GPS Navigation System - Amazing Innovation In Your Car
33860
Science and Technology
Jun 28, 2007
WestWing888
GPS Navigation System - Amazing Innovation In Your Car
The invention of the GPS navigation system is not as new as most people believe; they have been around and used ever since the first GPS satellite was launched into space back in 1978. Global positioning satellites have many civilian and military applications, but one of the most pervasive is navigation. However, using a GPS navigation system inside an ordinary automobile, is somewhat different than using it on airplane. Transportation by car is dependent on the roads that are traveled. In reality, GPS readings alone such as longitude, latitude and altitude are for all practical purposes useless when you're driving to Aunt Mabel's house. When driving an automobile you can end up going through urban canyons and tunnels, where satellite singles cannot get through. So a different type of GPS technology is needed for automobile GPS navigation systems. There has been potential for years in automobile GPS navigation systems, and industry has tried various ways to implement them. In 1983, Honda introduced an automobile navigation system that was based primarily on an accelerometer, not on GPS. It wasn't until 1990 that an automobile GPS system was released to the public consumer by Pioneer. Automobile GPS Navigation systems had yet to really come into use until Magellan released its version in the US in 1995. Since then more portable GPS systems have been developed for greater ease of use for people. Automobile GPS Navigation System Components An automobile GPS Navigation System requires a GPS receiver and a map database. Some systems also have drive train sensors to supplement when GPS signals are blocked for brief periods. The database map converts the GPS portable systems coordinates into map locations, such as street names and addresses. Some map databases contain GPS coordinates for specific locations, such as points of interest or rest stops. It's the information in the database, however, that directs you to your location, either visually or by voice. Which means your GPS navigation system is only as good as your GPS car systems map database. Commercial Applications Many corporations and businesses use GPS navigation system within their vehicles to dispatch and track vehicles. In various cities throughout the US, taxis come equipped with a GPS navigation system. Dispatchers at the taxi company know where all the taxis are located at any given point in time, and can dispatch them more effectively than before. Commercial shipping companies find GPS navigation systems indispensable. In addition to being able to track where the trucks are whenever they want, they can also give the customer a tracking number, and then the customer would have the ability to track their individual package themselves.
Korbin Newlyn is an avid follower in the consumer electronics field. You can find more of his insights at GPS Reviews and at GPS Automotive
send email to WestWing888
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Catching that once in a lifetime fish can be a daunting task. Locating them is half the battle. A GPS fish finder can increase the odds in finding one. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Global Positioning Satellite technology or GPS has come of age in that we now have the capability to locate any position on earth. The power that this puts into our hands is enormous. Read on to learn more.
Category:
It used to be you needed a great deal of room and 3 separate machines to handle printing, faxing and scanning. Enter the multifunction printer and a whole new dimension of productivity. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Recently cell phones have adopted gps tracking technology for E911 purposes. However, does this present a potential threat to your privacy? Read on to learn more.
Category:
The use of older video tape for your recordings is increasingly being replaced with that of digital video recordings. Read on to learn more.
Category:
GSM Cellular Phone technology has been around since the early 1990's. It is only recently that consumers have reaped the benefits of this new technology. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Purchasing a new ATV is an exciting time for both young and old alike. However, the next step is to learn where you can ride your new recreational vehicle. Read on to learn more.
Category:
There are many aspects to a car as sophisticated as the BMW M5. It is in the details that you can discover the most essential answers to make an informed decision for a successful purchase of your new BMW car.
Category:
The BMW M3 is a sportier version of the BMW 3 series. We take a look at the characteristics of 3 variations of this high technology automobile. Read on to learn more.
Category:
BMW is renowned for its quality construction of its automobiles. Their introduction of the BMW X5 reflects this tradition. Read on to learn more.
Category:
We all wear clothes that suit our own tastes. However, have you ever considered how the history of society and culture influences your choice of clothing? Read on to learn more.
Category:
GPS tracking devices have many beneficial uses. However, controversy over the covert use of this relatively new technology has ethical scholars, right to privacy advocates, law enforcement, and teens and parents at odds with each other.
Category:
It is a tragic statement of the times that homes in today's society are at greater risk for burglary and other crimes. One solution to combat this situation is the use of a home security camera system. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Fashion encompasses many facets of society. A way to experience the many public fashion nuances is to have an event such as Fashion Week to express peoples dressing tastes in New York. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Cellular phones started out as primitive bulky and expensive devices mainly used by government authorities and people with financial means. Technological advancements has changed all that. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Apple has come up with a brilliant idea of setting the iPod apart from other MP3 players that other manufactures should take note of. Read on and learn more.
Category:
Cocoa tea originated long ago in Soufriere St. Lucia, in the West Indies in the Caribbean. The drink was made to fit more than just peoples desire for a beverage. Read on to learn more.
Category:
For the best answers on choosing the right fashion styles follow these guidelines and you won't for wrong. Read on to learn more.
Category:
A new wireless technology known as Bluetooth has combined with GPS navigation technology to simplify your navigation needs. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Securing your place of residence has become a necessity in today's society. However, for those who own businesses there is twice the responsibility. Read on to learn more.
Category:
Other links at Science and Technology
Get to know important features, advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras. Good tips for your next purchase.
Category:
Car audio amplifier generally converts low-level signal from the source unit to a high level signal for driving the loudspeakers. These amplifiers can range in power from 20 watts to over a thousand watts per channel. And their prices too differ from one
Category:
Today, an 8mm film transfer can be done in several different ways and written to several different digital formats like DVD, MiniDV, HDV or HD. Depending on the film transfer process, quality can range from poor to excellent.
Category:
Almost every electronic device has a case. From cell phones to digital cameras to portable gaming systems, cases not only protect these gadgets, they ensure that every component stays together.
Category:
For those who do not know what a Podcast is, it is an mp3 format file that can contain your own radio show. These Podcasts can easily be uploaded to a server, like a website, from a Really Simple Syndication (RSS). After uploading, people are then able to
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68252
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
