aviation GPS Recievers Illegal?

These parameters are chosen specifically to prevent the use of ballistic missiles. Such missiles, if created with GPS recievers, would be incredibly dangerous—and incredibly accurate. The government isn't too keen on this possibility, and so created the parameteres that we know of today.

Of course, there are types of missiles that would not be affected by these restrictions—such as cruise missiles, which operate at about the same heights and speeds as many civilian airplanes. However, given the popularity—and importance—of civilian GPS units for safety and navigation concerns, it doesn't look like the government is going to be further tightening restrictions any time soon.

Has Aviation GPS Been Abused Before?

Nope. The only reported incident of aviation GPS aiding terrorists within the United States were the infamous 9/11 attacks, and that was hardly the fault of the GPS device installed within the planes involved. Other than that, there have been no other incidents, no ballistic missiles with GPS recievers to their target, nothing along those lines—at least within America. Other countries are another issue entirely.

Civilians with perfectly innocent intentions have run into trouble with these restrictions before, however. A common one is with balloon launches, which can reach heights of 100,000 feet—higher than legal GPS recievers can work at. There are many other problems within aviation GPS as well, including a lack of signal reception in many places that are popular with civilian pilots.

For more information about the US government and its policies regarding civilian aviation use of GPS, check out the official GPS website.

Other Countries

Some countries have more restrictions on the use of GPS in civilian aviation devices than the United States. If you happen to be in another country or plan on flying within one, it's up to you to check out the legalities within the country in question.

Geometric Trilateration: Learn the Basics and its Applications

Wondering what geometric trilateration is? Sure you are! In simple terms, to get the proper estimation of a landmark, the process of geometric trilateration is used. Want to know more? Great! Let us study the basics of trilateration, and see some of its common applications.

Basics of Trilateration

Basically, when mapping the area of a landmark, it is assumed that no error will be associated with the process. Working as mobile beacons, the job can be completed with help of a number of robots for the precise determination of the position. But, in this procedure, some uncertainty may definitely arise. By the use of a multivariate Gaussian distribution, a person can measure the uncertainty in position of a particular landmark.

In the trilateration process, the angular measurements are taken by the process of triangulation, while the actual position of an object is measured by range measurements. Both these procedures have been used for a long period of time, mainly for maritime navigation and geodesy.

Where is the principle of Geometric Trilateration Applied?

The basic principles used in the trilateration process are also used in modern navigation systems. Things can become clear by considering the example of aircraft and GPS receivers.

Radio beacons are used for applying triangulation on aircraft. In case of GPS receivers, the position of a particular object can be measured by applying the principle of geometric trilateration to satellites. To get the angles and ranges of a particular landmark, the mobile robots use a number of sensors.

After that, the principles of triangulation and trilateration are used in the estimation process. There are a number of instruments present where the use of sensor power varies. For example, the rate of angle measurement is very high in comparison to the other instruments such as sonar. But some of the measuring instruments today, such as stereo-cameras, are capable of finding angle as well as range simultaneously. A suitable environment is provided to a robot to perform its work, and the actual size of the robot often limits the number of sensors used.

Applications

There are number of applications of geometric trilateration. Keeping the research for the robotic world aside, the research for geometric trilateration is one of the main subjects for current days. GDOP (or the Geometric Dilution of Precision) is a dimensionless number that is capable of capturing the errors, while performing estimation of the actual position of an object. Nowadays, dynamic scenarios are successfully created because of improvement over angle measurements as well as estimation of position.

GPS navigation is the biggest field that relies on trilateration to satellites at known positions. Chaffee and Abel and McKay and Pachter have been known to carry out certain experimental studies that have been material in investigating the error metrics for GPS trilateration, though the results are still elementary.

Conclusion

Geometric Trilateration is one of the relatively unknown fields. Not too much of concrete info is available on the subject even online, and it is one of the hot topics for the researchers throughout the world. The analysis of trilateration discussed here, is expected to be used in development of an algorithm, which will be able to control the motion of the AUVs.

This will in turn help in optimizing the trilateration geometry in real-time applications, and it will definitely be a great boom in the GPS field.

Source: Paper on Minimizing Trilateration Errors in the Presence of Uncertain Landmark Positions, by Alexander Bahr John J. Leonard, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA

What Makes an Outdoor Portable GPS Superior?

With so many GPS products on the market designed for outdoor enthusiasts, what makes one unit better than another? This handy guide divulges the criteria and features found in the best units, then the second article in this series lists the top five brands and models based upon careful analysis.

The term portable GPS device encompasses a vast number of categories, functionalities, brands, and models. Navigating through the consumer jungle may become confusing and time-consuming if you’re not exactly sure which one will best suit you for the activities you will be using it for. This two part article series sifts through all those products which score the highest in portable GPS ratings by both consumers and experts.

Here we are reviewing the GPS devices geared specifically for use in the great outdoors. Although many of the GPS units that work in the car and are excellent for vehicular navigation, these models don’t possess the functions, features, and wherewithal to serve the outdoor enthusiast, and should, therefore, stay in the car. Whether you’re hiking, geocaching, fishing, backpacking, climbing, hunting, kayaking, or anything else you do on this big blue world while exposed to the elements, one of these GPS units will serve you well. So let’s get right into what those qualities are that contribute to making the best outdoor portable handheld GPS units on the market.

What You’ll Find in the Best GPS Handhelds

• Waterproof and durable to withstand the elements, and rugged use.

• Small and lightweight so you can carry it easily in a pocket, pack, or clipped to clothing, and can be operated with just one hand.

• 12 channels to lock on to the satellites; older models with less are too slow and not accurate enough.

• WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled – this means your GPS unit will give you up to five times the accuracy because you're linked in with a system of satellites that ensures position accuracy within 10 feet (3 meters) for about 95% of your searching endeavors. Many Garmin models have this technology.

• Plenty of waypoint storage capacity. Waypoints mark where the cache is. You can also input them as you go, to easily retrace your steps back. Expandable memory means detailed routes and points of interest for all your far flung travels in the backcountry are right at your finger tips.

• Removable SD Card for any additional maps you want on it.

• You want to be able to read the screen easily in direct sun, under heavy clouds, with your shades on, and at night.

• Long battery life. Easily replaceable and/or rechargeable.

• Preferably a USB cord compatibility to hook into your computer for downloading data such as maps and cache coordinates from software or online.

• A built-in compass that works when you’re not moving.

• Altimeter to know your elevation and to further assist you in acclimating to your surroundings.

• Mapping capabilities with terrain features included which either come with the unit, or the unit has the capability and storage room to download them off the Web or from software.

• A powerful external antenna certainly comes in handy when you're under a thick patch of cedars or deep in the canyons walled by either steep rock faces or skyscrapers. It keeps you from losing your lock on those eyes in the distant sky, the GPS satellite systems.

• A rocker key pad (operates with a wheel similar to an IPod) or touch-screen.

All of the top five share a great deal of these traits as you will see in the next article in this series which concisely reviews the top five. Incidentally, the best models for fishing, hunting, and geocaching are also highlighted in articles on our site.

Top Five Portable GPS for Outdoor Activities

In this two part series, we'll explore the design, functions, and features which comprise the make up of the best portable GPS units available for outdoor sports and hobbies and then go on to review the top five on the market.

Uses for Handheld GPS Devices

Handheld GPS units are portable and easy to use. If you have added this gadget to your collection but are not sure what to use it for, read on for some ideas

Camping, Hiking and Hunting

A handheld GPS is an ideal tool for campers, hikers and hunters and others enjoying the great outdoors to use. The most common use for a handheld GPS unit with this type of activity is simply finding your way to the campsite, hunting spot or other location and, of course, getting safely back to civilization. A handheld GPS can be useful in other ways, too.

Hunters can add specific locations to a handheld GPS if they spot tracks, rubs or feeding areas. This type of tracking can also help a hunter determine where deer or other animals.

Campers and hikers with compatible handheld GPS devices and the proper software can use their GPS unit not only to find their way to important spots, such as the designated restroom, and back, but also to track and contact one another. For example, the Garmin Rino 520 features a two-way radio in addition to GPS navigation. Read a review of the Garmin Rino 520 Handheld GPS here.

Hikers and bikers can use a handheld GPS to track favorite routes, record speeds and download special points of interest in national parks and other locations. Read Where to Find Free Maps for GPS to find and download maps of locations near you.

Photo Credit: sxc.hu/Robert Müller

Boating and Fishing

A handheld GPS can be used for boating, fishing and other water activities. You can use the handheld GPS to navigate across the water and back to shore, bookmarking favorite locations and details along the way. There are handheld GPS devices made especially for fishing. These handheld GPS units are typically waterproof, have lots of memory so that the avid fisherman can record favorite spots and information, and include marine cartography as well. Some handheld GPS devices include a built-in beacon, which can be a true lifesaver in the event of a storm or other mishap on the water.

To learn more about using a handheld GPS for fishing or boating, read the Bright Hub articles, Using a Handheld GPS Device Designed for Fishing, Best GPS Devices for Fishing and Why Have a Portable GPS with a Beacon?

Photo Credit: sxc.hu/Jade Colley

Geocaching

A popular use for a handheld GPS device is geocaching. Participants of this sport find the coordinates of a "cache," usually a small box containing trinkets, and load these coordinates into their handheld GPS units. Geocaching is a combination of hiking and treasure hunting, and is enjoyed by adults and children. To learn more about geocaching, read What is Geocaching? Then, should you decide to give it a try, check out The Best Handheld GPS Units for Geocaching and Where to Find Geocaching Software for Your GPS.

More Ideas

For other ideas on buying and using a handheld GPS, read Handheld GPS for Horse Riding, GPS for Motorcycles and Buy a GPS Unit on a Budget.

What Makes an Outdoor Portable GPS Superior?

With so many GPS products on the market designed for outdoor enthusiasts, what makes one unit better than another? This handy guide divulges the criteria and features found in the best units, then the second article in this series lists the top five brands and models based upon careful analysis.

The term portable GPS device encompasses a vast number of categories, functionalities, brands, and models. Navigating through the consumer jungle may become confusing and time-consuming if you’re not exactly sure which one will best suit you for the activities you will be using it for. This two part article series sifts through all those products which score the highest in portable GPS ratings by both consumers and experts.

Here we are reviewing the GPS devices geared specifically for use in the great outdoors. Although many of the GPS units that work in the car and are excellent for vehicular navigation, these models don’t possess the functions, features, and wherewithal to serve the outdoor enthusiast, and should, therefore, stay in the car. Whether you’re hiking, geocaching, fishing, backpacking, climbing, hunting, kayaking, or anything else you do on this big blue world while exposed to the elements, one of these GPS units will serve you well. So let’s get right into what those qualities are that contribute to making the best outdoor portable handheld GPS units on the market.

What You’ll Find in the Best GPS Handhelds

• Waterproof and durable to withstand the elements, and rugged use.

• Small and lightweight so you can carry it easily in a pocket, pack, or clipped to clothing, and can be operated with just one hand.

• 12 channels to lock on to the satellites; older models with less are too slow and not accurate enough.

• WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled – this means your GPS unit will give you up to five times the accuracy because you're linked in with a system of satellites that ensures position accuracy within 10 feet (3 meters) for about 95% of your searching endeavors. Many Garmin models have this technology.

• Plenty of waypoint storage capacity. Waypoints mark where the cache is. You can also input them as you go, to easily retrace your steps back. Expandable memory means detailed routes and points of interest for all your far flung travels in the backcountry are right at your finger tips.

• Removable SD Card for any additional maps you want on it.

• You want to be able to read the screen easily in direct sun, under heavy clouds, with your shades on, and at night.

• Long battery life. Easily replaceable and/or rechargeable.

• Preferably a USB cord compatibility to hook into your computer for downloading data such as maps and cache coordinates from software or online.

• A built-in compass that works when you’re not moving.

• Altimeter to know your elevation and to further assist you in acclimating to your surroundings.

• Mapping capabilities with terrain features included which either come with the unit, or the unit has the capability and storage room to download them off the Web or from software.

• A powerful external antenna certainly comes in handy when you're under a thick patch of cedars or deep in the canyons walled by either steep rock faces or skyscrapers. It keeps you from losing your lock on those eyes in the distant sky, the GPS satellite systems.

• A rocker key pad (operates with a wheel similar to an IPod) or touch-screen.

All of the top five share a great deal of these traits as you will see in the next article in this series which concisely reviews the top five. Incidentally, the best models for fishing, hunting, and geocaching are also highlighted in articles on our site.

Top Five Portable GPS for Outdoor Activities

In this two part series, we'll explore the design, functions, and features which comprise the make up of the best portable GPS units available for outdoor sports and hobbies and then go on to review the top five on the market.

Iridium/Boeing Partnership Bring Advances in GPS

Keep your fingers crossed... Rumors abound that the military will release their latest toys to the public in the near future. Iridium and Boeing have come up with some major advances in GPS. Learn more about these huge steps in GPS.

Advances in GPS

Hopefully, what happened with the Internet will happen with the latest collaboration between Iridium Satellite LLC and Boeing. These two companies have developed improvements to the United States Naval Research Laboratory High Integrity Global Positioning System (GPS) program.

The Enhanced Narrowband (ENB) software has been released to modify Iridium satellites’ computers. This software allows for better and faster GPS positioning throughout the collection of Iridium satellites and is intended to improve satellite technology far beyond current abilities.

But, why is this technology being developed? Most of it has to do with military warfare. Soldiers will be able to obtain better GPS signals in mountainous regions, forested areas, canyons, or even where the enemy is blocking their signal or there are battlefield interferences.

Accurate GPS in the Toughest Positions

If you’ve ever used a GPS system, you know that certain areas can block signals or cause directions to be inaccurate. This improved system means that if one were lost in a canyon region, he would be able to immediately and accurately get updated position information. Imagine what this could do for the average consumer. For the moment, this is only available to the military. But, we can hope that it will be released to the American public in a few years.

The team of Boeing and Iridium has also released an improvement to moving vehicles. Basically, when a vehicle is moving and the GPS is being jammed, this new software release allows the vehicle to within a few minutes obtain a fixed position of where they are at. Made for the United States Air Force, this will improve navigation, provide better signals to the vehicles, allow for better accuracy of that position, and improve the vehicles ability to locate their position even if their signal is being blocked. The idea is to use Iridium's lower Earth orbit satellites to rebroadcast the GPS signals so that it reaches the ground level equipment.

This new GPS system is not likely to be implemented before the major upgrade of the constellation in 2014. Right now, this is just a patent, and the hardware has not been released.

Boeing and Iridium

Boeing is very familiar to many people, but Iridium is less known despite the fact that they provide global mobile satellite services, including voice and data service, to companies such as the Department of Defense and United States and other international government agencies. They are releasing new technologies all the time for their high-profile GPS customers.

Iridium/Boeing Partnership Bring Advances in GPS

Keep your fingers crossed... Rumors abound that the military will release their latest toys to the public in the near future. Iridium and Boeing have come up with some major advances in GPS. Learn more about these huge steps in GPS.

Advances in GPS

Hopefully, what happened with the Internet will happen with the latest collaboration between Iridium Satellite LLC and Boeing. These two companies have developed improvements to the United States Naval Research Laboratory High Integrity Global Positioning System (GPS) program.

The Enhanced Narrowband (ENB) software has been released to modify Iridium satellites’ computers. This software allows for better and faster GPS positioning throughout the collection of Iridium satellites and is intended to improve satellite technology far beyond current abilities.

But, why is this technology being developed? Most of it has to do with military warfare. Soldiers will be able to obtain better GPS signals in mountainous regions, forested areas, canyons, or even where the enemy is blocking their signal or there are battlefield interferences.

Accurate GPS in the Toughest Positions

If you’ve ever used a GPS system, you know that certain areas can block signals or cause directions to be inaccurate. This improved system means that if one were lost in a canyon region, he would be able to immediately and accurately get updated position information. Imagine what this could do for the average consumer. For the moment, this is only available to the military. But, we can hope that it will be released to the American public in a few years.

The team of Boeing and Iridium has also released an improvement to moving vehicles. Basically, when a vehicle is moving and the GPS is being jammed, this new software release allows the vehicle to within a few minutes obtain a fixed position of where they are at. Made for the United States Air Force, this will improve navigation, provide better signals to the vehicles, allow for better accuracy of that position, and improve the vehicles ability to locate their position even if their signal is being blocked. The idea is to use Iridium's lower Earth orbit satellites to rebroadcast the GPS signals so that it reaches the ground level equipment.

This new GPS system is not likely to be implemented before the major upgrade of the constellation in 2014. Right now, this is just a patent, and the hardware has not been released.

Boeing and Iridium

Boeing is very familiar to many people, but Iridium is less known despite the fact that they provide global mobile satellite services, including voice and data service, to companies such as the Department of Defense and United States and other international government agencies. They are releasing new technologies all the time for their high-profile GPS customers.

Iridium/Boeing Partnership Bring Advances in GPS

Keep your fingers crossed... Rumors abound that the military will release their latest toys to the public in the near future. Iridium and Boeing have come up with some major advances in GPS. Learn more about these huge steps in GPS.

Advances in GPS

Hopefully, what happened with the Internet will happen with the latest collaboration between Iridium Satellite LLC and Boeing. These two companies have developed improvements to the United States Naval Research Laboratory High Integrity Global Positioning System (GPS) program.

The Enhanced Narrowband (ENB) software has been released to modify Iridium satellites’ computers. This software allows for better and faster GPS positioning throughout the collection of Iridium satellites and is intended to improve satellite technology far beyond current abilities.

But, why is this technology being developed? Most of it has to do with military warfare. Soldiers will be able to obtain better GPS signals in mountainous regions, forested areas, canyons, or even where the enemy is blocking their signal or there are battlefield interferences.

Accurate GPS in the Toughest Positions

If you’ve ever used a GPS system, you know that certain areas can block signals or cause directions to be inaccurate. This improved system means that if one were lost in a canyon region, he would be able to immediately and accurately get updated position information. Imagine what this could do for the average consumer. For the moment, this is only available to the military. But, we can hope that it will be released to the American public in a few years.

The team of Boeing and Iridium has also released an improvement to moving vehicles. Basically, when a vehicle is moving and the GPS is being jammed, this new software release allows the vehicle to within a few minutes obtain a fixed position of where they are at. Made for the United States Air Force, this will improve navigation, provide better signals to the vehicles, allow for better accuracy of that position, and improve the vehicles ability to locate their position even if their signal is being blocked. The idea is to use Iridium's lower Earth orbit satellites to rebroadcast the GPS signals so that it reaches the ground level equipment.

This new GPS system is not likely to be implemented before the major upgrade of the constellation in 2014. Right now, this is just a patent, and the hardware has not been released.

Boeing and Iridium

Boeing is very familiar to many people, but Iridium is less known despite the fact that they provide global mobile satellite services, including voice and data service, to companies such as the Department of Defense and United States and other international government agencies. They are releasing new technologies all the time for their high-profile GPS customers.