By Daryl Plaza
More and more people are beginning to use GPS mapping as the primary way they plan, map, and track their trips for both business and for pleasure. With GPS maps, you can route trips to any destination, whether you are driving in your car with a vehicle GPS navigation system installed or hiking or biking through the wilderness with a handheld GPS mapping device. The GPS unit will connect with numerous satellites, receiving data and information about its location. The GPS tracking software will then use GPS mapping technology to create a GPS map that you can view and interact with. You can then plan routes and organize trips on your GPS receiver, as well as several other useful features. The various abilities and functions of the GPS database system is a primary factor of the cost of a GPS device.
Mapmakers and GPS manufacturers all have their own system of creating maps, but most maps begin with the placement of governmental sites, like fire and police stations, schools, and similar community landmarks. Aerial images and satellite photos are then layered into the basic map, along with any important additions that may be needed, to display the GPS map seen on the device. Some GPS mapping devices can produce immediate graphics of your location and surroundings, making it possible to view a real-time map that changes as your location changes. This type of GPS map is great in emergency situations.The features of GPS maps vary. Most software includes maps of cities, along with the major highways. These maps may also include city level streets, rivers and waterways, and even less traveled side roads. Many GPS mapping systems include features that make it possible to obtain maps from your computer, making it easy and convenient to travel to any area.
How to Read a GPS Mapping System
The most common way for a GPS receiver to display your global location is with a plot screen, using a series of waypoints in the area. So that you can track your position logically, you should always set the plot screen directions so that north is up, or towards the top of your device so it reads like a map. The device will allow you to navigate through the GPS map, zooming in and out or even shifting the maps location. The GPS database will allow you to save various waypoints, typically at least one hundred, and label them with brief descriptions. Your waypoints and their names can help plan routes quickly in the future.GPS devices come with a map datum already installed. This is a basic representation of the land formations in the country or area where the unit was designed. GPS units manufactured in the United States are installed with North American map datum, so it is necessary to install additional software if the unit will be used outside the country.
The GPS Database
Most of the more costly GPS units come with an integrated GPS database program. The GPS database contains permanent waypoints that help the system recognize your location and guide your travels. A GPS system used during flights, for example, would usually have a GPS database with various airports and other navigational tools that aid in tracking their position. With these waypoints already programmed into the database, you can simply choose your destination and map your route without additional typing or searching. Most GPS mapping devices include a basic GPS database with cities and towns, major streets, and some side roads. Some GPS units have an empty database that the user must create. Global positioning systems first came into use during the 1960s and there are currently at least 24 GPS satellites in orbit. These advancements in GPS technology led to GPS mapping, making it easy to map practically any location. GIC GPS mapping software allows instant access to images of practically any location. Sometimes the resolution and clarity of the satellite image is so good, you can see cars and trees in the image.
GPS Mapping Terms
� Location fix refers to signals sent out from the satellites to the GPS unit to relate your location with an accuracy of 20 to 40 feet.
� Track is the dark, dotted pattern that is displayed on the plot screen to represent your route.
� Waypoints are individual reference points that aid in trip planning and route plotting.
� The course is your complete trip, from the start point to the ending destination.
� Bearing refers to your location in relation to your route and your surroundings.
� Heading is your destination, or ending point, and is displayed in either letters or degrees.
The Future of GPS Tracking Systems
We are already aware of the differences GPS mapping technology has made in modern day life. We can now access a variety of information within minutes, and GPS maps are only the beginning. The future of global positioning systems and GPS devices is uncertain, but it is sure to be positive. GPS technology is capable of creating endless uses as more advancements are introduced for global positioning are made, and it is quite likely that GPS receiver units will become an even larger part of our society.
About The Author
Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to GPSSearchAndFind.com a informative GPS website that gathers information on all GPS topics so that consumers can better understand global positioning technology.
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Write Here, Write Now: And you thought you were overloaded with information now, just wait. Hewlett Packard is working on a technology to let folks print messages in mid-air based on their location incorporating GPS technology. I find this stuff fascinating, even if no one seems to have thought of a good use for it yet. The first sentence of the article is right, though: "The kids are going to love this." in New Scientist via RCPL's Liblog]
When the ALA summer conference was in San Francisco in 1997, the SF Museum of Modern Art had a fascinating exhibit called Icons: Magnets of Meaning. I spent hours browsing through it, but one of the pieces that has always stuck in my mind was called @: Marking the Electrosphere . It talked about the meaning of that one little symbol. How it can define, place, and root you in the world, but at the same time let you be found anywhere. Integrated, widespread use of GPS is going to take this to a whole new level.
Global Positioning Systems offer everything from hole overviews to Internet access "Shortgrass Technologies' Internet-based sports information system and financial ticker enables golfers to check college football scores on a Saturday afternoon or the price of stocks any weekday. Global positioning systems can track golf cars no matter where they are on the course, thus discovering bottlenecks and slower play. Golfers can order beverages and food en route to the turn, so golf clubs can offer more than a quick hot dog - a higher priced chicken sandwich, for instance...."
I always thought that GPS would go mainstream in automobiles first, and in a way I suppose it has, but maybe golfers will lead the real charge. I could have used a portable, library-centered GPS system myself to navigate the Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library when I was there last fall!
Lots of interesting articles from today's PC World. First up, Microsoft Takes on MapQuest: "MSN launches MapPoint online mapping service, offering maps, directions, and more."
Apparently this is going to be yet another component of MS' push for .Net services with hooks into other MSN services. MapPoint is XML-based, which makes it interesting in other ways, and there it launches with a phone-based direction service. The articles notes that this is another step towards location-based services. "For example, you might someday be able to click on a Windows Messenger buddy's name and retrieve a map showing the location of his or her home."
Good or bad? You make the call. I like parts of this, but I'm incredibly wary of .Net.
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