GPS INFORMATION

Timex readying GPS-equipped Ironman Global Trainer wristwatch By Darren Murph posted Jan 25th 2010 6:37PM It's been a white hot minute since we've se

2010-01-28T02:53:00.000-08:00

It's been a white hot minute since we've seen a snazzy new timepiece from the labs at Timex, but it seems that the outfit will finally be dishing out a new GPS-laden watch a year after introducing the Expedition WS4. Set to debut next month, the Ironman Global Trainer with GPS is easily one of the slimmest, most not-ugly GPS watches we've ever seen. At a glance, you'd never know that such features as real-time speed, pace and distance data were included courtesy of the SiRFstarIII module tucked within, and you'll also get 50 meters of water resistance, a customizable display to showcase four metrics at once and the ability to push performance reports out to your PC. The device will be compatible with Timex heart rate and bike sensors, not to mention any third-party power meters utilizing ANT+ wireless technology. Unfortunately, next month's reveal will only let you know that it'll ship this May to REI stores here in the States, while the rest of the world will have to wait until September to strap one on.

GPS at Risk: Doomsday 2010

2010-01-28T02:47:00.000-08:00

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued on May 7 an alarming report on the future of GPS, characterizing ongoing modernization efforts as shaky. The agency appears to single out the IIF program as the weak link between current stability and ensured future capability, calling into doubt “whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption.” It asserts the very real possibility that “in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to.”
Prepared at the request of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and titled "Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities," the report concludes that "it is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.”

“In addition,” the report summary continues, “military users will experience a delay in utilizing new GPS capabilities, including improved resistance to jamming of GPS signals, because of poor synchronization of the acquisition and development of the satellites with the ground control and user equipment. Finally, there are challenges in ensuring civilian requirements for GPS can be met and that GPS is compatible with other new, potentially competing global space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems."

Among the report’s principal recommendations is a proposal often made in past years by a range of experts, but never implemented: the Secretary of Defense should appoint “a single authority to oversee the development of GPS, including space, ground control, and user equipment assets, to ensure these assets are synchronized and well executed, and potential disruptions are minimized.”

While the Department of Defense (DoD) concurred with this recommendation, and while quite possibly it might effectuate the streamlined decision-making and corollary processes to remedy the highlighted deficiencies, it would run counter to the integral “dual-use” principle of GPS as dedicated to both civil and military users. Such a move could thus conceivably and adversely affect the interests of civil users.

The full report can be downloaded from the GAO website.

Testimony from invited GPS providers and users before a related National Security Subcommittee hearing ("GPS: Can We Avoid a Gap in Service?"), some of which is briefly encapsulated within this news story, can be downloaded.

Why GAO Did This Study. A highlights document attached to the GAO report asserts that GPS “has become essential to U.S. national security.” The GAO conducted its own analysis of Air Force satellite data, in addition to interviewing key officials and analyzing program documentation. Specifically, the agency assessed progress in:

* acquiring GPS satellites
* acquiring the ground control and user equipment necessary to leverage GPS satellite capabilities
* coordinating efforts among federal agencies and other organizations to ensure GPS missions can be accomplished.

Gloomy Outcomes. Based on the most recent satellite reliability and launch schedule data from March of this year, the estimated long-term probability of maintaining a constellation of at least 24 operational satellites falls below 95 percent during fiscal year 2010 and remains below 95 percent until the end of fiscal year 2014, at times falling to about 80 percent. Program officials provided no evidence to suggest that the current mean life expectancy for satellites is overly conservative, the GAO stated.

The results of fewer than 24 operational satellites could include:

* Intercontinental commercial air carriers may have to delay, cancel, or reroute flights.
* Enhanced-911 response to emergency calls could lose accuracy, particularly operating in urban and mountainous environments — exactly where emergencies tend to be most dire and hardest to locate.
* Accuracy of precision-guided munitions could decrease, forcing the military to use larger munitions or use more munitions on the same target to achieve the same level of mission success, and increasing the risks of collateral damage. The urgent desire to decrease or eliminate collateral damage to civilians in or near conflict zones has often been cited by the founders of GPS as one of their key motivations in envisioning the program.
* Both standard positioning service and precise positioning service could suffer, impacting large numbers of civil users, both professional (for example, surveyors) and casual (users of location-based services via cell phones) in moderately mountainous areas, in large cities, and under forest foliage.

Block IIF at the Crux. Cristina T. Chaplain of the GAO presented the report to Congress, stating, “In recent years, the Air Force has struggled to successfully build GPS satellites within cost and schedule goals; it encountered significant technical problems that still threaten its delivery schedule; and it struggled with a different contractor. As a result, the current IIF satellite program has overrun its original cost estimate by about $870 million and the launch of its first satellite has been delayed to November 2009 — almost three years late.”

The GAO reports cites specific problems with the IIF satellites contracted to Boeing. During the first phase of thermal vacuum testing in 2008, one of the test payload’s transmitters failed; consequently, the program suspended testing in August 2008 to identify the causes and take corrective action. Other hang-ups include maintaining the proper propellant fuel-line temperature, delaying final integration testing, and re-design of the satellite's reaction wheels, used for pointing accuracy, because of on-orbit failures on similar reaction wheels on other satellite programs. Overall, about $10 million additional have accrued to program, according to the GAO.

“Further, while the Air Force is structuring the new GPS IIIA program to prevent mistakes made on the IIF program, the Air Force is aiming to deploy the next generation of GPS satellites three years faster than the IIF satellites. GAO's analysis found that this schedule is optimistic, given the program's late start, past trends in space acquisitions, and challenges facing the new contractor.

“Of particular concern is leadership for GPS acquisition, as GAO and other studies have found the lack of a single point of authority for space programs and frequent turnover in program managers have hampered requirements setting, funding stability, and resource allocation.

“If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to. Such a gap in capability could have wide-ranging impacts on all GPS users, though there are measures the Air Force and others can take to plan for and minimize these impacts.

“In addition to risks facing the acquisition of new GPS satellites, the Air Force has not been fully successful in synchronizing the acquisition and development of the next generation of GPS satellites with the ground control and user equipment, thereby delaying the ability of military users to fully utilize new GPS satellite capabilities.

“Diffuse leadership has been a contributing factor, given that there is no single authority responsible for synchronizing all procurements and fielding related to GPS, and funding has been diverted from ground programs to pay for problems in the space segment. DoD and others involved in ensuring GPS can serve communities beyond the military have taken prudent steps to manage requirements and coordinate among the many organizations involved with GPS. However, GAO identified challenges in the areas of ensuring civilian requirements can be met and ensuring GPS compatibility with other new, potentially competing global space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems.”

Staving Off Disaster. In the course of its interviews with key officials, the GAO learned of and reports on some alternatives that have been examined. The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board considered the use of smaller GPS satellites in 2007. These could be developed more quickly and at lower cost. The board concluded that while small satellites could at some point serve to augment GPS capabilities, they would require a different and much more extensive ground control segment, program development would take too long, and necessary changes to user equipment would render the whole scheme cumbersome.

The effects of satellite power loss over time, due to harsh space conditions, could be mitigated by shutting down satellite subsystems when not needed, reducing power consumption, also by shutting off a secondary (unnamed) GPS payload. DoD has long been reluctant to take either measure absolutely, particularly the second one, but according to testimony (see below) has been implementing both practices on an intermittent basis.

Day in Congress. Other GPS community representatives testified to the House Oversight and Government Reform’s subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, alongside GAO spokesperson Chaplain.

According to Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, Commander, 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command, the Space Command maintains the required minimum of at least 24 GPS satellites in orbit, and the current level of 30 operational satellites, by keeping a “ghost fleet” of older, partially mission-capable satellites in backup mode. “Currently, three vehicles are held in residual status and are returned to the constellation every six months to ensure operational capability.” He stated that added life also is being squeezed from the satellites by reducing power to or turning off equipment for secondary missions aboard the satellites.

Karen Van Dyke, acting director for Positioning, Navigation and Timing in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), told the Congressional committee that “GPS is vulnerable to interference that can be reduced, but not eliminated.” Citing the 2001 Volpe Report for which she was a key author, she stated that there has long been “an awareness within the transportation community of risks associated with use of GPS as a primary means for position determination and precision timing. Due to the reliance of transportation on GPS signals, it is essential that threats be mitigated and alternative back-ups be available, and the system be hardened for critical applications. DOT has determined that sufficient alternative navigation aids currently exist in the event of a loss of GPS-based services.”

Nearly simultaneously with the GAO report and congressional hearings, the long-withheld Independent Assessment Team report on eLoran as a GPS backup has just been released.

F. Michael Swiek, Executive Director, U.S. GPS Industry Council and a member of GPS World’s Editorial Advisory Board, reminded Congress of the dual-use nature of the system, saying “The U.S. Government has promoted and encouraged [GPS] development by establishing, maintaining and reinforcing a stable policy framework that has consistently received farsighted and bipartisan support. It has been a true partnership of shared visions, discussions and debates, cooperation, and coordination. This has been possible through the open dialogue that has taken place since the early days of GPS, some 25-plus years ago, between civilian and military, industry, and government on technical and policy issues as the technology, system, and applications have evolved.”

Swiek made his recommendation that “successful adoption of modernized civilian GPS signals will occur if the installed user base can continue to trust the consistent and stable policy framework that the U.S. government has provided for GPS for two decades. The new signals will need to sustain the legacy of accuracy, availability, and reliability established over the past 20 years.”

Chet Huber, president of OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, and at nearly 6 million active subscribers probably the largest single group of civil GPS users, offered three recommendations:

“First, we must address the health of the current constellation. We are concerned that a recent report shows eight of the current satellites are one component from total failure. Loss of signal will likely immediately affect GPS accuracy and availability (geographic coverage).

“Second, as the GPS system is modernized, it is imperative that the U.S. government formally commit to preserving the L1C/A signal and to ensuring backward compatibility for legacy applications with no loss of performance from current levels. . . . Any modernization initiative that degrades backward compatible performance — such as reducing the number of satellites making up the constellation — would likely adversely impact the provision of services by OnStar, including the quality of location information we provide to public safety, thereby potentially increasing the response time of public safety personnel to crash victims and others in need of emergency services.

“Our third recommendation — and this is also important to legacy applications — is that we commit to maintaining the current PRN code (or satellite signature structure) for the primary orbital slots, as satellites in those slots are replaced. Legacy hardware is not capable of being expanded to accommodate more than 32 slots so renumbering above 32 will likely affect performance of legacy applications.”

Garmin's Oregon 550

2010-01-28T02:40:00.000-08:00

Overview

Garmin's latest handheld GPS receiver, is the new and improved Oregon 550 series. It picks up where the Oregon 200, 300 and 400 left off, adding a built in 3.2 megapixel camera, with automatic geocoding of where the photo is taken, a three axis compass, giving accurate readings regardless of how the unit is held and what Garmin says is improved visibility with the touchscreen. The 550 and 550t model, which adds preloaded 100k topo maps of the United States, also benefits from the firmware improvements made to the original Oregon units. In addition to the camera and three axis electronic compass, the 550 has a barometric altimeter, and the ability to share wirelessly between other compatible Garmin units. The 550 lists for $499 and the 550t for $599. Check discount prices here.

Hardware
The Oregon 550 comes in a similar package as the previous Oregon models. It does however, include an NiMH battery charger (does not rapid charge) which will charge four batteries at a time. However, the package only includes two rechargable batteries. The 550 also supports operation with lithium or alkaline AA's. There is a very brief quick start guide and the owner's manual comes on a CD-ROM. However, it is a manual for all of the Oregon models, 200 through the 550t. It is not as detailed about the features as I would have liked.

Software
First, the Oregon 550 has the same recent feature updates in the Oregon series. Waypoint averaging, waypoint edit, Sight-n-Go and even the ability to custom name a map file, with the .img extension is available. As of November 2009, Garmin released its Garmin Custom Maps, which adds incredible versatility to the unit. In December, a beta update introduced dashboards to the compass, map, elevation pages, adding even more ability to customize the Oregon. We suggest you check the Garmin WebUpdater on regular basis for these updates. I am focusing on the camera, geotagging, touchscreen and compass, since these are the main changes in this unit.

This is the main menu page, with my
own custom photo added for the
background image.

Camera
The camera is 3.2 megapixel and the images it captures are much better than I expected. (I had feared nothing more than a cell phone type camera) You have the option of setting the resolution to 3.2MP, 2MP or 1 megapixel, which will vary the file size of the image. For the 2 megapixel images, they average about a 500 KB file. For 3.2, expect about a 750 KB file per image. The camera seems to do pretty well, even for up close photos, however there is no macro function available.

Microsoft MapPoint GPS 2009

2009-02-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

MapPoint 2009 with GPS Locator combines powerful data mapping, information analysis, and communication tools with the simplicity of the Microsoft Office System and is available with or without a GPS locator for tracking your location in real-time.
Business Mapping Made Simple
Microsoft MapPoint 2009 gives you the power to visualize business data, communicate insights with instant impact, and integrate maps into the work you do in Microsoft Office. MapPoint 2009 with GPS Locator adds routing and directions to easily plan your trips and track your location in real-time.

MapPoint 2009 makes it easy for organizations to visualize their business in a whole new way:

* Map business data.
Create and view sales territories, analyze trends, and evaluate performance by geography.
* Identify new business opportunities.
Combine business data with included demographics to target potential customers and focus decisions.

MapPoint 2009 helps you streamline your travel:

* Arrive on time.
Detailed directions--voice* and text-prompted--make it easy to follow your route.
* Optimize your trip.
Quickly calculate mileage, drive time, and expenses in advance.
* Easy-to-see navigation.
Track your route in real-time in Full Screen display.* Change to the special Night Map display with a single click.

MapPoint 2009 makes it easy to use maps in combination with your Microsoft Office documents:

* Tell a story, visually.
Insert maps into Word documents and PowerPoint presentations to illustrate everything from sales performance and customer locations to new business opportunities.
* Tap into existing data sources
Create maps from data stored in current versions of Office Excel, Office Access, Office Outlook, Microsoft SQL Server, or other database sources.
* Extend your business.
Take advantage of the extensible MapPoint object model to build custom business solutions such as fleet tracking and business intelligence.
* Map business data.
Create and view sales territories, analyze trends, and evaluate performance by geography.

New and Improved Features

MapPoint 2009 builds upon the success of MapPoint 2006 with:

* Refreshed data.
Use updated geographic and demographic data sets in MapPoint to display trends and illustrate key points on maps.
* Optimize your trip.
Quickly calculate mileage, drive time, and expenses in advance.
* Send to mobile.
Send point-of-interest and "business card" details such as addresses and phone numbers to your mobile device.
* Advanced GPS features.
New full-screen navigation mode with driving guidance tracks your route and provides turn-by-turn directions--including spoken street names.
* Zoom with a view.
Use the new Navigation view option* to see a perspective map road view of your route.
* Enhanced Live Search.
Quickly find listings when online and add them to a route. Use descriptive words such as "coffee" and "restaurant" to find points near your location.
* Updated user interface.
Streamlined redesign simplifies tasks and improves usability while driving.

NEW GARMIN NUVI 260W GPS 2009 MAPS NAVIGATION 4.3"

2009-02-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

Features Specifications: NEW GARMIN NUVI 260W GPS 2009 MAPS NAVIGATION 4.3"
What's in the Box:

nüvi 260W
Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America
Vehicle suction cup mount
Vehicle power cable
Dashboard disc
Quick start manual

Physical & Performance:

Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 4.8"W x 2.9"H x .8"D (12.2 x 7.4 x 2.0 cm)
Display size, WxH: 3.81"W x 2.25"H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3" diag (10.9 cm)
Display resolution, WxH: 480 x 272 pixels
Display type: WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
Weight: 6.1 ounces (172.93 g)
Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 5 hours
Waterproof: no
High-sensitivity receiver: yes
RoHS version available: yes
Maps & Memory:
Basemap: yes
Preloaded maps: yes
Ability to add maps: yes
Built-in memory: internal solid state
Accepts data cards: SD card (not included)
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 500
Routes: 0
Features:
Voice prompts (e.g. "Turn right in 500 ft."): yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names (e.g. "Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.") : yes
Speech recognition (navigate with voice commands): no
3D map view: yes
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route): no
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation): yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road): yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.): yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes
Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology: no
FM traffic compatible: no
XM® Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible: no
MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible: no
Where Am I? feature (find closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection): no
Car locator feature (marks position when removed from windshield mount): no
MP3 player: no
Audio book player: no
Picture viewer: yes
Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation): yes
World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator: yes
Touchscreen: yes
Qwerty or ABC keyboard (choose keyboard layout): no
Remote control: no
FM transmitter: no
Headphone jack/audio line-out: no
Dead reckoning: no
Garmin Lock (anti-theft feature): yes
Motorcycle-friendly: no
Additional: This USB mass storage device is compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Mac® OS X 10.4 or later.

v2.0

SPOT. The World's First Satellite Messenger

2009-01-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

The SPOT satellite network is a commercial satellite network with a proven 99.4% reliability rate. It processes over 6 million messages a month, the equivalent of 2.3 messages per second. SPOT is used by individuals who are outdoors and in business where lone work occurs - aviation, construction, fishing, forestry, government, leisure, oil & gas, utilities.

SPOT's 4 Simple Communication Functions - Just Might Save Your Life

1) Ask for help. In the event of a non-life threatening emergency, you can use this function to notify your SPOT team – the friends and family you have chosen as your contacts – that you need assistance. SPOT sends one message every 5 minutes for one hour or until Help is cancelled

2) Track Progress. Also known as SPOTcastingSM, this feature allows friends and family to follow your progress in real time using your password, or to save waypoints so you can review your entire route at a later date. SPOT sends one message every 10 minutes for 24 hours or until SPOT is powered off.

3) Check In. Also known as SPOTcheckingSM, this feature allows you to let your SPOTteam – the friends and family you have chosen as your contacts – know that all is well, notify them of your location, or save waypoints so you can review your route at a later date on Google Maps™. SPOT sends three identical messages to the SPOT service for redundancy. The first of those three messages is delivered.

4) Alert 911. Use this function in the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your exact location and that you need assistance. SPOT sends one message every 5 minutes until power is depleted or 911 is cancelled.

Garmin MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager

2009-01-22T07:34:00.001-08:00

Simplify pre-trip planning for your next outdoor adventure or business trip by using MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager to transfer waypoints, routes and tracks between your Garmin GPS and PC. Simply plan your next trip on a PC, download GPS data to your Garmin unit, and go. Don't forget to use Trip & Waypoint Manager to archive GPS data for future use. Back up waypoints, routes and tracks that you've saved on your Garmin GPS to your PC using the Trip & Waypoint Manager software. Mapsource Trip and Waypoint Software is compatible with all Garmin Handheld and Chartplotter units that have PC interface capabilities.

PC System Requirements:Pentium processor, Windows 98 or Later, 32 MB minimum RAM, 32MB hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, 256-Color display adapter and monitor(24-bit color reccomended), Mouse or other pointing device.
The PC interface cable for your unit is required.

Gilsson RSP3N - Deluxe case for automotive GPS units

2009-01-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Gilsson RSP3N - Deluxe case for automotive units Garmin Nuvi,Streetpilot, C series. Magellan Maestro, Roadmate series. This padded case will keep all your gear together and protected. Plenty of room for cables, mounts etc. The RSP3N measures 5" tall, 5" wide and 8" long.

TomTom 330S Portable Navigation System

2009-01-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

The TomTom XL 330S adds a 4.3” wide screen display and Text-to-Speech routing to the XL 330S Family. At the heart of the TomTom unit is a highly sensitive GPS chipset for fast satellite acquisitions and unsurpassed GPS tracking. The ultra bright, 480 x 272 resolution, 4.3” display offers superb readability and easy operation. The built in lithium-ion battery will provide approximately 2 hours of use away from a power source. TomTom also includes their QuickGPSfix software which allows the XL to acquire a GPS signal super fast.

What is Map Share Technology?
The TomTom XL 330S is pre-loaded with detailed TeleAtlas maps for the United States and Canada, plus millions of points of interest. Because roads change, TomTom has setup the ability for you, the user to edit or change the pre-loaded maps. You are able to mark blocked or unblocked streets, insert the new name of a street, and even reverse the direction of a XL 330S Way street. Changes will immediately take effect in your Tomtom 330S. You are also able to share your changes and capture changes from other Map Share users via the include TomTom HOME software.

Using the touch screen, enter the address or point of interest that you are traveling to and the XL 330S will route you there. TomTom gives you 4 different routing options: quickest, shortest, avoid toll roads and by required arrival time. You can also chose between a traditional overhead view of the map or a 3-D view for a true perspective of what is ahead. Once you are on your way the XL 330S will guide you along with verbal turn-by-turn directions through its powerful built in speaker. If you miss a turn the TomTom XL 330S will recalculate your directions and get you right back on track.

Columbus V-900 Bluetooth GPS Data Logger

2008-11-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

Columbus V-900 Bluetooth GPS Data Logger is the world first data logger with Voice-Tag function for adding your personal voice labels to any waypoints. It is easy to use, compact, and provides excellent GPS performance.

You name it, the Columbus V-900 data logger records almost all available GPS parameters such as: Date, Time, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Speed, Heading, Fix Mode, PDOP, HDOP, VDOP and Voice!.

.

This unit is different from all data loggers currently in the market for the following reasons:

1. Voice-tag - function for adding your personal voice labels to any waypoints
2. MicroSD for storing logged data
3. Includes more parameters: Heading, Fix Mode, PDOP, HDOP, VDOP and Voice!, on top of the standard Date, Time, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Speed
4. Unique SPY mode allows continuous standby logging of more than one month, Speed Alarm, and many more...

Nokia 6650 Low-Cost GPS Phone

2008-10-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

The stylish and easy to use Nokia 6650 is optimized for use with T-Mobile services. Available exclusively for T-Mobile International customers, the Nokia 6650 is equipped with the latest wireless features, such as an integrated GPS and multimedia player, allowing T-Mobile customers easy access to a wide range of services such as web'n'walk, MyFaves, Mobile Jukebox and Navigate. The Nokia 6650 comes with a 2-megapixel camera with flash, 30 MB of internal memory and a micro SD card slot, FM radio and many other features. Images and videos can be uploaded to the web, sent from phone to phone via a wireless Bluetooth connection, or viewed in full color on the device's large display. The Nokia 6650 has built-in AGPS (assisted GPS) to enable quick positioning with NaviGate route management.
The Nokia 6650 will be available from T-Mobile during the third quarter at T-Mobile sales points across Europe at a very attractive price. In Germany for example, the Nokia 6650 will retail for just 1 euro together with the Relax 100 rate. T-Mobile International is one of the world's leading companies in mobile communications. As one of Deutsche Telekom`s operating segments, T-Mobile concentrates on the most dynamic markets in Europe and the United States.

Gps Auto Navigation System Safety

2008-08-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

If you have installed a GPS auto navigation system in your car, then you should follow a few simple rules when driving in order to maximize your safety on the road. It doesn?t matter whether you are a long distance driver using the GPS auto navigation system to plan the most efficient route possible, or just using your satellite navigation system to find a route around the traffic problems in your home town, the rules for using GPS systems safely are the same.

The first thing to check before you set off on your journey is to make sure that the GPS receiver is firmly mounted. If you have a windshield mounted receiver that uses a suction cup to hold it in place, make sure that it is firmly attached, while if your GPS receiver is mounted on the dash, check it to ensure that it is not going to fall off.

There is nothing worse than the unit falling off its mounting while you are driving, and this is a very dangerous thing to happen, especially if you start to reach around and try to reattach it while you are driving. If your system is removable, you should take it out of the car whenever you leave it parked in order to remove any temptation for thieves who might otherwise try and steal it off you.

Once you have started on your journey, and set the SatNav system up to plan your route, you should not touch it again. The SatNav should be there to assist you, not to distract you. Ideally, it will give you information about directions through the car?s audio system, and you will not need to look at the screen too often when you are driving, as this means that your attention will be diverted away from where it should be ? the road.
It is important to remember that the advice given by a GPS auto navigation system is not infallible, and it is not a substitute for common sense. If you feel that you are being misdirected, and the route that you are following is wrong, do not be afraid of ignoring the advice and following an alternative route.

When used properly, and safely, an GPS auto navigation system can provide you with all the information that you need in order to get to your destinations quickly and easily, with a minimum of fuss, and managing to avoid any traffic problems.

By behaving sensibly with your GPS auto navigation system ? making sure it is well fitted, leaving it alone when you are driving, and paying attention when you need to ? you will have a safer, quicker and more enjoyable journey than ever before, and never need get lost again.

Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - http://www.redhillsupply.com/GPS-auto-navigation-system.htm

VDO Dayton PN 3000

2008-06-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

VDO Dayton PN 3000 is a new portable automotive GPS System by Siemens VDO that can also be integrated into the vehicle like a permanently installed system. It features a 4.3″ Touch Screen Display (TFT LCD), 300 MHz CPU, 64 MB Flash ROM and 64 MB SD RAM and a 20-Channel GPS Receiver. Of course like every new GPS System that respects itself, it offers more than just navigation. It sports an MP3 Player and two games Sudoku and Blockbuster.

Other features include:

European Maps
Voice Guidance
Automatic Display Brightness Control
Stereo Headphone Out
SD Card Slot
IR Receiver for Remote Control
2D/3D Map view
Lithium-Ion Battery 2500 mAh for 4h navigation
Dimensions: 125 mm x 83 mm x 24 mm
Weight: 259 g
Freely customizable infobar

Finally the written menus are available in 21 written languages (20 if you consider English UK and US the same :)) and it can also guide you using 24 different voices 24 voices (English UK, English US (3x), Spanish (2x), French (2x), German (2x), Italian (3x), Brasil, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slowenian, Swedish, Turkish).

The PN 3000 comes in three versions the basic model, a model with with TMC, and a model with TMC and bluetooth.

The price is not listed on the site but it appears that the retail prices for the three models are 470, 500 and 550 Euros respectively.

Magellan Maestro is Now Official

2008-06-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Magellan Maestro, the new line of GPS Systems by Magellan that will include three models, the Maestro 4000, 4040 and 4050 is now official. Although the product information are not live yet on Magellan’s site they issued a press release announcing them with suggested retail prices of $399.99, $499.99 and $699.99 respectively and an expected shipping date of April 1st for the 4000 and 4040 while the Maestro 4050 should start shipping in North America sometime this May. You can Read the press release below:

Magellan, creators of the Hertz® NeverLost® and a leading global innovator of outdoor and vehicle navigation solutions, announced today the introduction of the Maestro series of three new portable vehicle navigation devices offering drivers the best design and navigation experience available. As a result of a partnership with AAA, (American Automobile Association), the new Magellan Maestro 4000, Maestro 4040 and Maestro 4050 are the only car navigation solutions to offer the North American public access to integrated AAA TourBook® travel information and member roadside assistance details. In addition, the Maestro 4050 is the first portable vehicle navigation device to offer drivers the convenience of voice command capabilities. The new Maestro series offers enhanced functions and features — from a newly designed user interface and a 4.3” WQVGA touch screen for better ease of use and visibility, to Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities to minimize driver distractions and real-time traffic services to help drivers reach their destination faster — so every driver will find a solution that best meets their navigation needs.

To provide customers with the best portable navigation experience, Magellan’s latest generation of turn-by-turn, voice-prompted portable vehicle navigation devices are newly designed inside and out to usher in a thin, sleek style with a 4.3” WQVGA full-color, anti-glare touch screen plus refined functionality that’s destined to set a new standard. The Maestro 4000, 4040 and 4050 offer the most simplified, intuitive user interface designed to require minimal key strokes. The clutter-free menu and map screens feature stylish icons and map graphics that are clear, crisp and easy for drivers to see in all lighting, with Menu icons that are prioritized so drivers have faster access to the features they use most.

Offering customers the benefit of Magellan’s superior navigation expertise combined with AAA’s premium content and services is another significant step toward further differentiating Magellan navigation devices and increasing the company’s future success in the fast-growing GPS market.

“The success of personal navigation solutions will continue to grow in 2007, but companies must focus on adding new functionality and valuable content to avoid market commoditization,” says Thilo Koslowski, Vice President and Lead Automotive Analyst at Gartner. “Successful navigation solutions in the future must provide a flawless navigation experience and at the same time offer compelling content and services that provide daily relevance to users.”

“The Magellan Maestro devices are more than reliable tools for drivers, they are the portable car navigation solutions that drivers really want,” said Christian Bubenheim, vice president of product marketing for Magellan. “We’re building on superior utility with a new design and appeal that extends to broader markets. The Maestro series is fast, easy and intuitive. And thanks to the AAA partnership, the Maestro series also makes trip planning and traveling easier, less stressful and possibly more affordable, while also providing unique AAA member benefits.”

AAA TourBook® Travel Information, Roadside Assistance Details, Show Your Card & Save® Locations and More

Drivers gain access to North America’s most trusted source for trip planning information through searchable AAA TourBook® listings, including AAA Diamond Rated Restaurants and Accommodations, Show Your Card & Save® Locations for member discounts, Approved Auto Repair Facilities, Attractions, Events, Campgrounds, Cities and AAA Branch Office locations. The Maestro series also provides AAA member roadside assistance details that show your exact location and provides the AAA member toll-free help number. Bluetooth-enabled Maestro devices will connect the driver’s Bluetooth-enabled cell phone directly to AAA for immediate help when AAA members need it most.

Maestro 4050 – First Voice-Command GPS, Real-Time Traffic, Bluetooth, Advanced Voice Routing and AAA TourBook® Travel Information

Available only in North America this May at US $699.99, the Maestro 4050 delivers the newest advancements in voice recognition capabilities so drivers can control the device and route to their destination using voice commands. It also provides real-time traffic alerts, Bluetooth hands-free phone calling capabilities and advanced voiced routing directions via Magellan’s SayWhere™ text-to-speech function, which audibly announces street names so drivers can be confident in preparing for upcoming maneuvers.

The Maestro 4050 includes a free three-month trial subscription for real-time traffic services with the included Magellan TrafficKit™, the first completely integrated, portable real-time traffic solution with a no-fuss, wire-free design for neat and easy installation. The receiver attaches as a cradle with a simple click to help drivers avoid traffic delays with incident alerts and rerouting.

Ready to use out of the box, the Maestro 4050 is preloaded with full coverage maps of the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It also contains AAA TourBook® travel information and member roadside assistance details plus a database of millions of additional points of interest (POI) like ATMs, gas stations and more to help drivers find what they need wherever they are, even in unfamiliar areas. The Maestro 4050’s Bluetooth capabilities make it possible for drivers to be connected to a business from the POI listings with a hands-free phone call once the POI is selected.

Maestro 4040 – Combines AAA TourBook® Travel Information, Bluetooth, Text-to-Speech and Upgrade Options

Available in North America April 1st at just $499.99 US, the Magellan Maestro 4040 features Bluetooth hands-free phone calling functionality with advanced SayWhere™ text-to-speech voiced routing directions. The Maestro 4040 also provides preloaded maps of the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, AAA TourBook® travel information and member roadside assistance details, plus an expanded POI database containing millions of business and service listings. Upgrade options will allow drivers to add real-time traffic services.

The Maestro 4000 – AAA TourBook® Travel Information, Roadside Assistance Details and More

Available April 1st in North America at US $399.99, the Maestro 4000 provides voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions with preloaded maps of the 48 contiguous United States, AAA TourBook® travel information and member roadside assistance details, plus an additional database of nearly two million points of interest.

All new Maestro 4000 series models feature:

* SiRF Star III GPS chips for fast position fix and reliable satellite acquisition
* Integrated antenna and battery for added portability and cord-free operation in or away from the car
* SmartDetour™ feature to help drivers route around freeway traffic
* QuickSpell® for fast data entry by reducing keystrokes as it checks spelling
* Searchable points of interest (POI) database for finding and routing to businesses and services like gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, airports and more. Listings include a phone number, address and the travel distance.
* Exit POIs conveniently list gas stations, lodging and restaurants at exits so drivers can plan stops in advance.
* Trip Planning provides multi-destination routing when drivers need to make several stops – up to 20 destinations

Each of the new Maestro products ship with a windshield mount and cradle, a cigarette lighter adapter, protective pouch, A/C power adapter, USB data cable and an adhesive disk for dash mounting. For additional accessories, including cases, pouches and additional mounting options, visit www.magellanGPS.com.

XROAD V7 GPS/DMB

2008-05-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

XROAD V7 is another impressive GPS/DMB/PMP/HTF/KLP/MNG (please note some acronyms are imaginary) do it all system coming from Korea (although I doubt it will ever come our way). It features a 7″ TFT-LCD touchscreen (800*480 WVGA), a 500MHz processor by AMD (Alchemy Au1200), SiRF III GPS chipset and 128MB RAM (DDR2) 2GB SD card. The unit has also a Picture-in-Picture feature (they call it Navi-in-Picture) that allows users to watch TV while navigating. The fact that the device has a number of multimedia goodies is of course no surprise, V7 supports the playback of DivX, XviD, MPEG-4, and WMV video, as well as music files. Finally it has an FM transmitter and is powered by a 4200mAh battery and probably has a lot more features that I can not read or autotranslate because they decided to post all the information in the form of images and my Korean are a bit rusty.
V7 costs around 630$

Magellan RoadMate 1200

2008-04-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Magellan continues to put out newly packaged units for the market, keeping the line updated with some pretty high end features like voice recognition on the new Maestro Elite 5340 Elite with GPRS mobile connectivity to give you live updates on traffic conditions and some limited connectivity to the internet while driving. So while the high end of the market is important for driving news and profitability with those higher profit units, a lot of people understand that the start of the GPS battle is waged on the entry level end of the market.
Those battles are fought with deep discounts, specials where a $15 dollar difference can drive units off the shelf by the dozen. The issue is that with so many people coming into the GPS market, and buying an entry level unit for their first unit, you really need to lock them up with a great experience, so when they are destined to upgrade you keep them as loyal consumers, and they upgrade within your line. Ok; long story short, it appears the Magellan RoadMate 1200 falls short on the quality needed to get people to stay with the Magellan name, according to a recent review by CNet, where they thought the unit fell short in a few key areas.

CNet saw that slow performance in a couple of areas really brought the experience and overall usability to a screeching halt. Slow at registering inputs had them waiting after screen taps so that they said they "Spent a lot of time looking at the hourglass", while some sluggishness in turn commands had then getting the command as they were passing the street they needed.

Ovation MC992D: HSPA modem with GPS

2008-04-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Novatel today announced the Ovation MC992D HSPA modem. The high-speed, USB data modem is capable of providing Internet connectivity almost anywhere in the world, with its support for HSPA, WCDMA, EDGE and GPRS networks.Ovation MC992D is designed to provide download speeds of 7.2 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps. Measuring only 70×25×13.5 mm the modem fits in any pocket making you more portable than ever.

The modem’s also has GPS capability enabling users to retrieve location data from GPS satellites and utilize GPS navigation and location-based applications.

Ovation MC992D will be available in Q3 through a variety of Novatel Wireless’s tier-one operator customers.

Garmin EDGE 305HR Personal Trainer and Cycle Computer with Heart

2008-04-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Take your ride to the next level with the Edge 305 - Garmin's GPS-enabled, personal trainer and cycle computer. From competitive road racing to mountain biking, the cyclist-friendly, lightweight Edge will help you achieve your personal best. With the easy-to-use Edge 305 on your bike, you'll always know where you're going and how far you've gone.

For advanced cyclists, the Edge 305 comes packaged with a heart rate monitor and/or wireless speed/pedaling cadence sensor to provide valuable feedback. In addition, the Edge 305 incorporates a barometric altimeter for extremely accurate elevation and vertical profile data. Recreational cyclists looking for the perfect touring companion and fitness partner will love the Edge 205. The Edge 305 with heart rate lets you see whether you are training too hard or not enough. The heart rate monitor uses a robust ANT wireless technology that eliminates cross-talk and interference to reliably measure and send heart rate data to the Edge via a soft, comfortable chest strap. This data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis.

The Edge 305 with cadence includes a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor so you can monitor your pedaling cadence as you ride. Like the heart rate monitor, the speed/cadence sensor uses the same robust ANT wireless technology to reliably measure and report your pedaling strokes per minute to the Edge.

With its waterproof, sleek design, the Edge is the perfect companion on any bike, and attaches to either the stem or handlebars. Its rugged case frames an easy-to-read, large, backlit display that can show up to eight different data fields along with altitude and a map view.

Included Garmin Training Center™ software gives you the ability to overlay your ride data onto a course map. It offers interactive analysis tools that measure your speed, distance, climb, and descent against varying terrain, elevation and more. Create and schedule custom workouts or use workout templates and download to the Edge.

Cyclists: get your Edge from Garmin.

The Edge 305 has the ability to measure pedaling cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, plus much more. 305 features include:

* Easy-to-installno calibration required. Just snap it in the included bike mount and go
* High-sensitivity GPS receiverknows your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for navigation
* Highly efficient ANT wireless protocolprovides superior battery life and reliably transfers your performance data to the Edge 305
* Customizable cycle computershows up to eight different data fields for continuous feedback
* Virtual Partner™lets you "race" a virtual competitor, making training fun
* Courseslet you "race" against a recorded course to try to match previously set speeds at every point along the way
* Auto Pause®pauses the training timer when you slow down below a specified speed and resumes when you speed up again so you can focus on your ride
* Auto Lap®automatically triggers a lap every time you pass a specified location or travel a preset distance
* Training Center softwaregives you the ability to create workouts, manage and download courses, and create a detailed post-ride analysis that charts your performance
* GPS: High-sensitivity SiRFstarIII™ receiver
* Antenna: Built-in patch GPS antenna
* Wireless: Communication between system devices via ANT protocol
* Weight: 88 g, 3.1 oz
* Display: 1.17" W x 1.44" H, 128 x 160 pixels, 4-level grayscale LCD with backlighting
* Unit dimensions: 1.75" W x 3.7" H x 0.9" D (44 x 94 x 23mm)
* Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 min.)
* Battery: Up to 12 hours (typical use); rechargeable internal lithium-ion
* Track log: 13,000 track points

Garmin FF140 Fish finder with Transom Mount Transducer

2008-04-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

When seeing your targets clearly is the goal, the Fishfinder 140 is the tool. With 240 vertical pixels on a four-level grayscale display, you get better separation and contrast. Like all of the new Garmin fishfinders, the 140 features Ultrascroll for fast screen updates, which is ideal for speed applications. The 140 has minimal buttons and intuitive operations. You dont even have to leave the sonar screen to change settings, thanks to a convenient adjustment bar. AutoGain, as well as user adjustable gain, is also standard on all of Garmins new fishfinders.
Features include:

* 4-level gray scale FSTN
* Display, 3.3 H x 3.3 W, 4.7-inch diagonal, 240 x 128 pixels
* Patented transom/trolling mount transducer
* Dual-beam transducer with user-selectable narrow (14) or wide (45) view to see more fish in shallow water
* Ultrascroll high-rep-rate sonar
* Automatic display re-scaling on range change (no more vertical lines with range changes)
* New AutoGain technology to see more fish
* New sounder design featuring excellent shallow-water performance
* Incandescent backlight for display and keypad
* Power output: 100 watts (RMS) 800 watts (peak to peak)
* Depth: 600 foot
* Unit dimensions: 6.1 W x 4.9 H x 2.6 D
* See-Thru technology: shows weak and strong returns simultaneously
* Power down backup of settings: customer settings are notlost when the unit is turned off
* Whiteline
* 2X and 4X Automatic and manual zoom
* Alarms for fish size, shallow water, deep water, and low battery
* Battery voltage indication

Humminbird Fishfinder 565 with Transom Mount Transducer

2008-04-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

Fishfinder 565 is outfitted with the ultra high 640 vertical pixel resolution display and 60 wide coverage demanded by serious anglers.
Fishfinder 565 Features:

* Ultra high definition 640Vx320H 5" display with UltraBlack Contrast Enhancement.
* Wide 60 dual beam sonar with wide beam for fish location and precision 20 narrow beam for better bottom & structure definition.
* Better performance 2000 Watts peak to peak, 250 Watts RMS power output
* Selective Fish ID+ shows fish below as solid symbols and around the boat as hollow symbols.
* Sonar Echo Enhancement shows a bait when vertical jigging and delivers 2 1/2" target separation.
* Real Time Sonar captures the action at up to 40 times a second for better views when moving.
* Reliable performance from shallow to 800 feet.
* Exclusive Tilting & Swiveling Quick Disconnect Mount System without cables to connect.
* Temperature included in transducer, speed capable!
* Choice of Inverse Grayscale, Whiteline, High Contrast Bottom Black, or Structure ID Bottom Presentation.
* X-Press Menus for instant access to most important features with fewer button presses.
* Fully gasketed waterproof design & it floats.
* Selectable large digit screen for easy-to-read number display.
* Advanced LED backlight for night viewing.
* TripLog with distance, elapsed Ttme, and average speed (with optional speed sensor).
* Microdynamic transducer design slices through water for reliable readings up to 70 mph.
* Totally automatic operation or totally manual operation with upper and lower range control.
* Depth alarm, fish alarm, and battery alarm.
* One-touch Zoom with 2x, 4x, 6x, and 8x zoom levels.
* Adjustable chart speed.
* Feature Memory retains your settings.
* One-year limited warranty.
* Assembled in U.S.A.

Earthmate GPS LT-20 & Street Atlas USA 2008 Bundle

2008-04-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Earthmate GPS LT-20 & Street Atlas USA 2008 Bundle

Goes Wherever You Go
Unlike expensive built-in devices, this GPS can go in any car your own, rentals on trips, new or old because it connects to your existing laptop PC
The GPS Leader
Loaded with innovative GPS features including voice commands, spoken directions, automatic back-on-track re-routing, & mobile map colors
Produced by DeLorme Mapmakers
Not licensed from 3rd party companies, the updated maps and 4 million places of interest are produced by experienced mapmakers here at DeLorme. Includes customer revisions.

Before you go
from your laptop or desktop PC

* Route Planning
* Powerful Searching
* Printing and Sharing
* Suggested Uses:
o Vacation planning
o Business trip planning
o House-hunting trips
o College visits
o Motorcoach and truck travel

On-the-go
with the Earthmate GPS LT-20

* Up-to-date Maps
* Voice Commands and Spoken Directions
* Useful Travel Information
* Suggested Uses:
o Explore America's back roads
o Create address-to-address routes among your business appointments
o Plan for emergency evacuations and avoid frustrating traffic backups
o Find last-minute lodging and food in unfamiliar places

GPS System for bikers

2008-04-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Rugged and ready to ride, zūmo™ 450 is your faithful guide to the open road. With glove-friendly, left-handed controls, preloaded street maps and a sunlight-readable screen, this waterproof navigator is made for motorcycles. zūmo 450 includes many of the 550's motorcycle-friendly features, minus bluetooth wireless technology, text-to-speech and XM Satellite, at a price that won't break your budget.
Enjoy Bike-Friendly Design

Tough and dependable, zūmo is built for motorcycles:

Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate High brightness, sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display makes it easy to view your screen Motorcycle console for trip information, including resettable fuel gauge to warn you when it's time to fill up Motorcycle mount with universal mounting hardware so you can mount it anywhere Vibration-tested, waterproof and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements

Navigate the Open Road

zūmo 450 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps and a hefty points of interest (POIs) database, including motels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply enter a destination, and zūmo takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions. In addition, zūmo accepts custom points of interest such as school zones and safety cameras, and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. The 450 also comes with a rechargeable, removable lithium-ion battery a for trip planning or use on foot, and even accepts additional maps.

Avoid Traffic Tie-ups

Monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver, your 450 notifies you of upcoming accidents or road construction ahead on your route. Simply touch the screen to view traffic details or recalculate your route to avoid traffic.

Plan Your Trips and Share Your Rides

zūmo 450 makes it easy to plan your next trip and share routes with your riding buddies. Plan trips on your computer before you start. Search for food and fuel stops and local attractions. Then, transfer your route to zūmo and go.

At the end of the day, share your favorite places and rides with other zūmo riders and review your travels in Google™ Earth. SD card expansion makes it easy to store data and share routes. Download routes to share with your riding buddies even load Mp3 files to your unit to enjoy tunes on the road. In addition, JPEG Picture Viewer lets you share photos of your adventures with friends and family.

zūmo 450: The navigator that's born to ride.

zūmo 450 Features:

* High-sensitivity GPS receiver
* Display: 2.8" W x 2.1" H (3.5" diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; high bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant, touch screen display
* Unit dimensions: 4.8" W x 3.9" H x 1.6" D
* Weight: 10.6 ounces
* Removable lithium-ion battery
* Supports optional FM TMC traffic alerts
* Preloaded maps for all of North America
* Look up addresses and points of interest
* Choose 2D or 3D maps
* Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cameras
* Built-in MP3 player and JPEG Picture Viewer
* SD card slot makes it easy to store data and share routes
* Export and review your travels in Google™ Earth with a free account from MotionBased.com
* Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate
* Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to warn you when it's time to fill up
* Motorcycle mount with standard 4-hole AMPS pattern so you can mount it anywhere
* Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
* Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 min.)

MobiHand Features 3DVU's 3D Image Navigation for Mobiles

2008-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

MobiHand, a leading distributor of mobile applications and media, announced its partnership with 3DVU, the premier global provider of 3D Image Navigation and Location Services. As of today, Navi2Go US and Navi2Go UK are available worldwide on MobiHand's various distribution channels. This one-of-a-kind off-board 3D image navigation solution is offered on a range of Windows Mobile devices and is the most intuitive and efficient navigation in the mobile industry.
Navi2Go is a patented mobile application, providing 3D imagery for navigation on mobile handsets. Users can travel over the entire US at high resolution aerial imagery coupled with high-precision terrain elevation in a 3D bird-eye-view. Navi2Go is promising to address the critical decision points in navigation, eliminating exit misses and preventing getting lost. Accurate voice guidance and newly introduced 3D route guidance over 3D virtual world representation makes Navi2Go the most intuitive, friendly and easy to-get-there navigation solution. Navi2Go is now available in the US and UK for an annual service of $120 and semi-annual service of $69 through MobiHand powered websites such as Only Windows Mobile www.onlywindowsmobile.com, Pocket PC Thoughts www.software.pocketpcthoughts.com, Everything Q www.software.everythingq.com as well as additional web-based retail outlets.

"We are proud to join forces with MobiHand, offering Navi2Go to consumers all over the world traveling in the US and UK" noted Isaac Levanon 3DVU's Chairman and CEO. "Today's consumers depend more than ever on their mobile phones for navigation. 3DVU is excited to work with MobiHand, providing users with the most intuitive way to travel on the world's leading SmartPhones and mobile devices".

"MobiHand is pleased to promote and distribute this innovative navigation tool for GPS-enabled Windows Mobile devices," said David Schoenbach, Vice President, Business Development, MobiHand, Inc. "The Navi2Go Mobile service, providing GPS tracking with real aerial images, provides a compelling and useful navigation experience for people on the go."

In addition to offering the application on Windows Mobile® devices, 3DVU will release Navi2Go on Symbian® by the second quarter of 2008 and will add BlackBerry® and JAVA devices support shortly thereafter.

About 3DVU
3DVU is the world's leading provider of 3D Image Navigation and Location Services. Satellite and aerial imagery, as well as mapping data, such as point of interest and route information can now be streamed over limited-bandwidth communications with realistic 3D views and smooth maneuverability. The company is strategically partnered with carmakers, navigation systems, mobile device and handset developers, major satellite and aerial image-sensing entities, mapping and GIS data providers. 3DVU is the winner of Frost & Sullivan's Europe Telematics and Infotainment Technology of the Year Award in 2007. The company has multiple software patents. For more information, visit www.3dvu.com or demo.navi2go.com on Windows Mobile Device for a demo.

About MobiHand
MobiHand, Inc. is a leading provider of marketing and distribution services for mobile software with a rapidly-growing partner network, encompassing over 100 mobile enthusiast sites, and over 600 mobile developers. MobiHand offers a catalog of 10,000 mobile software products, from critical device utilities to games, media players, ringtones, themes, and an extensive collection of business applications. Its home store, www.mobihand.com , is accompanied by a network of stores on platform-specific sites, such as Treonauts.com, EverythingQ.com, CrackBerry.com, as well as major cross-platform sites such as GSMArena.com, Esato.com, BrightHand.com. MobiHand additionally provides mobile and online ecommerce services for its developer partners, and is continually innovating improved online and on-device ecommerce experience. For more information on MobiHand, Inc., please visit http://corporate.mobihand.com or contact partners@mobihand.com.

Source

ViaMichelin X-970 GPS Navigation Kits

2008-04-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

Small and light (5.47 oz), take the X-970 wherever you go. Guiding you towards your destination, whether you're driving, cycling or walking. Book a restaurant table or hotel room via the hands-free option. A genuine travel guide: including an exclusive selection from the Michelin Green Guide, as well as thousands of useful addresses certified by ViaMichelin. Touch screen and ergonomic menu. Clear sound and vocal instructions.
Efficient, enhanced navigation. 2D and 3D viewing options and accurate mapping. Multi-criteria search options including price, category, Michelin rating, etc. Designed to incorporate new functionalities as they are introduced. Plan journeys from the comfort of your home by exporting your favorite on-line routes and addresses directly to your personal navigation device. New routing options include car, pedestrian, bicycle, shortest, quickest, and avoid toll. Exclusive content from the Michelin Green Guide Convergence with www.ViaMichelin.us web portal. Text to Speech: X970 announces name of street instead of X930 turn left. (in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian)

Source:www.jogjauto.oggix.org

Magellan Maestro 3100

2008-03-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Magellan® Maestro™ 3100 offers simple, sophisticated GPS navigation that's remarkably affordable. The most intuitive graphical 3.5" touch-screen interface available makes navigation easy. Enter virtually any destination and get turn-by-turn voice guidance to locations all over the contiguous United States. Smart touch-icons and Magellan's unique QuickSpell™ function enable error-free spelling, minimizing steps, so you get a customized route to your destination with just a few touches of the screen. Hundreds of thousands of preprogrammed points of interest make it easy to find restaurants, gas stations, ATM and more.

Choose the 2D or 3D view and see your location, route, direction, next turn, destination and more. SmartDetour™ will help you find your way out of traffic jams or stopped freeway traffic.

Maestro is designed for those who enjoy precision technology with style! It has been created by Magellan; the first name in navigation™, and built on years of experience providing the best in GPS navigation and feedback from the millions of users of the Magellan RoadMate and Hertz NeverLost® systems.

Features

Features:

* Sophisticated and simple - Bold, streamlined touch-screen buttons minimize steps to locate a destination for stress-free navigation
* Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance - Enter virtually any address or point of interest and get there quickly and safely
* Precision navigation - SiRFstarIII chipset and integrated multidirectional antennae offer superior GPS accuracy using the Wide Area Augmentation System
* Graphical interactive maps - Maps and destinations for the continental U.S. are built-in so you can travel the country and always know where you are and where you're going
* Birds eye 3D view - Clearly see your surroundings in 3D or 2D
* Rechargeable battery - Navigate while driving without plugging the cigarette lighter adapter in
* SmartDetour - Customize the settings to automatically route you around sudden slow freeway traffic
* Auto Re-route - Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you take a detour
* Auto night view - Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing
* QuickSpell™ - Easily enter addresses with unique auto-complete feature that even corrects spelling
* Complete mobility - Transfer to any vehicle with no installation
* 750 thousand points of interest (POI) - Easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, airports, parks and more with smart location search by name, category and region
* Interactive POI icons - Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination; see phone number and get an instant route
* Customizable route method - Shortest time, shortest distance, least use or most use of freeways, avoid toll roads
* Route exclusion - Select streets and freeways to avoid so you can get there on the streets, roads and highways that you prefer
* 4 helpful views - Map View, 3D map, TrueView™ 3D split screen and Maneuver List
* Address Book - Create and store personal points of interest for easy reoccurring trips
* Instant locate - One touch shows your location; quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services

What you get

Package Includes:

* Magellan Maestro 3100
* Windshield mount and cradle
* Cigarette lighter adapter
* Protective pouch
* A/C power adapter
* USB data cable
* Adhesive disk for dash mounting

Use your GPS Tracking System For So Many Things

2008-03-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Step outside your own front door and in all likelihood Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have impacted on your daily life in some way. It could be that rush hour taxi ride across town or perhaps that weekend fishing trip. Originally developed by the US military, GPS tracking systems have a wide array of practical uses for the consumer. In general terms its two main functions are positioning – instantly locating a person or object and navigation. That may be fine for a police manhunt or a round the world yachtsman, so what can GPS do for the average consumer?

This technology can offer enhanced reassurance for worried parents. Do you really know where your teenage son or daughter goes at night? Perhaps a GPS tracking system device can help ease parental anxiety. There are units available that can specify a certain locality to monitor, so if your child strays outside this area an alert will be sent to your device. He or she will then be tracked for the remainder of their journey continually relaying data back to your device or the Internet. These units can take the form of hand held equipment, a mobile phone or a watch. There are even tiny pet tracking receivers available on the market for use on a dog collar.

The leisure industry has long since adopted GPS tracking system technology for use in outdoor pursuits. For hiking, mountaineering and deep sea fishing there are specialist devices available offering tailored functionality. A diver can safely assess how long he or she can remain at a certain depth while heart rate and blood pressure is being monitored.

In car units have become the most widely used of GPS devices as the plain old road map becomes consigned to history. Drivers have the capability to plot complicated itineraries down to the minutest detail. Cost and time savings can be made as congestion black spots and uneven terrain can be avoided with ease. Most importantly emergency services can accurately pinpoint the location of a vehicle instantly when involved in breakdown or accident. In fact a GPS tracking system can actually save you money. Most insurance companies reduce insurance premiums for vehicles with tracking capabilities. Business has also recognized the cost savings and increased efficiency that GPS provides which is often used to track and monitor individuals as well as vehicles.

Consider carefully your reason for purchasing a GPS tracking device and its usefulness to yourself, your family or business. This sophisticated piece of hardware is by no means a substitute for plain common sense. Life's risks and hazards still exist out there. What it can provide is a heightened sense of wellbeing and security for you and your loved ones and help you better manage your time in work or play. With prices starting at under $100 GPS tracking systems are within most budgets so do a little research and seek advice to determine the best options for you.

Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com

How to use the GPS Clock

2008-03-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Global positioning System (GPS) is a US military system primarily intended for global navigation. The system provides highly accurate positioning information for navigation. The GPS system consists of a constellation of 24 orbiting satellites. Each satellite has an on-board atomic clock, which is ideal for providing a highly accurate timing reference.

This article discusses how the GPS clock can be used to provide an accurate timing reference for computers and computer networks. The GPS system is often used for computer timing applications, such as NTP time servers and accurate timing references.

GPS Time
GPS time is continuously broadcast by the GPS system. Time is referenced to UTC (Universal Coordinated Time), which is the same worldwide and does not vary with time zones. GPS timing information can be received with relatively low-cost equipment, such as a GPS receiver and antenna.
The GPS signal is very weak low-power radio signal. The signal has two designated frequencies, L1 and L2. Frequency, L1, is the civilian GPS frequency transmitted at 1575.42 MHz. The signal travels in a straight line and can pass through clouds, glass and plastics but is blocked by objects such as metal and brickwork. The ideal location for a GPS antenna is therefore on rooftop with a good view of the sky. Often, antenna installation on the side of a building or in a window can provide a good enough view of the sky to give adequate results.

GPS Clock
The GPS system provides a free-to-air time synchronisation service; there are no on-going set-up or subscription charges. Many computer systems utilise the GPS clock as an accurate timing reference. Highly accurate NTP server systems use the GPS clock as an external reference to synchronise Network Time Protocol servers. Typically, a GPS receiver can provide timing information to within a few nanoseconds of UTC. The accuracy achieved with a GPS receiver is generally more than required for most computer network timing applications.

GPS Receiver Output

The GPS receiver constantly outputs position and timing information. Generally, information is transmitted to and from the receiver via a RS232 serial interface. Standard GPS interface protocols exist, the most common being NMEA. The NMEA protocol consists of a number of sentences, or character strings, transmitted at 4800 bits per second. Contained within each character string is accurate time and position information. Due to the latencies involved in serial communication, the NMEA sentences are not generally accurate enough to provide a timing reference. Therefore a pulse per second (PPS) output is utilised. A PPS output is an accurate pulse output each second that is aligned to the start of each second. The PPS output can be fed into a control line on the RS232 interface to provide a hardware interrupt input for accurate timing. Often the DCD RS232 line is utilised as a PPS input from the GPS receiver. The PPS output combined with NMEA timing and positioning information provides a highly accurate timing reference for computers.

GPS Antennas

The GPS antenna is a signal amplifier that boosts the GPS signal for transmission along a cable, usually coax, to the receiver. GPS antennas used for timing purposes are generally dome-shaped pole mounting devices for permanent installation in a static location. Typically, the GPS antenna is fairly small in size, measuring less than 900 mm in diameter

GPS Cabling

The cable distance that can be utilised by a GPS antenna and receiver depends on the amplification of the GPS antenna and the quality of coax used in the installation. A typical GPS antenna may have a gain of 35 db. Low-quality coax such as RG58 has an attenuation of 0.64 db/m at 1575 MHz. Therefore, a cable run of 55m can be obtained using RG58 cable. Higher quality coax, such as LMR400, an unaided cable run of 200m can be achieved. However, very high quality coax can be expensive. A good compromise is LMR200 cable, which can be run unaided to 80m. Longer distances can be achieved with the aid of GPS amplifiers, which amplify the GPS signal still further, to increase cable distance.

Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com

Zoombak GPS Receiver Review

2008-03-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

IF you need small GPS receiver, equals to the size of a Zippo lighter ? you can try find equals to the size of a Zippo lighterZoombak GPS receiver , integrating a GPS receiver and cellular radio within . This device capable of reporting back on its location when queried, and the Zoombak will be available in two variations - one for use in vehicles while the other is meant for dog owners to keep track of their four-legged friends. The bad news is Zoombak is not waterproof so it would be prudent to be more careful during those wet days. You can buy Zoombak Car Tracker and Dog Tracker for $249 and $199,.

Medion E3212 - Cheap GPS Device

2008-03-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

If you live in Europe and you need a GPS device but now your not enought money to buy it because this is the worst year for your business ? don't worry friend, Medion understand all your problem and they annonced Medion E3212, a GPS device that cost only 120 Euros . It loaded with GoPal 4.0, the software from the same company. It has a 3.5” display and is one of the cheapest GPS that has real-time traffic updates.

FineDrive CUVi GPS Device

2008-03-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Korean Company named FineDrive revealed new mini DMB and GPS navigation device CUVi.
This device one of the smallest gadget that features both DMB receiver and GPS navigation because it only has a 3.5″ screen. And device weight only 152 grams, is very light weight and with the optional larger battery you can extend the 2 hour life making the CUVi even more portable. You can buy this device around 300,000 KRW ($305)

Vehiclepath GPS Fleet Tracking Customer Eliminates Overcharges for Potential Savings of $200,000

2008-03-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

Peterson Industrial, Inc., an Alabama based company focused on industrial and commercial piping, plumbing and metal fabricating installed Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking units to prevent a major problem - speeding drivers. They soon discovered that was not the biggest problem they would solve.

"In a 48 hour span we had a driver that got a ticket going 92MPH in a 55MPH zone and another driver who passed our owner going over 80MPH. They installed Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking units shortly after that," said Michael Woodall, Project Manager at Peterson Industrial, Inc.

Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking units enable fleet managers to track in real-time where their drivers are, set speed alerts (via text message) so they can be notified if a driver exceeds a set speed limit and help in theft recovery. Vehiclepath GPS fleet tracking also allows a fleet manager to verify job hours and match up fuel purchases.
"We had some guys working out of town at a plant for us. The plant called late in the day to schedule some additional work and we contacted our supervisor to meet with them. As it turns out, the crew was still on the clock but they were two hours away from the plant and had to drive back. We estimate we were being overcharged about six hours per week just for that one truck. If we can save that much with one truck, how much can we save for the entire fleet over a year?," questioned Woodall.

Based on their number of trucks and hourly pay rate, increasing employee productivity by four hours per week (or about 45 minutes per day) would save Peterson Industrial about $200,000. And that's just on increased employee productivity. Gas savings is a bonus, quite a large bonus. Drivers that reduce their speed generate better fuel economy. If they can increase their fuel economy by 15%, their annual fuel savings will be close to $150,000.

About Vehiclepath

Vehiclepath is a leader in helping companies with the management, location, tracking and recovery of their mobile assets. Based in San Diego, CA, the Vehiclepath tracking system and VP300 Vehicle Tracking Units offer unique advantages with ease-of-use/install, functionality, and scalability not found in other commercial tracking products. This includes the ability to manage diverse mobile asset portfolios, receive real-time tracking data from a variety of vehicles/devices, and to operate over a variety of networks and countries. Additional information and a live, hands-on demonstration of the tracking capabilities are available at www.Vehiclepath.com.

Vehiclepath is a registered trademark. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. © 2008 Vehiclepath. All rights reserved.

Garmin GPS Bluetooth 10x

2008-03-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Add wireless navigation to your Bluetooth-enabled laptop with Garmin Mobile™ 10 — a GPS and Bluetooth® wireless package that includes a portable receiver along with navigation and map software.

Navigate with Ease

Garmin Mobile 10 combines all the software you need to navigate on one DVD: Garmin Mobile XT and nRoute navigation software along with City Navigator® NT detailed street maps, including a hefty points of interest database. Simply download included maps and navigation software to a data card for your mobile device or insert the DVD into your laptop to put navigation at your fingertips. Easily look up addresses and services and receive voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions to the front door. With saved routes and tracks, automatic off-route recalculation plus more, you'll never ask for directions again.

Take It With You

The included GPS 10x receiver combines a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with Bluetooth technology in a sleek design. Both portable and wearable, you can mount the GPS 10x in your car or clip it to your clothes for navigation by car or foot. This compact, lightweight receiver features a long battery life (up to 22 hours of use) and is perfect for mobile executives and professionals.

Garmin Mobile 10: Wireless navigation for your laptop.

Minimum PC requirements: Pentium-class processor or compatible; Windows® 2000 or newer operating system; 32 MB RAM; minimum 2 GB of free hard disk space, DVD drive; 16-bit color display adapter and monitor; mouse or other pointing device; Internet access recommended

Minimum Windows Mobile requirements: Windows Mobile® 2003 operating system or newer (enabled with Bluetooth® wireless technology), 16 MB program memory (Pocket PC only), 128 MB storage card minimum, 2GB storage card for full coverage

Minimum Palm Requirements: Palm OS 5.4 or newer (enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology), 8 MB program memory, 128 MB storage card minimum, 2 GB storage card for full coverage see www.garmin.com/mobilephones/ for compatibility of specific devices.

Physical & Performance:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:	1.65" x 3.04" x .7" (4.2 x 7.7 x 1.8 cm)
Weight:	2.1 ounces (60 g)
Battery:	rechargeable and removable lithium-ion
Battery life:	22 hours (typical use)
Power supply:	yes
High-sensitivity receiver:	yes
PDA compatible:	no
Smartphone compatible:	no
BlackBerry compatible:	no
Interfaces:	Connects to laptop with Bluetooth® wireless technology (serial port profile)

Maps & Memory:
Offboard navigation (mapping information resides on Garmin servers):	no
Navigation software:	yes
Street maps, including Points of Interest (POIs):	yes
Waypoints:	4000
Routes:	50

Features:
Voice prompts (e.g. "Turn right in 500 ft."):	yes
Speaks street names (e.g. "Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.") :	no
3D map view:	yes
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route):	yes
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation):	yes (manual detour recalculation)
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road):	yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.):	yes
Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology:	no
Garmin Online™ or Dynamic Content services compatible (displays real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices and hotels.com data):	no
PeerPoints™ (send and receive GPS position):	no

Trimble Juno ST

2008-03-18T22:41:00.000-07:00

Best value GIS data collection system

The Juno™ ST handheld is a highly productive yet affordable, non-rugged GPS receiver for field data collection and mobile GIS. The Juno ST handheld is Trimble's most compact, lightweight, fully-integrated field computer, providing 2 to 5 meter GPS positioning in real time or after postprocessing.

The Juno ST handheld is ideal for utility companies, government organizations, and agencies that are managing large deployments and tight budgets. In applications such as forestry mapping and workforce automation, where accuracy may be less important, and high productivity is essential, the Juno ST handheld is ideal. Incorporating a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, it has been specifically designed to maximize yield of positions in hostile environments, such as under forest canopy and up against buildings.

If you need 2 to 5 meter accuracy in the field, you can use the integrated WAAS receiver for real-time corrections. Or you can collect data in the field and postprocess it back in the office to ensure positions are defined to the required accuracy level for your GIS, and to control the overall quality and consistency of your data.

As part of the Trimble family of GPS solutions, the Juno ST handheld is fully compatible with the entire range of Trimble Mapping & GIS software. Powered by industry standard Microsoft® Windows Mobile® version 5.0 software, you get all the benefits of an open platform for mobile devices. With Windows Mobile 5.0 software, all your data and applications reside in persistent storage, so they are secure even in the event of power loss.

Integrated Bluetooth® and wireless LAN technology provide options for connecting to the Internet and your corporate network to access data and maps and to send and receive email and instant messages. Use the built-in wireless LAN radio in conjunction with TrimPix™ technology to connect to a range of WiFi-capable Nikon digital cameras for automated capture of digital images. With TrimPix software you can take photos with a high resolution camera and send them wirelessly to your Juno ST handheld to be added as attributes to features in your GIS.

Providing reliable, high-quality data collection capability, the Juno ST handheld is available at a price that will allow you to maximize your entire workforce's potential.

Key features:

Priced to equip an entire workforce
Lightweight and compact enough to carry in a shirt pocket
Productive field and office workflow
Windows Mobile 5.0 software familiarity and convenience
Bluetooth and WLAN connectivity
SD card slot for expandable data storage

Field Computers with GPS
Accuracy: post-processed code	2–5 m
Accuracy: post-processed H-Star	N/A
Accuracy: post-processed carrier	N/A
Accuracy: real-time code	2–5 m
Everest multipath rejection	No
Integrated GPS and field computer	Yes
Integrated SBAS	WAAS only
Integrated beacon	No
Integrated OmniSTAR	No
Number of channels	12
NMEA output	Yes
RTCM input	No
RTCM output	No
Operating system	Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 software
Processor	300 MHz Samsung processor
Screen size	2.8" / 7.1 cm
Screen details	Portrait color touch screen 240 x 320 pixels
Logging memory	128 MB
CompactFlash slots	0
SD (Secure Digital) slots	1
Alphanumeric data entry	Soft input panel (SIP) on screen keyboard, Transcriber handwriting recognition
Integrated Bluetooth	Yes
Integrated Wireless LAN & TrimPix technology wireless camera support	Yes
Weight	0.133 kg (0.3 lbs)
Battery life	6 hours
Ruggedness	Non-rugged
Environmental	N/A
Operating temperature	–10 ºC to 50 ºC 14 ºF to 122 ºF

Trimble Geo XM

2008-03-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

The essential GPS platform for mobile GIS

The Trimble® GeoXM™ handheld, from the GeoExplorer® 2005 series, is an affordable, all-in-one solution for taking your GIS to the field. With 1 to 3 meter GPS accuracy, and the latest Microsoft® Windows Mobile® version 5.0 software, the GeoXM handheld is a convenient and versatile handheld that's perfect for mobile GIS applications.

Because the GPS receiver and antenna are built into the handheld computer, it's never been easier to use GPS in your application. The GeoXM handheld delivers reliable 1 to 3 meters GPS positions when and where you need them. Use the integrated SBAS receiver to get WAAS or EGNOS corrections, or use Bluetooth® to connect to a Trimble GeoBeacon™ receiver to reliably navigate back to assets, or to record new data to keep your GIS up to the minute.

The GeoXM handheld has a powerful 416 MHz processor running the most advanced operating system available—Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 software. Windows Mobile is the industry standard open platform for mobile devices, so you can choose a software solution to match your workflow, whether off-the-shelf or purpose built.

There's plenty of storage space for all your GIS data, and with a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot, you can add gigabytes of memory for all your maps. And if you need to access the Internet or your organization's secure network to get the most up-to-date data, it's no problem—the GeoXM handheld has built-in wireless LAN and Bluetooth*,so you can access information on-the-go.

Using the built-in wireless LAN and TrimPix™ technology, the GeoXM handheld can connect to a range of WiFi-capable Nikon digital cameras for automated capture of digital images. Download the TrimPix technology software and you have an ideal solution for easily collecting high resolution digital photos to link to your GPS positions.

Portable and cable-free, the GeoXM handheld is built for use in rough terrain and bad weather. Wherever your work takes you, take your GIS with you on a GeoXM handheld.

* Bluetooth and wireless LAN type approvals are country specific. GeoExplorer series handhelds have Bluetooth and wireless LAN approval in the U.S. and EU. For other countries please consult your local Reseller.

Key features:

1 to 3 meter GPS accuracy, with integrated SBAS
Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 software, allowing maximum flexibility in software choice
512 MB onboard memory plus removable SD memory
Bluetooth and wireless LAN connectivity options
Rugged handheld with all-day battery
TrimPix technology for wireless camera support

Field Computers with GPS
Accuracy: post-processed code	1–3 m
Accuracy: post-processed H-Star	N/A
Accuracy: post-processed carrier	N/A
Accuracy: real-time code	1–3 m
Everest multipath rejection	No
Integrated GPS and field computer	Yes
Integrated SBAS	Yes
Integrated beacon	Optional Bluetooth Beacon receiver
Integrated OmniSTAR	No
Number of channels	12
NMEA output	Yes
RTCM input	Yes
RTCM output	No
Operating system	Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 software
Processor	416 MHz XScale processor
Screen size	3.5" / 8.9 cm
Screen details	Portrait TFT color touch screen 240 x 320 pixels
Logging memory	512 MB
CompactFlash slots	0
SD (Secure Digital) slots	1
Alphanumeric data entry	Soft input panel (SIP) on screen keyboard, Transcriber handwriting recognition
Integrated Bluetooth	Yes
Integrated Wireless LAN & TrimPix technology wireless camera support	Yes
Weight	0.78 kg (1.7 lbs)
Battery life	9 hours
Ruggedness	Withstands 1 m (3.2 ft) drop
Environmental	Wind driven rain and dust resistant to IP54 standard
Operating temperature	–10 ºC to 50 ºC 14 ºF to 122 ºF

Magelan Thales Mobile Mapper

2008-03-18T22:27:00.001-07:00

MobileMapperTM Pro combines professional GIS data collection and navigation software in a compact handheld GPS receiver. Enhanced by WAAS and EGNOS Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems, MobileMapper Pro provides real-time accuracy to within 3 meters. With Post-Processed Differential Correction, the MobileMapper Pro delivers sub-meter accuracy for half the cost of comparable solutions.

Driven by the powerful office support software, MobileMapper Office, MobileMapper Pro provides clear and simple data display, editing and export capabilities. MobileMapper Pro is the ideal solution for public safety personnel, utility workers, foresters, farmers, resource managers and anyone who manages positioning assets in the field. Use MobileMapper Pro to create or update maps for analysis and storage in a Geographic Information System.

Easy-to-use

MobileMapper Pro includes the GPS features you really need without the burden of overly complicated, rarely used functions. The software is intuitive, making proficient use quick and easy with minimum training. The MobileMapper Pro displays GIS files in full-color maps, making it easy to work with complicated and unfamiliar GIS data sets.

Easy-to-own

The MobileMapper Pro offers the highest value on the market. With post-processed sub-meter accuracy, superior GIS data management, mapping and navigation capabilities, you can’t own a more powerful GPS solution for less.

Two AA batteries provide over eight hours of continuous use. There are no expensive battery packs and recharging units to purchase. Maps and data can be easily transferred between your MobileMapper Pro and your PC using a serial or USB cable. The removable SD (Secure Digital) memory card provides unlimited expandability and versatility in the field.

MobileMapper Pro is rubber-armored, highly shock resistant and waterproof to IPX7 standard, making it ready to perform in even the harshest work environments. It can withstand the hazards of your professional fieldwork while your investment is protected by its high durability.

MobileMapper Pro’s cost-efficient value and user-friendly features make it easier to deploy and easier to use than any other mobile mapping solution.

TeleType Releases GPS Designed for Truckers and RV Drivers

2008-03-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of emails asking for a GPS specifically designed for truck drivers. Until now there haven't been many options for those riding on multiple axles. TeleType's WorldNav system lets you enter your truck's height, weight, and length, knows about commercial truck restrictions on certain roads, and a host of other large-vehicle specific features (even Hazmat routing). Available in 3.5 and 7-inch versions. Read on for all the details.

The WorldNav system lets you input the length, weight, and height of your oversized vehicle. Taking the size of your vehicle into account, the GPS calculates the best route for your vehicle. The system also incorporates commercial truck restrictions, bridge heights, and load limits. It can also let you tweak the chosen route to avoid dangerous left-hand turns, or even specify if you're carrying a hazmat load.

WorldNav comes in 3.5 and 7-inch sizes, has U.S. and Canadian maps preloaded, a whopping 12 million POIs (including truck stops and weigh stations). Priced at $399 and $599 respectively, Here's all the technical details:

3.5-inch TeleType WorldNav 3300

Processor:	Centrality Atlas III 372 MHz
Operating System:	Windows CE 5.0 Embedded
Display Screen:	3.5" Touch Screen LCD
Expansion Slot:	SD Slot for program and map storage
Music playback:	Built-in Speaker, support WMA9, MP3 upto 320kbps and WAV
Video playback:	support WMV9, Divx 5.0, 4.0, 3.11, Xvid and MPEG 2 upto 320*240 resolution
Photo viewing:	support JPG, GIF, BMP and PNG
E-book reader:	support TXT file
External Ports	Mini USB port
Power Supply:	12~24V / 2A
Dimension	Slim Housing Design 94 x 87 x 22 mm
Weight	163 g
Operating Temperatures	Optimal: -4 F to 158 F (-20 C to 70 C)
Maximum:	176 F (80 C)
GPS Chipset	20 Channel SiRF III
Battery	Built-in Rechargeable 1000mAh Li-ion Battery
Battery Life	2-4 hours depending upon screen brightness
Price:	$399

And the 7-inch, TeleType 7100:

Processor:	SAMSUNG S3C2440A-40 400 MHZ
Operating System:	Microsoft Windows CE.NET 4.2
Display Screen:	7 inch color TFT touch screen
Expansion Slot:	SD Slot for program, map, picture, video, music storage
Audio:	Built-in Speaker (1w) Stereo Headphone Jack
External Antenna:	External Antenna jack
Antenna bulit in:	Active antenna
Precision:	10m, 2D RMS 5m, 2D RMS, WAAS enable
Dimension	200mm110mm25mm
Operating Temperatures	Optimal: -4 F to 158 F (-20 C to 70 C) Maximum: 176 F (80 C)
GPS Chipset	20 Channel SiRF III
Battery Life	Mp4 up to 3.5Hours
Supported video codecs	DivX, XviD, MPEG4-SP (plus B-frame support), MPEG1,M-JPEG
Price:	$599

Source

HTC P3470 TouchScreen with GPS Navigator

2008-03-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

HTC has announced a new communicator, which popped up in news under the codename Pharos – it’s HTC P3470. Taking into account its specs, we see an entry level device lacking the support of both 3G and Wi-Fi, but carrying a GPS-receiver onboard. The price tag doesn’t seem to fit an entry-level communicator. Late in February HTC P3470 will become available in some European countries from Orange operator at €449.

HTC P3470 Specifications:
* Cell networks: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
* Chipset: TI OMAP 850, 200 MHz
* OS: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
* Display: 2.8” touchscreen QVGA
* 2-megapixel camera
* 256 MB ROM, 128 MB RAM
* microSD-slot
* Bluetooth: 2.0 EDR
* GPS-receiver
* Interface: HTC ExtUSB (miniUSB and audio jack), USB 2.0 Full-Speed
* Battery: 1100 mAh
* Talk time: up to 350 minutes
* Standby time: up to 240 hours
* Dimensions: 108x58.3x15.7 mm
* Weight: 122 g.

GPS add-on for Apple iPhone

2008-03-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

So the Apple iPhone has been on the market for a few months now but many believe that one feature that it is missing is GPS, well great news as a new GPS add-on called locoGPS will be one the market for iPhone customers to purchase in February 2008, and will cost just $89. This GPS module is made by Part Foundry.

According to Part Foundry all the software that is needed for locoGPS is open source and more applications for this add-on are being written every day. Once people have this add-on for their Apple iPhone, people will not need to carry many other electronic products with them as the iPhone has most of what you need. Tests are being carried out to see if this add-on can actually work on the iPod touch as well.

Gisteq GPS Photo Locator review

2008-03-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Gisteq Corporation is a young company, founded in 2006. Gisteq develops software and solutions to the specifications of manufacturers and other companies. Gisteq's latest product is the PhotoTrackr GPS Photo Locator DPL700. The Gisteq DPL700 allows you to record and review your trip and the exact location where photos were taken with your mobile phone or digital camera during travelling. The PhotoTrackr GPS Photo Locater will show you exactly where you have travelled and the exact location and time of your pictures. In our PhotoTrackr DPL 700 review we have tested the GPS Photo Locator on the Veluwe, a forrest region in the Netherlands.

Gisteq DPL-700 Photo Tracker

The Gisteq PhotoTrackr DPL 700 comes in a square white box with on the top of it an image of the included software. Apart from the Gisteq PhotoTrackr DPL700 we also find in the box; a USB cable, a carabiner, a software CD and an AA battery. You're supposed to attach the carabiner to the PhotoTrackr and then to your trousers so you won't lose the device. The included software is compatible with both Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Gisteq GPS review

The GPS Photo Locator PhotoTrackr DPL700 is a compact device; remarkably easy to carry with you. Configuration of the included software requires putting some effort into but once finished the software is very user-friendly. Adding the correct PhotoTrackr data to the correct pictures happens fast and accurate. The result is beautiful and it offers the ideal solution for people travelling a lot and writing reports on their journeys.

Garmin nüvi 2x5 Series GPS, and nuvi 900T DVB-H Mobile TV Devices

2008-03-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Garmin recently announced new entry-level, budget-friendly nüvi 2x5 series GPS models with improved mapping and routing features, faster satellite acquisition, navigation by photos, FM traffic updates, and dynamic content from MSN Direct. The nüvi 2x5 models are available in widescreen 4.3”, or 3.5” screens with a new shaded elevation mapping display, and feature a 333 Mhz Microprocessor which delivers enhanced map drawing and routing capability.

Breaking down the models, there's the nüvi 255 ($319.99 USD) and 255W ($373.32 USD) which will be available for North America, Europe, Australia or New Zealand. The nüvi 255 and 255W devices for North America, Australia or New Zealand get more specific, announcing street names in their voice prompts like “Turn right on Walnut Street” rather than just saying “Turn right in 500 feet.” The nüvi 205 ($213.32 USD) and 205W ($266.66 USD) will be available in versions that offer mapping choices for the United States, Canada or regional sections of Europe.

Each nüvi 2x5 series device comes standard with the “Where am I?” feature, which allows drivers to display their exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations with a single tap of the screen. An optional receiver enables each nüvi 2x5 to display important updated information from Traffic Message Channel or MSN Direct ($49.95 a year), plus updated traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news items, stock listings, local events and custom locations are sent directly from Windows Live Local.

Available exclusively in Italy, the nüvi 900 is a multimedia navigator that is ready for entertainment with DVB-H mobile TV capability. This one sports a widescreen display, turn-by-turn directions, preloaded maps of Europe, hands-free calling, and life-time traffic services.

nüvi 900 does Mobile TV justice with news, sports, movies and more and includes a 6-month free trial subscription to content from Italian mobile television provider La3 TV. Watching mobile TV is cool, but you can also play games, view map detail, driving directions, photos and more on this device.

via | Garmin Blog

Contigo Launches DeWALT MOBILELOCK™ GPS Beacon

2008-03-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Contigo, the leading provider of turn-key GPS solutions for asset tracking, fleet management and personal safety is pleased to announce that starting in April the DeWALT MOBILELOCK will be available for resale on the Contigo GPS platform.

The MOBILELOCK is an advanced GPS beacon and anti-theft alarm system designed for the protection of construction site equipment, appliances, tools, copper wire and other portable / mobile assets. Powered by the indoor-location capabilities of Qualcomm’s gpsOne hybrid-assisted GPS technology, the MOBILELOCK is completely self contained, requires no external antennas, and can operate for up to 30 days on a single battery charge. The MOBILELOCK includes an integrated tamper detection switch, adjustable vibration sensor, high and low temperature sensor and door contact. The product line also includes several accessories; an extended run time battery kit providing 90 days of use, an indoor motion detector and an equipment power adaptor for permanent 12V/24V battery power, making MOBILELOCK one of the most versatile GPS beacons on the market today.

Coupled with the Contigo web-based software system, end customers can locate their assets 24/7 and create schedules for location reporting, arming or disarming sensors and geofence alerts. Each alarm can be configured to send individual or group alerts via email or SMS. Central stations can monitor events through the Contigo monitoring station module, and use the built-in location-aware Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) system to dispatch authorities in emergency situations. In addition to the MOBILELOCK, the Contigo platform also supports GPS beacons from Falcom, Enfora, Sendum, AnyData, Trimble and others.

“We are excited about the launch of the MOBILELOCK, as it is one of the best products in the market for builder and construction site protection,” commented Rob Goehring, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Contigo. “Between the feature set, the product quality and the DeWALT brand name, the MOBILELOCK is a tremendous extension of our growing line of GPS products. This addition truly positions Contigo uniquely in the market with the broadest range of GPS products available for resale on a single platform.”

“We are very pleased to add Contigo to our list of service providers for MOBILELOCK as they have a world-class GPS monitoring and tracking system. Their technical leadership as well as their strong knowledge of system and user requirements positions them to offer a fantastic customer solution for MOBILELOCK,” stated Bill Pugh, Director of Sales and Marketing for DeWALT. “We are looking forward to working with Contigo to expand the reach of the MOBILELOCK into new channels and vertical markets.”

Contigo will have the DeWALT MOBILELOCK showcased at ISC West 2008 in Las Vegas from April 2 to 4 at Booth 6057.

About DeWALT
DeWALT is a leading manufacturer of industrial power tools with more than 300 power tool and equipment products as well as 800 power tool accessories, including corded and cordless drills, saws, hammers, grinders, routers, planers, plate joiners, sanders, lasers, generators, compressors and nailers, as well as saw blades, metal and masonry drill bits, abrasives, screw driving accessories and more. DeWALT tools can be found wherever tools are sold, nationally and internationally. With over 1,000 factory owned and authorized locations, DeWALT has one of the most extensive service and repair networks in North America.

About Contigo
Contigo is a leading provider of location-based services using wireless and GPS technology for asset-tracking, fleet management and personal safety applications. Contigo’s patent-pending platform enables companies and consumers to monitor the assets, vehicles, personnel and loved ones important to them 24/7 via the internet. Contigo’s solutions are distributed across the U.S. and Canada through Contigo’s network of value-added resellers. Founded in 2002, Contigo is a privately held corporation based in Vancouver, British Columbia with U.S. operations headquartered in Santa Monica, California. For more information, please visit www.contigo.com.

Company Contact:
Tanya Roberts, Marketing Coordinator
Contigo Systems Inc.
866.477.1767 | troberts@contigo.com

Garmin GPSMap 60C, 60CS Neoprene GPS Carrying Case

2008-03-13T08:23:00.001-07:00

Description:

Specifically designed for the Garmin GPSMap 60CS and 60C, Gilsson's GPSMap 60C/CS GPS carrying case ensures optimal protection, accessibility, and offers various carrying options for your convenience.

The protective neoprene prevents exposing your Garmin GPSMap 60CS unit to rain, dirt or other damaging elements.

Gilsson's unique neoprene GPS case for the Garmin 60CS GPS is custom-tailored with a clear map window for easy map viewing and easy button access.

It also features a built-in backback belt hook and a belt/bike handlebar reinforced velcro strap so it can be conveniently secured to your backpack, belt or even your bike/jet ski handelbar.

Note: Gilsson Neoprene Cases are WATER RESISTANT, not waterproof (i.e. cannot be submersed in water)

Unique Features:

Fully compatible with Garmin GPSMap 60, GPSMap 60C, 60CS, and GPS 60 units
Backpack/Belt Hook: Secures your GPS device to your backpack, belt or other hiking gear
Belt/Bike Handlebar Velcro Strap: Secures your GPS device to your backpack, belt or a bike, motorcycle, or jet ski handlebar.
Clear Vinyl Map/Button Windows - Allows easy map viewing and button access while protecting the delicate GPS LCD display surface.
Scratch Protection
Shock Absorption

Compatible Garmin GPS Receivers:Garmin GPS Receivers:
Garmin GPSMAP 60
Garmin GPSMAP 60C
Garmin GPSMAP 60CS
Garmin GPS 60

PosiMotion G-FI: Wireless GPS Accessory for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch

2008-03-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt one of the best products from 2007 has to be the Apple iPhone, and it is about to get better thanks to PosiMotion as they launch the G-FI. The company claims that this is the first Wireless GPS Accessory for the handset.

This GPS add-on is not only for the Apple iPhone, but also for the iPod Touch. However the G-FI will be compatible with any Wi-Fi device, but PosiMotion will only ship the G-FI with software for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The G-FI is now in its final part of production and will be ready for release this summer.

Source - Posimotion

GPS Add On For iPhone

2008-03-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

GPS software for the iPhone (Nav N Go’s iGO My Way 8), here is the GPS hardware add-on for the iPhone provided by Gomite’s LocoGPS.

It is a small black box which will fit onto the bottom of your iPhone and will serve as a websever with integrated GPS receiver. By using the browser of the Apple iPhone which will allow you to access the software for Nav N Go via Wi-fi.

There as been no word on the price as yet, but it should be available in the summer of 2008. You will only be able to use it on a jailbroken phone.

Source

Navigon 7100 GPS: could this be the best Sat Nav at CES 2008

2008-03-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

When people try to choose a new GPS system they do not understand what they are letting themselves in for as there are so many on the market, and CES 2008 are now showing a whole new bunch ready to hit the stores. One of the best and simplest to be shown is the Navigon 7100, as these Sat-Nav sticks to what a GPS is intended to do and that is to navigate you to where you need to go, none of the little extras like MP3 players or even Bluetooth.

Do not think for one minute that the Navigon 7100 GPS, this really is a superb sat-nav that will get you to wear you need to go in the most efficient way possible. One great feature on this GPS system is how it lets you know what lane you need to be in if you need to take an exit of the highway.

The Navigon 7100 GPS really is one of the best sat-navs being shown at CES 2008, for more information please visit www.navigon.com

Integration Of GPS Location Data With Building Materials Delivery Information

2008-03-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

Networkcar has announced that it has partnered with Turnkey Programming to integrate GPS location and vehicle odometer information data into Turnkey's On-Demand Delivery System for the building materials industry. Networkcar's GPS location and diagnostic monitoring system allows Turnkey users to automatically receive real-time delivery status information based on vehicle location.

Turnkey's On-Demand Delivery System is a Web-based system used to schedule, manage, and track shipments of building materials. By integrating Networkcar GPS data, the Turnkey system can automatically update the delivery status throughout the ordering, loading, and shipping process. Turnkey users and their customers receive text messages or emails regarding delivery status and estimated delivery time. Networkcar location data also allows customers to view vehicle location on a map in the Turnkey program.

"Turnkey's On-Demand Delivery System is a complete operations solution for building materials companies looking to gain control over the expenses in the operations side of their business," said Al Swiger, president of Turnkey. "Now coupled with Networkcar's GPS technology, no other operations software solution provides information in a more timely and effective manner."

Turnkey used Networkcar's DataConnect integration service, which enables the sharing of vehicle GPS and diagnostic data with a third-party application in near real-time. The DataConnect service gives fleets and independent software vendors (ISVs) the ability to use Networkcar data to create integrated solutions that solve a variety of business needs. Examples of the data provided by the service include mileage, GPS location, idle-time, fuel consumed, trouble codes and vehicle speed.

"By providing a stream of current location and diagnostic information, Networkcar makes it easy for Turnkey and other partners to add value and enhance their products and services," said Keith Schneider, president of Networkcar. "Businesses are looking for precise and timely information to improve their operations. Our partnership with Turnkey gives customers more options for reducing operating costs while improving service."

Source

TomTom reveals revolutionary IQ Routes™ technology on new TomTom GO series

2008-03-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

TomTom, the world’s largest portable navigation solutions provider, today announces ground-breaking features and unique content on its new TomTom GO range, including its exclusive IQ Routes™ technology and Advanced Lane Guidance. The innovative IQ Routes™ technology is based on real average speeds that have been measured on roads, rather than static maximum speeds per road type. This means the new TomTom GO determines a route by considering all possible routes, and then selects the one that takes the least time. In almost 50 per cent of all journeys, this results in taking a different and faster route, saving the driver significant travel time - as well as saving money and fuel. In addition, the new TomTom GO features Advanced Lane Guidance - a first for the navigation mass market. Advanced Lane Guidance gives drivers a more realistic view and enhanced visual instructions of drivers’ surroundings, ensuring they are better informed about the situation ahead. The two new features will be available with the new TomTom GO series, the TomTom GO 930 and TomTom GO 730, starting at the end of April 2008. “With the introduction of IQ Routes™ technology, we continue to focus our efforts on features and content that improve the core navigation experience,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom, Inc. “IQ Routes™ delivers what we call ‘intelligent routing’ – an even smarter and more efficient way of planning your daily route that will help TomTom GO users save time, fuel and money.”
TomTom IQ Routes™ The new TomTom IQ Routes™ technology is based on actual average speeds on roads, rather than the sign-posted speed limits. This intelligent routing technology is based on anonymous historical speed profiles of more than 10 billion kilometres of driven roads, gathered over the years by millions of TomTom users. It takes into account all the factors that may influence the time it takes drivers to get to their destination, including traffic lights, roundabouts, steep slopes and speed bumps. The TomTom IQ Routes™ speed profile database continues to grow at the rate of more than half a billion measurements per day, so the time and spatial accuracy of TomTom IQ Routes™ technology will increase continually. Drivers can be confident that they will always be given the smartest route incorporating detailed local knowledge. This allows for more efficient daily route planning, in particular when driving through urban or hilly areas. www.tomtom.com/iq-routes
Advanced Lane Guidance With the new Advanced Lane Guidance feature, navigating difficult junctions becomes easier than ever before. This realistic representation of highway junctions on the screen, including clear arrows indicating the lane direction, provide drivers with timely instructions to take the correct lane. Static images of road signs, in the same colour as the ones displayed on the road, ensure drivers have an even better overview of their surroundings. www.tomtom.com/lane-guidance
A host of extra features In addition to IQ Routes™ and Advanced Lane Guidance, the new TomTom GO range has a new premium look with a high-quality finish, expanded map coverage and comes pre-installed with the latest navigation features, including: The TomTom GO 930T also features a new premium look with a high quality finish and expanded map coverage. The device comes preinstalled with the latest navigation features, including:

TomTom Map Share™ enabling users to make updates and corrections to their own maps instantly and to benefit from improvements made by other users, completely free of charge. New Map Share features include the ability to change turn restrictions and posted road speeds
Latest map guarantee so users always have free access to the latest map at time of purchase
TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver for detailed traffic information
Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT) for uninterrupted navigation even in tunnels or highly built areas
Large 4.3 inch touch screen with new generation icons and an updated user interface to navigate drivers to their destination even more easily
Voice address input drive to millions of cities and street names by simply announcing the address of your destination
Clear voice instructions and text-to-speech to enable street names, places, traffic alerts and SMS messages to be read aloud as part of the spoken instructions
Enhanced hands-free calling with high quality sound system via Bluetooth® to allow drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road whilst making phone calls in the car
Extensive safety features including ‘Help Me’ menu to give drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance
Built-in FM Transmitter to play music and navigation instructions seamlessly through the car stereo speakers
New smart & fun extras to personalise users’ devices, including recording your own driving instructions, viewing documents, exchanging positions via SMS and Bluetooth™ wireless technology and selecting a favourite car icon on the screen
Free TomTom HOME software and content from the TomTom community to keep your TomTom device up to date at all times
Pre-installed safety camera database providing users with timely information on safety cameras on drivers’ routes
Full range of accessories to match the design and finish of the updated GO range

Map Coverage 

The TomTom GO 930 comes pre-installed with the most up-to-date maps of US, Canada and Western and Central Europe stored on the internal memory
The TomTom GO 730 includes new expanded map coverage, including the latest maps of the US and Canada

Availability The new TomTom GO range will be available across North America and Europe starting at end of April 2008.
Product technical specifications - 

4.3” widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480x272 pixels)
CPU 400 MHz
TomTom GO 930: 4 GB internal flash memory, TomTom GO 730: 2 GB
SD card slot
High sensitivity GPS receiver
Bluetooth™
Battery lithium-polymer (up to 5 hours operation)
Dimensions: 4.6" x 3.2" x 1"
Weight: 7.7 ounces

How To Send Google Maps Destinations to Your TomTom In car GPS

2008-03-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Google and GPS maker TomTom have partnered to make it easier to upload destination information into your in-car GPS. By following the instructions in this how-to, you can simply click on "send" in Google Maps to upload destination addresses and locations into your TomTom in-car GPS. This feature is very useful for quickly uploading a cluster of destinations you'll need as part of a vacation or business trip. With all of your destinations pre-loaded as favorites, you can focus on the purpose of your trip, rather than how to get to your next destination. Here's how to make use of this feature.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 20 minutes for initial setup. Just a few seconds to send an address.

Here's How:

You will need a TomTom brand in-car GPS receiver to make use of this feature. Google Maps does not currently support other brands.
Install the TomTom Home software from a disk that came with your GO or ONE device. Update your Home software to the latest version (2.1.2.121 or later) for free by visiting the TomTom PLUS services page. Apple-compatible Home software is available for download, as well.
Connect your GPS receiver to your personal computer with its included USB cable or docking station. Turn on the GPS, and touch "yes" when it asks to connect to the computer.
You are ready to search for and upload a destination into your GPS. Open your Web browser and go to Google Maps .
Type a destination into the "Search Maps" box in Google Maps. Google Maps has powerful search features, a good reason for using it in concert with your GPS.
When you have identified the destination you sought, click on the "send" link (with the envelope icon) in the upper right of the destination map window.
A dialog box will apear with the options to send to "e-mail," "car," or "GPS". Choose GPS. This selection will automaically start your TomTom Home software with the selected destination information (and its exact coordinates) in place.
The TomTom Home software has now captured your chosen destination, and you have the options of showing on a simulated GPS map, navigating to the destination, or saving the destination to your favorites file. I find saving to favorites to be the most useful of these three options.
Now that you've mastered Google Maps-to-GPS, you can quickly update your favorites, and plan trips around pre-selected and pre-uploaded destinations. You'll spend more time on fun or business, and much less time looking for destinations!

Tips:

Not all addresses and locations are covered by this feature in Google Maps. If you do not see "GPS" in the Google Maps pop-up window, you will not be able to send the address to your GPS receiver. Update: readers trying this feature report a limited number of addresses are supported by Google. Try business addresses first. I am contacting Google to find out how much and how quickly this feature will be expanded in their database.

What You Need:

TomTom in-car GPS receiver ( "send" feature does not work with other brands).
USB connection between GPS and your personal computer.
Internet connection.
Latest version of TomTom "Home" software (included free with TomTom GPS).

From Fred Zahradnik,

Mio releases new GPS Navigation System called the Moov

2008-03-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Mio have just announced the release of a brand new line of Gps Navigation Systems called the Mio Moov. These gps systems come packed with a ton of features which include allowing users to search locally for points of interest. The new machines also feature a new gps chip which cuts down the time it takes for the system to fix itself onto a satellite.

The brand new Moov’s features include:

3D Data maps
Bluetooth
Rader Alert
Picture Viewer
Live traffic information
4.3″ Touch Screen(3.5″ on the 330/350)

There will be 5 models in the new line:

Mio 200 Regional
Mio 200 Europe
Mio 330 Regional
Mio 330 Europe
Mio 370 Europe

Garmin Nuvi 750 Review

2008-03-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Garmin Nuvi 750 is a solid gps system that was one of the first machines to feature very good features, multi-destination routing and, “Where am I? As will all the Nuvi series line, the 750 features a high sensitivity receiver, MP3 player and photo viewer, and an FM transmitter that will play voice prompts, MP3s, audio books, and more, directly through your vehicle’s stereo system. With nüvi 750’s widescreen display, you’ll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read from any direction.

What you get - what’s in the box

Garmin Nuvi 750
Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage)
Adhesive disc for dash mounting
Vehicle suction cup mount
Vehicle power cable
USB cable
Dashboard disc
Quick start manual

Pro’s:

Sleek and easy to carry
Bright clear screen
SD Expansion slot for MP3’s
Switches to night mode colors automatically
Software allows you to add your own POI’s (Points of interest)
Very easy to use
Solid mount
Text to speech - The system will tell you to “take right on Main St.”
Multi-destination routing
“Where am I?” Helps you figure out where you are

Cons:

Weak FM Transmitter
No MSN Direct
Sometimes takes a while to acquire satellite signals
Price - Might be a little expensive for some people

Bottom Line:
This is a great gps system and one of the best on the market today. It is very easy to use and a has very few flaws. The “where am I ” feature is very handy for many users and slick design making this a solid performer. We would recommend this machine to anyone interested in getting a new gps system.

TomTom Announces GO 730 and GO 930. Brings IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance.

2008-03-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

TomTom's newly announced 730 and 930 models bring two new technologies to TomTom's popular GO product line: "IQ Routes" and "Advanced Lane Guidance". IQ Routes leverage historical traffic data to know the difference between Sunday afternoon traffic and Monday afternoon rush hour. Advanced Lane Guidance displays a Navigon-esque 3D rendering of the upcoming junction, and shows you which lane you'll need to be in.

Available in April 2008, the GO 730 and 930 will retail for $500 and $550 respectively. Read on for the full details on both new models.

The main difference between the 730 and 930 model is the map coverage (the 730 is US and Canada only while the 930 includes European maps) and the addition of "Enhanced Positioning Technology" on the more expensive 930.

	GO 730	GO 930
Maps:	US & Canada	US, Canada, Western & Central Europe
Display:	4.3"	4.3"
Memory:	2 GB Internal	4 GB Internal
SD Card Slot:	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth:	Yes	Yes
Battery Life:	5 hours	5 hours
Voice Address Input:	Yes	Yes
Text-to-Speech:	Yes	Yes
Hands-free calling:	Yes	Yes
FM Transmitter:	Yes	Yes
Enhanced Positioning:	No	Yes
Price:	$450	$500

Both the 730 and 930 are available with traffic receivers (GO 730T and 930T for receiving real-time traffic data).

So what exactly is IQ Routes and how does it work? IQ Routes are based on average speeds measured on roads, rather than posted speed limits. This means that the new TomTom GO determines the best route to take based on recent historical data. According to TomTom, "in almost 50% of all journeys, this results in a faster route."

Advanced Lane Guidance provides users with realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions.

TomTom says the new models will sport a glossy new finish on the case, and have an updated interface with new icons.

by:gpsmagazine

Navigon's 2100/2120 Max Brings A La Carte Pricing To GPS Features

2008-03-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Want features found on higher-end models but don't want/need all the bells and whistles? Navigon is betting customers will want to pay for only the features they care about, and has announced the new Navigon 2100 and 2120 Max -- two new GPS units that let customers add on features they're willing to pay for.

The 2100 Max is a 4.3" widescreen GPS that will retail for $299, and can be upgraded with a host of add-ons, including Zagat Guide data, lifetime traffic subscription, and up to 12 map updates every three years. The 2120 Max is a Canada-only model that includes Canadian maps and sells for $329. Read on for all the details.

Both the 2100 Max and 2120 Max sport a 4.3" widescreen display, 3D map views, branded POIs, and speed warnings. Additionally, both units will have:

DirectHelp: provides instant access to directions and phone numbers of emergency services at the touch of a button. Finds the nearest hospital, police station, tow truck company or pharmacy, and indicates your exact location to help these services locate you.
Reality View: provides 3D, photo-realistic virtual reality views of complex interchanges, complete with road geometry and actual road sign text.
Text-to-Speech: provides specific, clearly spoken driving directions and actual street names in a variety of languages.
Lane Assistant: provides simple to view lane guidance to assist drivers in making the correct upcoming maneuver.
Automatic Speed Warnings: indicates posted speed limit and notifies driver with visual and verbal warnings when driver is speeding.
Route Planning: allows users to plot a route with multiple waypoints

Additionally, the 2100 Max and 2120 Max can be upgraded with the following add-ons:

FreshMaps: Up to 12 quarterly map updates over three years; works on all NAVIGON GPS devices and sells for MSRP $79.99
Lifetime Traffic: Real-time traffic updates, including traffic flow, incidents and alternate routes for the lifetime of the product. Optional accessory with MSRP of $99.99
ZAGAT Survey Ratings and Reviews: ZAGAT listings for U.S. hotels, resorts and spas, restaurants, golf courses, as well as attractions and nightlife in 70+ U.S. cities help users make informed destination choices. Optional accessory with MSRP of $39.99

Microsoft Autoroute 2006 review

2008-03-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has been publishing Autoroute for years. It actually started out as a tool for businesses

that Microsoft purchased and turned into a more consumer friendly product. It’s been through a few ups and downs, but for the 2006 edition Microsoft seems to have reinvented Autoroute in an attempt to capture what is becoming a real growth market – GPS based navigation.

You get several applications in the package. The core software is Autoroute 2006 itself, and is for your PC or laptop, but you also get Pocket Streets for both Pocket PC and Windows Mobile Smartphone.

Pocket Streets is not a fully fledged piece of navigation software. It can display a map you export from Autoroute 2006, and your position can be plotted on that map if you attach a GPS antenna to your device. You can find places including points of interest, but you can’t get routing directions between two places. Think of it as a very feature limited supplement to the main Autoroute software, and you’ll be OK. If you are looking for Pocket PC or Windows Smartphone based navigation software

Streetdeck, Complete Navigation and Entertainment System for the Digital Car

2008-03-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

MP3Car has released Streetdeck, a complete navigation and entertainment system for the digital car. The complete StreetDeck system consists of two parts the hardware and the software. The hardware includes a car computer with some really nice specs.

Intel Celeron M processor 1.5 GHz 1Mb cache 400Mhz FSB
Supports up to 2.26GHz, 400MHz/533MHz FSB
One 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM DIMM, max. 1GB memory (1 memory slot)
Onboard 10/100 ethernet port
Intel ® 915GM VGA for CRT / 18-bit dual channel LVDS
2 SATA ports
4 USB 2.0 ports
2x PCI, 1x miniPCI, 1xPCI-E(x1) slots, optional single/dual DVI card
Audio - High end surround sound processing circutiry
Serial Ports - two RS-232 ports
Serial ATA - supports 2 ports
USB (2.0) - supports 4 USB ports
Keyboard and Mouse Connector - PS/2 type
Expansion Slot - 2 PCI, 1 MiniPcI
60GB HD
Vehicle Diagnostics - requires OBD-II connector (not included)
Camera support requires camera purchase and connecting hardware (not included)
FM radio requires FM tuner (not included)
Bluetooth phone integration requires bluetooth chip (not included)(chip in final development)
Satellite Radio required XM direct box and Cable (not included)

The computer is controlled via a 7″ touchscreen with the following specifications:

Screen size: 7 inches, diagonal (16:9)
7-inch digital TFT LCD (new panel)
LCD brightness (cd/m2): 400
Resolution (pixel): 800 RGB x 400
Dot resolution: 2,400 x 480 = 1,152,000 (dots)
Supported resolution: 640 x 480 - 1,600 x 1,200
Master dimensions (W x D x H): 178 x 155 x 50mm
Touch screen interface: USB port (RS232 optional)
Operating voltage: 10.5 to 14V DC
For in-car PC, DVD player, GPS, and various VGA applications
In-dash type, fully motorized TFT LCD
Contrast ratio: 300:1
Diagonal size 16:9 and 4:3 adjustable
4-wire resistive touch screen panel (USB)
Multi-monitor touch screen support
VGA input (15-pin D-sub)
USB interface
Video input system: NTSC/PAL/SECAM auto switching
Three RCA video inputs
Upgraded high-brightness CCFL

Now about some of the features of the StreeDeck system.

The Navigation system provides auto rotating maps with the current direction always up, bird’s eye view, voice guided turn by turn instructions and automating rerouting. You can plan your routes based on address, POI, selection from maps, intersection or coordinates.

μPod USB GPS Dongle

2008-03-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

μPod by Locosys is a product that was announced at the CES but it didn’t attract much attention. Nonetheless, it’s a rather unique device that can transform your laptop or UMPC to a GPS receiver. It uses the Atmel Antaris4 chip and utilizes the industry standard NMEA protocol. Therefore, it is compatible with most navigation software currently in the market. Although the unit is powered by the device it is attached to it also features a micro battery that allows it to temporarily store data in order to achieve faster restart times. Not much more information is available yet about the μPod. You can read original press release from the CES here (scroll down) or read the pre-CES announcement.

A bit off topic but anyone heading at the CeBIT this year might want to keep an eye for the Bluetooth GPS and the GPS Mouse by Locosys with TMC support. (I am guessing they will be similar to the Amaryllo Trinity that we have posted about a few days back).

Maxtek MNT-7T : Affordable 7″ GPS System

2008-03-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

Maxtek MNT-7T is one of the most affordable (if not the cheapest) 7″ car GPS System that I have come across. Since the most noteworthy feature is its price let’s start from that, it currently retails at $364.99 from TigerDirect. As we mentioned it features a 7″ Wide LCD TFT screen and some of its other features include, 512 MB of internal NAND Flash memory, turn-by-turn voice guidance available in multiple languages, automatic re-routing, 2D and 3D maps, audio player (MP3, WMA and WAV), photo viewer and an A/V input port that allows users to use the screen as a in-car display to watch you DVDs or play your favorite games. Finally, the Maxtek MNT-7T comes with a DVD that contains US maps. For the price it looks like a really good deal, however I wasn’t able to find any reviews of the unit.

VDO Dayton PN 3000

2008-03-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Other features include:

European Maps
Voice Guidance
Automatic Display Brightness Control
Stereo Headphone Out
SD Card Slot
IR Receiver for Remote Control
2D/3D Map view
Lithium-Ion Battery 2500 mAh for 4h navigation
Dimensions: 125 mm x 83 mm x 24 mm
Weight: 259 g
Freely customizable infobar

The PN 3000 comes in three versions the basic model, a model with with TMC, and a model with TMC and bluetooth.

The price is not listed on the site but it appears that the retail prices for the three models are 470, 500 and 550 Euros respectively.

Nokia 6110 Navigator - GPS Mobile Phone

2008-03-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Nokia unveiled the 6110 Navigator a a quadband mobile phone with sat-nav capabilities that according to Nokia it was designed for the mass market. Besides GPS the 6110 Navigator also features A-GPS (Assisted Global Positioning System). The Nokia 6110 Navigator has almost everything most people would ask for from their GPS. It comes with preinstalled maps, and users can easily access the navigation features with the click of the phone’s one-touch Navigator key.

With the Nokia 6110 Navigator, consumers can quickly and easily view their current location on the map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate services such as restaurants, hotels or shops that are nearby. Featuring full turn-by-turn 3D navigation, the Nokia 6110 Navigator suggests the best route to follow to reach a location by car or on foot. Clear instructions by voice guidance and turn arrows on a map ensure finding the fastest way to the destination.

Nokia 6110 in addition to all of the above has some pretty interesting specs as a cell phone as well, which include:

Symbian OS (S60 platform)
HSDPA for fast web browsing and downloading
WCDMA 2100 HSDPA, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
2 megapixel camera with integrated flash, 4x digital zoom and panorama mode
Real-time video sharing and video calling
40 MB free internal memory
Support of microSD memory card up to 2 GB

The 6110 is expected to start shipping in Q2 for an estimated price of €450/$580 (before subsidies or taxes.)

Navigon 7100 and 5100

2008-03-11T17:51:00.001-07:00

Navigon is presenting two brand new navigation systems at the CeBIT this year, the Navigon 7100 and 5100. The first impression is that they have a really stylish design. The main difference of the two models is that the Navigon 7100 has a 4.3-inch display (16:9), while screen of the Navigon 5100 is 3.5″. Some of the other features of the two systems include Bluetooth for hands free calling, free traffic information, 2D or 3D map view and voice input. A new function that we will find in these new Navigon systems is called “Real View” or “Reality View” which if I understood correctly is a new view mode that will display signposts realistically in a way that will help the user navigate more easily.

The Navigon 7100 is expected in Europe sometime this summer with a price of 450 euros for the version with regional maps and 500 euros for the Europea maps version. Finally the Navigon 5100 will cost 350 euros.

GPS-Wireless 2008 Features Top Speakers, Hotel And Conference Registration Deadline Approaches

2008-03-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 3, 2008 -- More than 200 mobile information executives will meet March 13-14, 2008, for GPS-Wireless 2008 at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel, near San Francisco Airport. The deadline for hotel registration savings is March 4, 2008.

GPS-Wireless 2008, in its 12th year, features more 40 speakers from the top companies. This year's speakers come from NOKIA, AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel, Microsoft, BMW, Magellan GPS, Networks in Motion, TeleNav, Ask.com, NAVTEQ, Westwood One, Tele Atlas, deCarta, Qualcomm, MapQuest, wireless carriers, auto manufacturers, web portals and many others. GPS-Wireless 2008 includes an Executives Panel, Location Based Services, Mobile Resource Management, New Technologies, Automobile as a Mobile Information Platform Panel and Web Portal Executives Panel.

GPS-Wireless 2008, sponsored by Global Technology Communications, LLC, allows executives to find out where the mobile information technology market is going. Consumer and Enterprise market segments are booming in the mobile information industry. GPS navigation is now a household name. Some applications are hot ... while others continue to develop. Mobile information companies need to stay on top of a changing and challenging market, to assess what the competition is doing, and make new marketing strategies. Will the PND market continue to grow -- or will handset solutions take the lead?

GPS-Wireless 2008 costs $799 for the first attendee and $699 for additional attendees from the same company. Hurry to receive this low rate as all registration fees increase to $899 after March 12 at 5 p.m., PST.

Tabletop displays are available for companies looking to maximize visibility. The exhibit fee of $449 includes a six-foot exhibit table with a company identification sign and your company's hyperlinked listing on our website and in onsite materials.

Only a few sponsorships remain -- and they are sold out every year. Current conference sponsors include MSN Direct, deCarta, NAVTEQ, Networks in Motion, Aeris Communications, Synergy Systems, ALK Technologies, GeoMicro, GeoBase, TrafficCast International. GPS-Wireless 2008 will feature nearly 30 tabletop displays during a two-and-a-half-hour hosted reception, an event that has become known as one of the best networking opportunities in the industry. GPS-Wireless 2008 again features our hit pre-conference reception, sponsored by ALK Technologies and GeoBase on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Contact us immediately for information regarding custom sponsorship opportunities.

Other conferences cost two to three times as much as GPS-Wireless 2008 -- and offer fewer speakers and limited networking opportunities. GPS-Wireless 2008 offers a keynote luncheon, networking coffee breaks, continental breakfast, two hosted receptions, buffet luncheon, a 300-page binder full of market information and significant lodging reduction at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel.

To register for GPS-Wireless 2008, go to http://www.gps-wireless.com. To make discounted hotel room reservations, call the San Mateo Marriott Hotel toll-free at 1-888-236-2427 and mention GPS-Wireless 2008, or reserve a room from a link on our website, http://www.gps-wireless.com.

Garmin GPS News

2008-03-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Garmin Nuvi 2X5 Series - 205, 205W and 255, 255W

Garmin announced an update to the Nuvi line at CeBit today that makes their entry level devices a lot more appealing. As prices fall, and more consumers get into the market with an entry level unit, Garmin is upping the bar in the hyper competitive low end of the market.

The new Models all features some very nice upgraded features:

New faster processor, making for a faster routing and map drawing.
New shaded elevation maps.
Now compatible with optional TMC traffic receivers, or MSN Direct service (Gas prices, traffic, local events, stocks, news, and weather.
Garmin HotFix capability to automatically calculate and store satellite locations so that you will be able to turn the unit on and go a lot faster greatly reducing satellite acquisition time.
Geolocated Picture capability - Download geotagged photos to the Garmin to be able to navigate to a loaded picture; works with Google's Panoramio photo sharing community and Garmin Connect Photos website.

It appears from the image that the new Nuvi 255W will also have a slightly enhanced interface with a more rounded display data fields and "+" and "-" zoom buttons that are vertically placed on the right side if the screen instead of in the upper left and right corners.

The Garmin 2x5 model Nuvis will be available sometime in Q2. The list prices should be as follows: Nuvi 205 model will retail for a suggested $199; the widescreen version, the 205W, will retail for a suggested $250. The Nuvi 255 will retail for a suggested $299; the 255W will retail for a suggested $350.

Google GPS - Google Mobile

2008-03-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

This week at CES google dropped some hints about future products. One of those demonstrations showed a VW with Google Earth running on the dashboard. The application followed you around wherever you were in the car, just like would with the Google Earth application. (Photo via engadget)

The implications of his are interesting. Google Earth has just about everything you need in a great GPS navigation system. Driving directions? check. Large POI database? check. 3D display? check.

So what is missing if you wanted to do this right now? Well for starters most cars do not have high speed access to the internet. While there are ways to get internet access in your car, most of those methods probably are not fast enough for the data transfer requirements of Google Earth. And the ways that you can get access that fast often require the vehicle to be stationary. But this limitation will be overcome with time.

So why not just store all of the geo data internally in the car? From what I’ve heard the data that makes up Google Earth takes 12 Terrabytes of disk space. Basically you would need to install two Xserve RAID servers in your vehicle to handle the capacity. Keeping them in a climate controlled environment as they enjoy and keeping them juiced with electricity would be issues. In addition I don’t think many people would pay the $26,000.00 price tag for two Xserves with fourteen 500 GB drives in each.

Nonetheless, the possibility of having an alternative stripped-down version of Google Earth as a GPS navigation system does sound quite nice and is certainly feasible.

NAVTEQ Provides Maps for Nokia Mobile Navigation

2008-03-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

NAVTEQ is providing Nokia with map data for its newly launched Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-1W through NAVTEQ’s Chinese joint venture, NAV2. The Nokia LD-1W offers a complete integrated solution for mobile navigation in the Chinese market. It is a compact and lightweight product which integrates the hardware, software and digital map data needed for a navigation experience. It is compatible with all smartphones based on the Series 60 platform, and a wide range of compatible PDAs or PCs. The Nokia LD-1W will be available in China in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The Nokia LD-1W provides users with an easy-to-use mobile navigation solution. Its standard sales package includes the GPS module and a 256MB multimedia card (MMC) that contains a mobile navigation application from ROUTE 66 and the map of Greater China provided by NAV2. Users can use the navigation application by inserting the MMC card into a compatible smartphone and launching the application. The device then establishes a Bluetooth connection between the phone and the Nokia LD-1W.

The Nokia LD-1W is targeted at car drivers, business travelers and backpackers. “The Nokia LD-1W makes it possible for users to enjoy many of the same convenient navigation features on a compatible smartphone’s screen that are available from an in-car navigation system. The users will know where they are and the shortest route to their destination,” said Dan Wong, Vice President of Sales and Channel Management, Multimedia, Nokia China. “With a smartphone, positioning and navigation is easy” the product concept developed by Nokia Ventures Organization Asia integrates hardware, software and content into a compact and easy-to-use package.”

“Nokia Ventures Organization Asia pursues and develops new business opportunities and seeks to develop new collaborative models with Chinese entrepreneurs.” said Mr. Marko Vanska, Director of Nokia Ventures Organization Asia. “The launch of Nokia LD-1W in China represents a good example of how Nokia Ventures Organization Asia creates value to the mobile ecosystem, through partnerships with local and global entrepreneurs.”

The navigable map database is a critical component of a navigation solution. For the Nokia LD-1W mobile navigation solution, Nokia selected NAV2 as its map supplier. “NAV2 is pleased to be working with a global leader known for its high standards of excellence. NAV2 and Nokia’s combined expertise is a winning combination for portable communication and navigation,” said Jeff Lin, General Manager of NAV2. “We anticipate that the release of this mobile navigation solution will promote further development of the China navigation market and begin the evolution of mobile navigation to an everyday reality.”

NAV2’s current map database covers 195 mainland cities in 31 provinces, including the nationwide road network. Also included is NAVTEQ map of coverage Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The map data also includes points of interests, such as restaurants, lodging, recreation, public transportation and cultural facilities, and offers turn-by-turn route guidance to the selected destination. The database is expected to cover 511 cities across mainland China before the end of 2007. Users can go to Nokia Care Centers across the country for map updates after initial activation.

The Nokia LD-1W is compatible with the Nokia 3230, Nokia 3650, Nokia 3660, Nokia 6260, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6681, Nokia 7610 and other Series 60 smartphones. PDA or personal PC users can purchase the Nokia LD-1W sales package without the MMC card, and then download compatible mobile navigation applications and maps at their convenience.

The main features of the Nokia mobile navigation solution include the option of voice instructions, easy switching between a classic map view and a 3D display, easy handover between daylight mode and night colors manually or automatically, as well as zoom-in and zoom-out map display.

Cellular Phones and GPS Tracking

2008-03-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

The FCC is requiring 95% of cellular phones in use will have GPS services built in so they can be located if the phone dials 911. An early example of this technology at use came last week when Michael Dendy crashed his motorcycle. He was far enough off the road that nobody saw him. He was conscious but didn’t know where he was.

So he called 911 and rescue personnel were able to locate him by the GPS coordinates that were broadcast when he dialed 911. A police helicopter flew to the coordinates enabling paramedics to locate Dendy.

GPS gadget aims to ease geotagging

2008-03-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

The device, like many GPS receivers, keeps track of its location based on signals from satellites. What's different is that instead of marrying that location data with your photos on a computer using special software, the Photo Finder has an SD card slot and handles the tagging by itself, the company said. When you copy photos to your computer, the location data is embedded in the JPEG files.

It also includes a USB port that lets you plug in a flash card reader if your camera uses CompactFlash memory cards or some other format. It's based on the highly regarded SiRF Star III GPS chip.

Sadly, the device supports only JPEG files at this stage. Most photographers shoot only JPEG -- indeed, most cameras have no other option -- but higher-end models such as SLRs also support raw files, which record the image sensor data with no in-camera processing. And the kind of enthusiasts who shoot raw sometimes are the kinds of enthusiasts who like to geotag photos.

"We'll definitely continue to develop additional support for raw formats," said marketing manager Jeffray Hsieh, "but because of the fragmentation between camera manufacturers, it will be a challenge."

The company also plans on adding the ability to export track logs as a KML route file, a record of a person's trip that can be imported into Google Earth software. The company also is planning on adding altitude and direction data that some GPS devices can supply.

The Photo Finder also includes a screen that's can display the time, a feature designed to help nip geotagging time zone complications in the bud.

Most people geotag photos for personal archival reasons: which church/mountain/beach was that photo? Various Web sites also can take advantage geotagged photos.

The official Australian distributor, Borge's Imaging, sell the device on their Web site for AU$148.

GPS will be in every phone

2008-03-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Once, phones with MP3 players and cameras included were considered high end. Today, such devices have become ubiquitous. Now, Nokia believes GPS functionality will soon follow the same path.

The world's biggest phone manufacturer has already started including GPS receivers into a handful of devices, including the N95, a self-styled multimedia computer and the Nokia 6110 Navigator . It's a trend that we're likely to see more of in the coming months, the Finnish mobile maker has revealed.

David Watkins, Multimedia Sales Director Nokia APAC, told ZDNet Australia that GPS will work its way from niche product to mainstream functionality and will one day be considered as ubiquitous as the cameraphone is today.

"We have product introductions as [a type functionality] scales across. GPS is not just for technology leaders or people juggling their life, it's really for anyone," he said. "It's a trend you will be seeing more of." The next wave of GPS-enabled Nokia phones are expected to be announced this September.

Nokia is hoping that such location-based services will go beyond their traditional capacity as direction finding equipment for those making unfamiliar road journeys to "discovery" technology, where users will use their mobiles to find their nearest coffee shop or post office.

So what comes next? Presence, apparently. "It will be about 'I know where my friends are, what presence status they're in' -- so who's available for coffee in the CBD right now, like with IM presence," Watkins said.

The company has already produced sports software that blends location based information with a user's speed and other information to help runners analyse their daily jog. Watkins said with millions of developers working on the S60 -- the Nokia-owned platform that runs on top of the Symbian mobile operating system, many more applications will be produced to capitalise on location-based services.

According to analysts Frost and Sullivan, the Asia-Pacific location-based services market will be worth around US$500 million by the end of 2009, up from US$291.7 million in 2006 last year.

Nokia currently uses Navteq as its mapping supplier and the pair are considering branching out from road and street maps to include more rural offerings for bushwalkers and those exploring more remote areas.

GPS Basic Information

2008-03-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

GPS or Global Positioning System is a fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System. This system uses an artificial constellation of 24 medium Earth orbit satellites. These satellites transmit microwave signals, thus enabling a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction and time. This system was developed by United States Department of Defense and was named as NAVSTAR GPS which was given by Mr. John Walsh. NAVSTAR is not an acronym, as is widely believed.

This satellite constellation is managed by United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost is approximately 750 US dollars every year, including the maintenance cost, replacement, research and development. After shoot down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in the year 1983, a directive was issued which made the GPS available for civilian use and has been used extensively since then. It has become a very useful tool for making maps, surveying landscapes, commerce and many scientific uses. It also provides time reference which can be used in many applications which include study of earthquake and telecommunication network synchronization.

A GPS receiver simply calculates the distance between itself and three more GPS satellite. Each satellite has an atomic clock in it continually transmits certain data containing its exact time, location of the transmitting satellite and the almanac. The receiver then measures the reception time of the signal. Thus the distance to each satellite is known. Knowing three such distances, a trilateration is formed. By using a fourth satellite, need for a clock at receiver is avoided.

The Global Positioning System is used in a variety of Military and Civilian Applications. It allows soldiers find their objectives in a dark or completely unfamiliar territory and coordinate troop movement and supplies. GPS receivers which military personnel use are called Commanders and Soldier Digital Assistants. A combination of GPS and communication through radio enables real time vehicle tracking.

It is also used in marking targets as hostile and enables the precision guided munitions to allow them engage these targets with high accuracy. Air to Ground roles of military aircrafts use GPS to find targets. GPS also allows targeting for military weapons like ICBMs, Cruise missiles, precision guided missile. Artillery based projectiles are embedded with GPS receivers and can withstand forces up to 12,000G. These are used for 155 mm Howitzers. Any Downed pilot can be easily located if he has GPS receiver. It is widely used by military for reconnaissance and mapping. Some GPS satellites also have nuclear detonation detectors.

GPS helps civilians a lot in surveying and navigation. Its ability to calculate local speed and orientation is extremely useful. Time transfer is possible because of its capability to synchronize clock. A widely used example of use of GPS is CDMA digital cell phone. Each base uses a GPS timing receiver to synchronize the codes with different base stations and thus making it easy inter-cellular hand off and thus support emergency phone calls and other many applications. GPS equipment has also revolutionized tectonics by measuring the fault motion during earthquakes.

The two GPS developers, Ivan Getting and Bradford Parkinson have received national academy of Engineering Charles Stark Draper prize during year 2003. Roger L Easton received National Medal for technology on February 13, 2006. Other similar tracking systems are Beidou, which has been developed by China and is proposed to be expanded into COMPASS; Galilieo, which is been developed by European Union along with many other countries like India and China; GLONASS, which is been developed by Russia is fully available in partnership with India; IRNSS is India`s proposed regional system and QZSS which has been proposed by Japan.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/gps.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

Figure Out Your Lowrance GPS Unit For Best Effectiveness

2008-03-11T14:17:00.001-07:00

Lowrance GPS units are one of the top models available to consumers. Lowrance GPS products are GPS receivers. These products gather data from a satellite and display your location on a screen.

GPS is sweeping the market, which is why it's good to go with a brand that has established itself as a leader in GPS technology since people are after the good quality of products.

There are Lowrance units that are specific to aviation needs, marine navigation needs, automotive applications, and those that were designed for on-land adventures.

Lowrance Global Positioning system uses satellite ranging to triangulate your position. In other words, the GPS unit simply measures the travel time of the signals transmitted from the satellites, then multiplies them by the speed of light to determine exactly how far the unit is from every satellite it's sampling. GPS works 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world and is not affected by clouds, storms or weather.

By locking onto the signals from a minimum of three different satellites, a GPS receiver can calculate a 2D (two-dimensional) positional fix, consisting of your latitude and longitude. By locking onto a fourth satellite, the GPS can compute a 3D (three-dimensional) fix, calculating your altitude as well as your latitude/longitude position.

In order to do this Lowrance uses a 12 parallel-channel receiver in all of its current products. Three of the channels lock on to satellites for triangulation. Another channel locks on to a fourth satellite for 3D navigation, which lets the unit calculate altitude in addition to latitude and longitude.

These four channels continuously and simultaneously track the four satellites in the best geometrical positions relative to you. The additional eight channels track all other visible satellites, then add this data to the data from the original four satellites. The unit then over-resolves a solution, creating an accuracy-enhanced reading. The additional channels also ensure reliable, continuous and uninterrupted navigation, even in adverse conditions such as valleys or dense woods.

Furthermore, the life of the battery in your handheld GPS unit depends on a number of factors. First and foremost is the quality of the batteries you are using. Be sure to select a high quality alkaline battery. Using the Power Save feature whenever possible and keeping the backlight panel off when not needed will assure maximum battery life. Depending on the unit you have, your average battery life will be between 8 and 20 hours.

One sample product of a Lowrance receiver is the Lowrance Differential Beacon Receiver. It is completely sealed and waterproof to withstand even the harshest of environmental conditions, and is backed by our Full One-Year Warranty. The result is unmatched accuracy for your Lowrance differential-ready GPS receiver.

Signals from land-based DGPS stations are used to correct for the effects of SA and other accuracy-degrading limitations. These DGPS stations, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard or similar agencies around the world, offer free DGPS corrections broadcast on 283.5-325 kHz. The Lowrance DGPS Beacon Receiver outputs RTCM SC-104 format corrections to any DGPS-ready GPS receiver.

Lowrance produces many software and manuals to enhance the GPS experience. It is important that users new to GPS read the manual for whatever unit they choose to buy, regardless of brand. As consumers, there are lots of functions you want to figure out.

Learn how to eliminate speeding tickets @ http://www.eliminatespeedingtickets.com Feel free to reproduce this article as long as there is an active hyperlink accompanied with it.

How accurate is GPS?

2008-03-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garmin® GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average.

Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve accuracy to less than three meters on average. No additional equipment or fees are required to take advantage of WAAS. Users can also get better accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS), which corrects GPS signals to within an average of three to five meters. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most common DGPS correction service. This system consists of a network of towers that receive GPS signals and transmit a corrected signal by beacon transmitters. In order to get the corrected signal, users must have a differential beacon receiver and beacon antenna in addition to their GPS.

The GPS satellite system

The 24 satellites that make up the GPS space segment are orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. These satellites are travelling at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour.

GPS satellites are powered by solar energy. They have backup batteries onboard to keep them running in the event of a solar eclipse, when there's no solar power. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path.

Here are some other interesting facts about the GPS satellites (also called NAVSTAR, the official U.S. Department of Defense name for GPS):

The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.
A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994.
Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.
A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended.
Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.

By:www8.garmin.com

Telogis' OnTrack Drives Profitability for Businesses with Their GPS Fleet Tracking and Productivity Software

2008-03-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Costa Mesa, CA (PRWeb) April 16, 2007 -- Telogis joined a team of fleet management companies to underwrite the recently published Aberdeen study -- Service on the Move: Driving Profitability via Fleet Management (to download a complimentary copy of the report, go to www.telogis.com). The recently published report reveals that service organizations who have successfully implemented fleet management solutions have realized a 28% improvement in operator compliance, 11% reduction in maintenance costs, and 13% improvement in vehicle utilization. As a result, they reported a 12% increase in overall service profitability.

Telogis clients themselves have similar findings with implementing OnTrack. Telogis clients report that OnTrack, an advanced GPS fleet productivity and management package, have seen a positive return on investment within 90 days of purchase. They note that beyond overall immediate cost reductions, OnTrack has also provided them with an additional two hours of improved driver productivity per day, all of which is information supported by Aberdeen.

Eight in ten service organizations recently surveyed by the AberdeenGroup, a Harte-Hanks Company, stated that management of their fleets is integral to their overall operational and financial performance. As such, senior executives are looking to get increased visibility into and develop strategies to improve fleet-related productivity and cost metrics.

According to the report, other benefits of fleet management-related automation include:
• 26% improvement in regulatory compliance
• 23% increase in warranty recovery
• 15% decrease in vehicle downtime
• 15% reduction in average travel time "windshield time" per job

OnTrack is the cost effective solution choice for businesses. Customers report: Reduced over-time and fleet operating costs, increased employee productivity and revenue, optimized safety and security and immediate return on investment. Telogis retains the majority of its customers and gains customers from competitors.

About Telogis
Telogis was established in 2000, with offices in Costa Mesa, Texas, and Christchurch, New Zealand. Telogis designs, manufactures, and sells GPS Fleet Tracking and Management Systems as well as designs and sells component software for GIS software applications (GeoBase: a GIS mapping platform tool). Telogis software services and products are used and distributed worldwide. Please visit www.telogis.com to download a free copy of the report.

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company
Aberdeen is a leading provider of fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having benchmarked more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is uniquely positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to AberdeenTM for insights that drive decisions.

Telogis Contact:
Kim Troxel
Marketing Director
(949) 646-6637
www.telogis.com

10 Things You Can Do With a GPS

2008-03-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

A lot of dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists pooh pooh GPS units for mountaineering and hill walking. But do they really deserve this disdain or contempt? What can they offer hill walkers? Are they worth considering? Read on and find out . . .

Bear in mind that you should always be prepared and capable of navigating without a GPS unit. GPS units are designed to augment other forms of navigation, not to replace them.

So what questions can a GPS answer and what features do they offer? Some you may know and some you may not. Well, here's the list: -

1. Where am I? OK, that's the obvious one. Since GPS stands for global positioning system you could pretty much guess this one. But did you know that, as well as the default latitude and longtitude in degrees and minutes, you can also choose from many different positional formats including the one that is of most interest to us i.e. British Grid. Therefore, armed with an OS map of the area, you can read the grid cordinates from the unit and pinpoint your location on the map. Therefore, if you only use it for this purpose alone (and I know some who do) then it's worth its weight in gold for those occasions when navigation is difficult. I rate GPS units for this feature alone but they offer plenty more...

2. You can record your current location If you would like to record where you are for any reason, you can record your location and elevation as a waypoint and give it a name that you can refer back to later. This could be useful to remind you where you've left the mountain bikes or be useful in emergencies where you need to record an accident location.

3. How high am I? You can see at a glance your elevation i.e. the measurement of height above sea level. So you should never be caught out again by false summits. Subtracting your elevation from the height of the peak you are tackling will tell you what ascent remains to achieve your objective.

4. How much daylight remains? A GPS unit can give you the times of sunrise and sunset at your present location. This is useful for planning your walk and ensuring that you can complete it in daylight.

5. What direction am I Walking? A GPS unit can give you your heading - the direction you are travelling and your bearing i.e. the compass direction between your current location and your destination.

6. How far have I walked? A GPS unit is usually equipped with a trip odometer which can tell you how far you have gone since the last trip reset.

7. How long have I been walking? If you forgot to check the time that you set out but you remembered to reset the trip odometer then the GPS unit can tell you the total time you have travelled since the last trip reset.

8. How fast am I walking? Like the speedometer in your car, the GPS unit can tell you how fast you are going regardless of whether or not you are on the right track. In addition, if you remembered to reset your trip when you set out, the GPS can also tell you your average and maximum speed since the last trip reset.

9. How do I retrace my route? A track log feature leaves an electronic breadcrumb navigation trail which you can save for future use. When you are ready to return to where you started, the GPS will take you back along the track log that you left behind. Alternatively you can record your walk so that others may follow in your footsteps.

10. Plan a route in advance You can set up a route by defining it, in the GPS unit, as a series of waypoints. When you reach one waypoint, the GPS guides you to the next with a pointer and so on through each successive waypoint until you reach your final destination. This is extremely useful in bad weather when map and compass navigation is difficult.

The process of entering waypoints into a GPS is made made much easier if the GPS unit is used in conjunction with digital mapping software which is the subject of another review. Recommendations So, how do I rate gps units? Well, I wouldn't have one in my car but I'm a big fan of GPS units for hill walking. I always carry mine with me and on a number of occasions it has proved invaluable for identifying the current location and keeping on the right track. The GPS unit that I use, which has all of the above features, is the Garmin etrex. This is a low-cost entry level GPS unit which is ideal for users new to GPS but which also offers features that are likely to meet the requirements of many of you long term.

Remember that, in the early 70's according to Monty Python, a lot of people pooh poohed Australian table wine but now they can't get enough of them. Invest in a GPS - you'll find its worth every penny. I rate GPS units highly as an essential item of equipment for hill walking.

Dave Brown is a keen hill walker and founder of the Peakbagging Club, a web site devoted to hill walking in Great Britain. Check out the site at http://www.peakbagging.net

by:gpscenter.co.cc

Navigation signals

2008-03-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Each GPS satellite continuously broadcasts a Navigation Message at 50 bit/s giving the time-of-day, GPS week number and satellite health information (all transmitted in the first part of the message), an ephemeris (transmitted in the second part of the message) and an almanac (later part of the message). The messages are sent in frames, each taking 30 seconds to transmit 1500 bits.

The first 6 seconds of every frame contains data describing the satellite clock and its relationship to GPS time. The next 12 seconds contain the ephemeris data, giving the satellite's own precise orbit. The ephemeris is updated every 2 hours and is generally valid for 4 hours, with provisions for updates every 6 hours or longer in non-nominal conditions. The time needed to acquire the ephemeris is becoming a significant element of the delay to first position fix, because, as the hardware becomes more capable, the time to lock onto the satellite signals shrinks, but the ephemeris data requires 30 seconds (worst case) before it is received, due to the low data transmission rate.

The almanac consists of coarse orbit and status information for each satellite in the constellation, an ionospheric model, and information to relate GPS derived time to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). A new part of the almanac is received for the last 12 seconds in each 30 second frame. Each frame contains 1/25th of the almanac, so 12.5 minutes are required to receive the entire almanac from a single satellite^[15]. The almanac serves several purposes. The first is to assist in the acquisition of satellites at power-up by allowing the receiver to generate a list of visible satellites based on stored position and time, while an ephemeris from each satellite is needed to compute position fixes using that satellite. In older hardware, lack of an almanac in a new receiver would cause long delays before providing a valid position, because the search for each satellite was a slow process. Advances in hardware have made the acquisition process much faster, so not having an almanac is no longer an issue. The second purpose is for relating time derived from the GPS (called GPS time) to the international time standard of UTC. Finally, the almanac allows a single frequency receiver to correct for ionospheric error by using a global ionospheric model. The corrections are not as accurate as augmentation systems like WAAS or dual frequency receivers. However it is often better than no correction since ionospheric error is the largest error source for a single frequency GPS receiver. An important thing to note about navigation data is that each satellite transmits only its own ephemeris, but transmits an almanac for all satellites.

Each satellite transmits its navigation message with at least two distinct spread spectrum codes: the Coarse / Acquisition (C/A) code, which is freely available to the public, and the Precise (P) code, which is usually encrypted and reserved for military applications. The C/A code is a 1,023 chip pseudo-random (PRN) code at 1.023 million chips/sec so that it repeats every millisecond. Each satellite has its own C/A code so that it can be uniquely identified and received separately from the other satellites transmitting on the same frequency. The P-code is a 10.23 megachip/sec PRN code that repeats only every week. When the "anti-spoofing" mode is on, as it is in normal operation, the P code is encrypted by the Y-code to produce the P(Y) code, which can only be decrypted by units with a valid decryption key. Both the C/A and P(Y) codes impart the precise time-of-day to the user.

Frequencies used by GPS include

L1 (1575.42 MHz): Mix of Navigation Message, coarse-acquisition (C/A) code and encrypted precision P(Y) code, plus the new L1C on future Block III satellites.
L2 (1227.60 MHz): P(Y) code, plus the new L2C code on the Block IIR-M and newer satellites.
L3 (1381.05 MHz): Used by the Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection System Payload (NDS) to signal detection of nuclear detonations and other high-energy infrared events. Used to enforce nuclear test ban treaties.
L4 (1379.913 MHz): Being studied for additional ionospheric correction.
L5 (1176.45 MHz): Proposed for use as a civilian safety-of-life (SoL) signal. This frequency falls into an internationally protected range for aeronautical navigation, promising little or no interference under all circumstances. The first Block IIF satellite that would provide this signal is set to be launched in 2008.

Technical Description

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System segmentation

The current GPS consists of three major segments. These are the space segment (SS), a control segment (CS), and a user segment (US).

Space segment

The space segment (SS) comprises the orbiting GPS satellites, or Space Vehicles (SV) in GPS parlance. The GPS design originally called for 24 SVs, 8 each in three circular orbital planes, but this was modified to 6 planes with 4 satellites each. The orbital planes are centered on the Earth, not rotating with respect to the distant stars. The six planes have approximately 55° inclination (tilt relative to Earth's equator) and are separated by 60° right ascension of the ascending node (angle along the equator from a reference point to the orbit's intersection). The orbits are arranged so that at least six satellites are always within line of sight from almost everywhere on Earth's surface.

Orbiting at an altitude of approximately 20,200 kilometers (12,600 miles or 10,900 nautical miles; orbital radius of 26,600 km (16,500 mi or 14,400 NM)), each SV makes two complete orbits each sidereal day. The ground track of each satellite therefore repeats each (sidereal) day. This was very helpful during development, since even with just 4 satellites, correct alignment means all 4 are visible from one spot for a few hours each day. For military operations, the ground track repeat can be used to ensure good coverage in combat zones.

As of September 2007, there are 31 actively broadcasting satellites in the GPS constellation. The additional satellites improve the precision of GPS receiver calculations by providing redundant measurements. With the increased number of satellites, the constellation was changed to a nonuniform arrangement. Such an arrangement was shown to improve reliability and availability of the system, relative to a uniform system, when multiple satellites fail.

Control segment

The flight paths of the satellites are tracked by US Air Force monitoring stations in Hawaii, Kwajalein, Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, along with monitor stations operated by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The tracking information is sent to the Air Force Space Command's master control station at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, which is operated by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) of the United States Air Force (USAF). 2 SOPS contacts each GPS satellite regularly with a navigational update (using the ground antennas at Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, Kwajalein, and Colorado Springs). These updates synchronize the atomic clocks on board the satellites to within a few nanoseconds of each other, and adjust the ephemeris of each satellite's internal orbital model. The updates are created by a Kalman filter which uses inputs from the ground monitoring stations, space weather information, and various other inputs.

Satellite maneuvers are not precise by GPS standards. So to change the orbit of a satellite, the satellite must be marked 'unhealthy', so receivers will not use it in their calculation. Then the maneuver can be carried out, and the resulting orbit tracked from the ground. Then the new ephemeris is uploaded and the satellite marked healthy again. Even if just one satellite is maneuvered at a time, this implies at least five satellites must be visible to be sure of getting data from four.

User segment

The user's GPS receiver is the user segment (US) of the GPS. In general, GPS receivers are composed of an antenna, tuned to the frequencies transmitted by the satellites, receiver-processors, and a highly-stable clock (often a crystal oscillator). They may also include a display for providing location and speed information to the user. A receiver is often described by its number of channels: this signifies how many satellites it can monitor simultaneously. Originally limited to four or five, this has progressively increased over the years so that, as of 2006, receivers typically have between twelve and twenty channels

GPS receivers may include an input for differential corrections, using the RTCM SC-104 format. This is typically in the form of a RS-232 port at 4,800 bit/s speed. Data is actually sent at a much lower rate, which limits the accuracy of the signal sent using RTCM. Receivers with internal DGPS receivers can outperform those using external RTCM data. As of 2006, even low-cost units commonly include Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) receivers.

Many GPS receivers can relay position data to a PC or other device using the NMEA 0183 protocol. NMEA 2000 is a newer and less widely adopted protocol. Both are proprietary and controlled by the US-based National Marine Electronics Association. References to the NMEA protocols have been compiled from public records, allowing open source tools like gpsd to read the protocol without violating intellectual property laws. Other proprietary protocols exist as well, such as the SiRF and MTK protocols. Receivers can interface with other devices using methods including a serial connection, USB or Bluetooth.

Simplified method of operation

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A typical GPS receiver calculates its position using the signals from four or more GPS satellites. Four satellites are needed since the process needs a very accurate local time, more accurate than any normal clock can provide, so the receiver internally solves for time as well as position. In other words, the receiver uses four measurements to solve for 4 variables - x, y, z, and t. These values are then turned into more user-friendly forms, such as latitude/longitude or location on a map, then displayed to the user.

Each GPS satellite has an atomic clock, and continually transmits messages containing the current time at the start of the message, parameters to calculate the location of the satellite (the ephemeris), and the general system health (the almanac). The signals travel at a known speed - the speed of light through outer space, and slightly slower through the atmosphere. The receiver uses the arrival time to compute the distance to each satellite, from which it determines the position of the receiver using geometry and trigonometry (see trilateration)

Although four satellites are required for normal operation, fewer may be needed in some special cases. For example, if one variable is already known (for example, a sea-going ship knows its altitude is 0), a receiver can determine its position using only three satellites. Also, in practice, receivers use additional clues (doppler shift of satellite signals, last known position, dead reckoning, inertial navigation, and so on) to give degraded answers when fewer than four satellites are visible.

Global Positioning System

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The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time. Other similar systems are the Russian GLONASS (incomplete as of 2008), the upcoming European Galileo positioning system, the proposed COMPASS navigation system of China, and IRNSS of India.

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, GPS is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Contrary to popular belief, NAVSTAR is not an acronym, but simply a name given by John Walsh, a key decision maker when it came to the budget for the GPS program). The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development.

Following the shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued a directive making the system available for free for civilian use as a common good. Since then, GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks

Privacy Policy

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