GPS navigation systems use a small receiver inside your dashboard unit. This receiver picks up signals from a minimum of three satellites orbiting the earth; the triangulation method. Much like navigators used in the days before technology, your system "triangulates" your position based on the intersecting point of circles that represents the distance from each satellite in relation to where your unit is. Then usually a fourth satellite is used to determine movement and speed.
These systems can be used two ways, the first is as a locator. The GPS system emits a locator beacon for satellites to follow. Police departments use this in conjunction with a company called "Lojack". A tracking center monitor the movements of several people or vehicles in real time. Weather its to hunt down a criminal in a stolen car, the military tracking its troop movements or a mother in search of her lost child. GPS systems are here and affecting our everyday lives.
In order for navigation to help you to your destination it needs a map to guide itself and you. Most of these units include that in the package when purchased. Usually in the form of SD card (scan disk), more maps can be downloaded from the companies website. The systems don't always work by themselves, but often are used in conjunction with other technology. Traffic data suppliers collect data from road sensors, local dept. of transportation, listening to police scanners and even using transportation companies fleets of trucks to gather information. Road network data is received and distributed for two main informative streams. Incident data, that identifies and signals all GPS units in the vicinity to be aware of an accident or roadwork. Then there is flow data showing the average speed vehicles are currently traveling on a particular section of road.
Now that most GPS navigation systems are affordable, they can be picked up pretty much anywhere. They make great gifts and when combined with services such as traffic and weather,. They have become invaluable to daily commuters and trucking/taxi services. Even local and Federal governments use them in their vehicles. Making them easy to take for granted, affordability and multiple daily uses makes these items perfect for anyone and everyone.
Editor: Lee
Article source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?GPS-Navigation-For-Everyone&id=2792038
These systems can be used two ways, the first is as a locator. The GPS system emits a locator beacon for satellites to follow. Police departments use this in conjunction with a company called "Lojack". A tracking center monitor the movements of several people or vehicles in real time. Weather its to hunt down a criminal in a stolen car, the military tracking its troop movements or a mother in search of her lost child. GPS systems are here and affecting our everyday lives.
In order for navigation to help you to your destination it needs a map to guide itself and you. Most of these units include that in the package when purchased. Usually in the form of SD card (scan disk), more maps can be downloaded from the companies website. The systems don't always work by themselves, but often are used in conjunction with other technology. Traffic data suppliers collect data from road sensors, local dept. of transportation, listening to police scanners and even using transportation companies fleets of trucks to gather information. Road network data is received and distributed for two main informative streams. Incident data, that identifies and signals all GPS units in the vicinity to be aware of an accident or roadwork. Then there is flow data showing the average speed vehicles are currently traveling on a particular section of road.
Now that most GPS navigation systems are affordable, they can be picked up pretty much anywhere. They make great gifts and when combined with services such as traffic and weather,. They have become invaluable to daily commuters and trucking/taxi services. Even local and Federal governments use them in their vehicles. Making them easy to take for granted, affordability and multiple daily uses makes these items perfect for anyone and everyone.
Editor: Lee
Article source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?GPS-Navigation-For-Everyone&id=2792038