Can you answer FB’s question about GPS?:

Hello;

I really would like to understand the difference between Car GPS and Trecking GPS. Are they similar?

I mean here from the point of syncing with satellites. I saw some trecking GPS that sync with 12 ( 12 channels). Does that mean that they are more sensitive than Car GPS?

Is it possible to use car GPS for trecking
Or are there GPS that can be used for both applications at the same time, and may be also for sailing, let’s say
If they are identical hardware-wise, does that mean one can use maps files for cars on a trecking GPS, or vice-versa?

Thank you in advance.

Car Gps Navigation System

When you hear about General Positioning System (GPS) system, you should first consider the GPS receiver. It is the part of the device responsible of processing the signal sent by the satellite in the space to find out your actual location. The receiver is usually placed on the dashboard of your car or underneath it. It renders on a dedicated output device your screen your destination.

The entire GPS is a constellation of about 27 satellites rolling around the center of the Earth at a steady speed. Amongst these satellites, 24 of them are responsible of processing signals emitted by the receiver and the remaining satellites are used for storage purposes on case of an unplanned event. The GPS receiver is responsible of hooking up with satellites used for storage purposes and working out its position from that satellite by computing their distance. The mathematical tenet used for this purpose is named trilateration.

Trilateration can be achieved in two dimensions and also in three dimensions. The rationale of this mathematical principle is to work out a triangle where you are located at the center of it. As soon as the GPS receiver emits its position and makes a connection with other satellites, it immediately works out three nearest points and computes your position.

Three types of GPS receivers can be noticed: those which can be installed in a car, lightweight and mobile GPS receivers and tracking GPS receivers. It is obvious that portable receivers are a huge boon for outdoor activities.

Finally, it is good to know that the actual process of GPS receivers is a little bit more intricate than what was described in previous sections. However, throughout this article, although the main objective was to give a broad overview how they work in theory the next paragraph will delve into advanced details about GPS computations.

From previous sections, we learnt that the GPS receiver computes its distance to the nearest available satellites in space by noticing the time spent by the emission of a given signal from the receiver to the satellite. There are another category of GPS receivers that you have not mentioned throughout this article. In order to overcome the lack of precision of the traditional GPS receiver, differential GPS receivers were born. Their rationale is to estimate the level of GPS errors at a stationary receiver station with a location that was already computed before. Since the Differential GPS hardware at the station is already aware of its own location, it can work out its receiver’s level of errors in a straightforward way. The station then broadcasts a radio signal to all Differential GPS-equipped receivers in the nearby area, providing signal correction information for that area. In general, accessing this correction information makes Differential GPS receivers much more correct and precise than traditional GPS receivers.

The most essential function of a GPS receiver is to pick up the transmissions of at least four available satellites and combine the information in those transmissions with information in an electronic almanac, all in order to figure out the receiver’s position on Earth.



Thanks to John B. Mayall for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Gps Handheld Receiver

Today you’ll find GPS devices everywhere, but you may not realize that there are GPS running watches available. These are special watches that are equipped with GPS, and they are great for people involved in fitness, whether professional or amateurs. Interested in learning more? Well, here is a closer look at GPS running watches and all they have to offer.

Great for Athletes

You’ll find that GPS running watches are purchases that many men and women athletes are beginning to make. In fact, athletes often use GPS running watches for training and they are as important as their clothing and shoes to many. There are more and more athletes starting to add these GPS running watches to their essentials. You’ll find that the watches are far more than just a time device, but they offer great training options and of course the GPS running watches have GPS on them, a handy thing to have when you’re training.

The GPS running watches offer many excellent features. They act as a stop watch and they also help you to track where you are or find your way where you are going as well. Some of the GPS running watches have even more features, such as monitors for heart rate and more.

Understanding GPS

If you are interested in GPS running watches, you may be wondering what exactly GPS is all about. Well, it stands for “Global Positioning System.” Basically the GPS uses a series of satellites for navigation purposes. Not only are there GPS running watches available, but today you can commonly find GPS devices in boats, cars, airplanes, and more.

Tips for Buying

Today there are more and more manufacturers that are offering GPS running watches. Since there are so many great choices available, making a choice of the best watch can be a bit difficult. So, how do you make sure you get a great watch for a great deal? Well, first of all, comparing prices is important. Don’t buy the first GPS running watches you find. You can find these watches at sports shops and on the internet. Purchasing on the internet can be a great idea, since often prices are cheaper there, just remember that you won’t be able to actually handle the watch before buying when you purchase online. On the other hand, you can definitely save a lot of time browsing and shopping for GPS running watches on the web.

Where to Find GPS Running Watches Online

There are a variety of wonderful online stores that are now selling GPS running watches. You can often find them on Amazon.com, which is a website that is well known and reputable. Various sports stores, such as Revel Sports, offer GPS running watches for sale on the web. So, if you are considering making your first purchase on the web, there are many reputable sites where you can find excellent RPS running watches for purchase.



Thanks to Dennis Campbell for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Fleet Vehicle Gps