Can GPS Data Be Used As Evidence In Court?

You know the classic scene-a driver gets pulled over for speeding. They sigh, slow down, and pull over. A police officer exits a squad car, taps on the driver's side window, and asked that famous question, "Do you have any idea how fast you were going back there?" Answers may vary from " I don't know, officer" to giving an excuse for why the speed is so necessary to making up a number.

But what if you didn't have to make up a number? What if you could give an accurate answer? That might help some drivers and hurt others, depending on their actual speed.

One father is attempting to prove that his son was not speeding by using evidence gathered from the GPS tracking device he placed in his son's car. The main purpose of the device was for the parents to stay informed about their son's whereabouts and to monitor his speed, but now it may be put to another use.

As new technology enters our lives, we have to find ways to deal with how we apply it and how we govern ourselves in relation to new machines and gadgets. Cases like this set new precedents for how speeding tickets are contested.

There are any number of reasons that could account for why the GPS recorded a legal speed, while the officer's radar gun recorded something above the speed limit. In one possible scenario, the calibration for the radar gun that the officer used was not exact.

The case has not been decided so it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

In the meantime, the father involved stressed that he and his wife did not put the GPS device in their son's car to avoid traffic tickets. Their goal was to encourage their teen to be a careful driver. He actually hopes that the attention that this case has received will get other parents thinking about using GPS technology to keep teen drivers safe and on the right side of the law.

Article authored by Nancy McCord of McCord Web Design Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_McCord

Best Price Garmin Nuvi 660 - Where To Find It!

You have made an excellent choice in selecting a Garmin Nuvi 660! It is a great GPS unit. Now it's time to find the best price on a Garmin Nuvi 660. But where do you find it?

You will find many ways to locate a deal on the Nuvi 660. You could look on Amazon, Ebay or Overstock for starters. Of course you would have many more options then those. Among all the places you will find a vast array of prices. If you look you will also notice that shipping and handling also vary widely. Some companies like to offer a really good price but when you check shipping and handling the actually cost may be more then another site.

Imagine spending several hours searching for the best price on the Garmin Nuvi. Finely you have it nailed down, you have found the right one. You get to the purchase page and discover that while the purchase price is great the shipping and handling means it costs more then the last site you checked. Great, now what? So you spend some more time searching.

A similar experience I had to deal with involved spending the time to locate my a great price on the item I wanted. Once I found the lowest price I ordered the product. Then I got an email saying there was a problem and I needed to call about the order. Wanting to get my good deal quickly I called.

When I finally got someone to answer they wanted to verify some information regarding the order. Once the information was verified they inform me that one of the accessories that came stock was horrible. They said I won't be happy with it and would be much happier with an upgraded item. I asked them how much the upgrade item would cost. The price was insane. I said no thanks - it did not even make since that the factory item would have a problem. They tried a couple more ways to get me to upgrade.

Finally I got of the phone without buying the upgrade. Whew, now I can get my order shipped.

I waited for my order to only find out they were claiming it was out of stock or back ordered and they could not ship my product. What? I was leaving on a trip and wanted it now! As you can imagine I was not very happy about the run around. I spend some more time searching the web for another place to buy the item. This time I was not so concerned about the lowest price, I wanted to get the item.

After finding another source I called up the first company and canceled my order. That was not easy either. Finally I placed my order with the new company and was happy to receive the order quickly. I paid a little more but I got what I was after.

I have read similar stories where people get jerked around like this from some online companies. I came to realize that the lowest price is not always the best price. I use this mentality when searching for a price on the internet now. It has served me well and it will also serve you well.

Avoid the hassle - I've done the leg work for you! Take action and find the Best Price Garmin Nuvi 660 Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phill_Anderson

Best GPS - Find The Right One For You!

Best GPS? Don't Just Buy Anything!

Finding the best GPS system can be as easy as going to the local office supply store and just buying whatever you can afford. But, how do you know if you are getting the best system for your needs? Do you need certain features such as hands free calling with Bluetooth™? How about real-time traffic reports? Is that something you need?

Most people find buying their first GPS system a daunting task. Once you start looking into the various systems, there are so many features to choose from. Also, the range of prices for GPS systems is huge, ranging from less than $200 on the low end, to almost $1000 on the high end.

You don't want a system that's too cheap, because as you use it you'll start to wish you had the other features.

What you need is an understanding of what's for sale and about how much the main features are going to cost you. That way you can make an informed decision.

How to Buy the Best GPS

The first thing to do is to establish a budget. Then you can group the available GPS devices and compare apples to apples.

At the low end, you can get a Tom Tom One, 3rd Edition for around $200. The 3rd Edition is a fabulous device! It works great and has a ton of features for the price. Garmin also sells a quality product for less than $200. The Garmin nuvi 200 currently sells for around $180. It does not have all of the features that the 3rd Edition has, but Garmin is famous for making a quality product.

In the mid-range, I would probably take a look at Magellan and Garmin. Amazon just published a list of their best selling GPS units for the year 2007. Which GPS system was at the top of the list? The Garmin nuvi 350, which currently sells for a little less than $300.

At the high end, you have several great Tom Toms, specifically the GO series. And, of course, Garmin. Both of these systems offer a ton of high-tech features and easy to user interfaces.

In Conclusion

Just as in buying anything, you need to understand what's available and how much it is going to cost you. Then you can make an informed decision.

Lee Cole is a GPS enthusiast, to say the least! Go to his website to find the best GPS system for your needs!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Cole

Automotive GPS Systems - Built In Or Portable?

Whether you are driving long hours across country or a few minutes across town, you might want to consider getting one of the latest automotive gps systems to save you time and for your safety. Being able to get from point A to point B without getting lost can sometimes is a challenge, but automotive gps systems can help in so many ways. The automotive gps systems use 24 orbiting satellites to triangulate your exact whereabouts and also figure out the distance it will be before you get to your destination. Along the way to 'point B' the automotive gps receivers will tell you roads you've passed and exit as well. This is so you don't have to look away from the road, making it much safer.

Automotive gps systems have the same features as many of the handheld portable gps receivers do, however, most of them are larger and stay in the car. But there are a few models that can be taken out of the car and carried around with you as you walk around the city or the woods; it depends on which model you want to purchase. Most of the automotive gps models have a larger LCD touchscreen and come with more maps than the handheld units. Street level maps and millions of POI's or points of interests such as restaurants, ATM's and banks, zoo's, schools and parks are already preprogrammed into the automotive gps systems. Although there are programs in which you can program your own POI's such as schools and speed cameras so you know to avoid them each time you pass by that way.

There are several software packages available to download onto your automotive gps navigational system through your home computer that will allow you to see more of the United States or Canada, Mexico and even Europe. If you are planning on traveling, it might be a good idea to purchase a CD-ROM with one of these extended countries with the POI's highlighted for you and your family to enjoy while there.

Some of the other accessories available for your automotive gps systems would be a Bluetooth headset for easy hands-free driving, XM radio - there might be a subscription cost to this, you would have to check and see - a carrying case if you want to take the system out and take it on a walking tour of the city or forest and different mounting options. One of the options for mounting the automotive gps is a round 'sticky' disk which you lay the gps navigation receiver on and it stays put as you drive along. Another option is an 'arm' mount which can be placed on the dash or adhered to the window so the gps is where it is most comfortable for you to view it while driving.

Learn more about GPS satellite tracking from http://www.bestgpssystemsreview.com, a popular GPS website that specializes in providing help with finding quality discount GPS systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlie_Lee

An Even Smaller Keychain GPS Receiver

A while back I was awed and wrote about what I thought was a miniscule GPS receiver that fit on a keychain. Well, I just received an even smaller one from Proporta.com that is even more awesome. The Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 comes in black with a rubberized coating, weighs 0.77 ounces, and measures 1.81 x 1.26 x 0.58 inches with a swivel detachable hook on one end. On one side is a slider power switch and a mini-USB port for charging.

In the box, you get a power charger for your car and a USB cable for charging from a computer. There is also a small printed user's manual with instructions offered in ten languages. Some of the important technical data are as follows:

" Bluetooth v 2.0
" 10 meter range
" MTK chipset
" 51 channels "all-in-view" tracking
" ARM7EJ-S processor
" Protocol: NMEA 0183/ V3.01, GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC
" Baud rate 115,200
" Frequency L1, 1,575.42 Mhz
" Tracking Sensitivity 158dBM
" WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS enabled
" P:osition deviation: 10 meters 90% 2D RMS 1-5 meters
" Velocity: 0.1 m/sec
" Cold/warm/hot start: 36/33/1 sec
" Rechargeable 350 mAh Lithium polymer battery

Operation is simple and straight forward. After charging the device, switch the power on and pair it with your GPS navigation device via Bluetooth using the normal procedure.

On the end opposite the keyring hole are a series of LED lights that glow blue for Bluetooth connection, orange for GPS, red for battery, and green for charging.

Once you are paired with a navigation device, you are good to go. This miniscule signal grabber is a powerful little fellow. You don't even have to have it in plain view of the satellites in your windshield. You can keep it hooked to your ignition key while navigating, and it will receive the signal just fine. You can also put it in your pocket, backpack or purse.

I'm not certain how long the battery lasts. The longest I have used it so far was about four hours, and it was still going strong. It has a power feature that allows the device to go into hibernation mode when there is no activity from your handheld device, and the lights stop flashing. It will wake up instantly with any signal from your navigation device.

You are probably wondering how much this little guy costs, and the answer is $129.95. You can get one from www.proporta.com. Shipping is an extra $4.95, by the way.

If you do not already have GPS software for your pocket pal, I recommend OCN from buy www.buygpsnow.com, Co-Pilot 7 from www.alk,com, and Ostia from www.pharosgps.com. Be sure to get the version that comes on an SD card that will also accommodate micro and mini SD slots. Prices start at $79 for the navigation software.

With this powerful GPSer on your keychain, you will never have to ask for directions again, and you can be a real man.

Timothy Hillebrand, Ph.D. is a retired archaeologist and windows mobile expert who writes for Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine and several other publications. Visit his blog at http://professorpocket.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Hillebrand

Can GPS Tracking Save Your Business Money?

We have all heard about GPS Navigation devices, and many of us have used them to get directions to a destination. What about GPS Tracking, a similar technology being used to track the current or past whereabouts of others? It may be more common than we realize. The tracking devices are commonly used for businesses applications ranging from ensuring employee safety to routing the closest vehicle to an address.

Recent studies indicate that businesses have reported a reduction in fuel usage as the biggest advantage of GPS tracking. Monitoring and reducing speeds, routes, and idle time are just a few things that fleet owners can do to lower the fuel bill. Each mile per hour above 50 MPH increases fuel consumption by 1 ½ percent. Higher speeds also cause more tire heat, which puts more wear on tires. Wear on tires will almost double at road speeds of 70 MPH or greater. GPS tracking systems can report all vehicle activity and immediately alert fleet managers by cell phone and email of speeding and unauthorized use of company vehicles.

Business owners are most concerned with fuel & maintenance, employee overtime, and employee productivity. GPS vehicle tracking solutions can significantly reducing excess costs for businesses:

• Fuel & Maintenance - The average operating cost per vehicle is about $1.50 per mile. A company can reduce at least 25 miles per week for each vehicle with a GPS tracking device.
• Employee Overtime - The employee overtime rate is estimated at about $30 per hour. On average, a company can reduce at least 1 hour of overtime per week with a GPS fleet tracking system.
• Employee Productivity - On average, each vehicle could complete at lease 1 extra stop, job, or delivery per week with a live GPS tracking unit.

For an average size fleet of 10 vehicles, the estimated monthly savings is typically more than $6000 with a GPS Tracking solution.

The cost of a GPS Tracking Device has significantly dropped over the past 10 years. A high quality device can be purchased for around $425. It's typical for a company to see their return on investment within about 30-45 days.

What are the Benefits of GPS Tracking? (18 Benefits of GPS Tracking)

1. Decreases Excess Speeds: By tracking the speed of your vehicles you can reduce the chance of an accident and save money on fuel. Our systems keep a complete record of your vehicles speed at any particular moment.
2. Validates Service Calls: By simply looking at the history of a vehicle you can quickly tell when it arrived and how long it was at a particular service call. There is a clear record which eliminates assumptions and guesswork.
3. More Accurate Billing: Using GPS tracking creates a digital log of time speed and route used by your fleet. Time and fuel costs used specifically on the job can be accurately calculated with this digital log.
4. Reduce Fuel and Maintenance Costs: The average operating cost per vehicle is about $1.50 per mile. A company can reduce at least 25 miles per week for each vehicle with a GPS Tracking System.
5. Reduce Delay and Time Spent at Unauthorized Locations: With our software you can not only track but easily establish an alert system for events like a driver going outside of a designated area or staying idle for too long.
6. Receive Lower Insurance Rates by up to 35%: Many insurance companies offer discounted premiums for vehicles that have a Real Time GPS system.
7. Increase Efficiency: On average, each vehicle could complete at least one extra stop, job, or delivery per week by using the one of our web-based systems.
8. Eliminates Paper Logs: The digital record is not subject to human error and makes the process of record keeping more in depth without any additional hassle.
9. Improves Response Time & Customer Service: By knowing where your vehicles at all times on a real time map, dispatchers can easily send the nearest vehicle when a new job arises. This saves both money and time.
10. Monitors Driver Activities: Many of our systems report all vehicle activity and immediately alert fleet managers by cell phone and email of speeding and unauthorized use of company vehicles.
11. Application Options: Your system can be set up to detect several activities that are complete separate from simply tracking. You can monitor: seatbelt use, door lock/ unlock, starter kill, vehicle alarm notification, vehicle remote start (If equipped with remote start).
12. Reduces Operating Costs: Idling causes twice the amount of damage as average driving. One hour of idling is equal to between 80 and 120 minutes of driving time. The resulting loss of fuel economy from excessive idling can add up to 800 gallons of fuel annually for the average truck. Monitoring and reducing speeds, routes, and idle times are just a few things that fleet owners can do to lower their fuel bills. Each mile per hour above 50 MPH increases fuel consumption by 1.5 percent. Wear on tires almost doubles on road speeds of 70 MPH or greater.
13. Reduces Overtime: Employee overtime rates are estimated at about $30/hour. On average, a company can reduce at least 1 hour of overtime per week with a GPS fleet tracking system.
14. Monitors Routes and Stops: Creating a digital log of routes and stops is key for determining whether your fleet is running efficiently. Idle time and stops at unauthorized locations can become costly for your business; with a GPS system you can ensure that this does not become a problem.
15. Eliminates Paper Logs: GPS software keeps a digital log of speed, stops, route, and arrival times. This record is far more accurate and harder to dispute than paper logs. A digital record is not subject to human error. It creates more detailed records without any additional hassle.
16. Detects Side Jobs: By tracking both real time and historic data you can spot and eliminate suspicious use of your vehicles by employees. If employees are aware that they can be monitored they are less likely to engage in side jobs and unproductive behavior.
17. Improves Safety & Driver Responsibility: Drivers who know they are being monitored are more careful. This can reduce accidents.
18. Prevents Fraudulent Claims: With a good digital log you can prove that your fleet was where it needed to be when it needed to be there.

Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Borst

A GPS Tracking System Was in the Big Game

I bet that while you were at a Super Bowl party, sitting on the couch happily munching on chips or chowing down on pizza and subs, you never gave one thought to how GPS tracking helped to make it all possible, did you?

Well, let me tell you that it did.

Throughout the week prior to the Super Bowl the security teams for the Giants and the Patriots were involved in a little scrimmage of their own-each team had to make sure that all of the appropriate team members and staff were where they were supposed to be at the time they were supposed to be there.

And they did so, in part, by employing a GPS tracking system. GPS tracking devices were on all of the team buses. This was how security was able to keep up with players and coached to know when they arrived somewhere and when they left. They knew when the buses arrived for practice, when they whisked players off to press conferences, and when and where the empty buses parked to await the next day's activities.

And this is exactly what a GPS tracking system can do for you. Whether you are hauling lumber, transporting a championship football team, or delivering pizzas, installing GPS tracking devices in your vehicles can make all the difference.

If you need to know who or what is arriving at a certain time, how long they stayed, and when they departed, then a GPS tracking system is definitely the way to go. You can monitor vehicle speed, idling time, and set up alerts. These alerts can let you know if one of your vehicles breaks the speed limit or crosses the county line. You'll feel a lot better knowing where your vehicles are and where your people are. You don't have to wonder if they got there, you'll not only know that they got there, you will know when they got there as well.

McCord Web Design Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_McCord