GPS - What Is It?

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is the latest thing in keeping from getting lost when trekking out to visit your Aunt Louise. Years ago you had to rely on landmarks, your handy compass or the guy at the corner gas station, assuming he knew where everything was. Today for about a hundred bucks you can get a little gadget that will tell you exactly where you are, any place on Earth. By using some basic mathematical calculations and a rather complex system, you can be in the middle of the desert, lost as can be, push a button and have your GPS tell you exactly where you are so that you can hopefully find your way back home.

So what exactly is GPS and how does it work?

GPS is actually a very complex and expensive system but the fundamental concepts of the system are very simple.

The GPS system is a group of 27 Earth orbiting satellites. Twenty-four of them are in operation and 3 are backups in case one fails. The system was originally created for the US military but was eventually opened up to everyone else.

Each one of these satellites, weighing in at about 4,000 pounds, circles the Earth at about 12,000 miles per hour and makes 2 complete rotations everyday. The orbits are arranged so that at any one point in the day 4 of these satellites are visible from any place on Earth.

The complimenting receiver that was created to receive signals from these satellites has the job of locating 4 or more of these satellites, figure out the distance to each and from that information determine where on the planet the receiver itself is located. It then transmits this location back to the person who happens to be in possession of the receiver. The operation is based on a simple mathematical principal called trilateration. To simply explain how this works, let's say someone tells you that you are 10 miles from Newark, NJ, another person tells you that you are 15 miles from Maplewood, NJ and a third person tells you that you are 20 miles from Woodbridge, NJ. By taking those three facts you can figure out exactly where you are because each radius of each distance when linked together will intersect at only one point. That point is where you are located.

In order to actually do the calculation from space the GPS receiver needs to know 2 things. The location of at least 3 satellites above you and the distance between you and each of those satellites. The reason that only 3 satellites or spheres are needed is because the Earth itself can act as a fourth sphere. The GPS receiver itself works by radio waves which are a kind of electromagnetic energy and travel at the speed of light The receiver can actually figure out how far the signal has travelled by timing how long it took for the signal to arrive from each of the satellites.

In the next article on GPS we'll go over exactly how this system works to measure distance.

------------------------------------------------------- Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Global Positioning Systems ------------------------------------------------------- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

GPS: Usability Over Functionality

There is an easy test that I like to use when evaluating a GPS, or any type of electronic device. I call it the user manual test. When I pick up a new GPS for the first time, I see how easily I can operate the GPS with common sense alone and without using the manual. Criteria for a good GPS is firmly based on how easily I can operate the menu options and pick up the functions. This is an aspect that some people overlook yet it is perhaps the single most important part of a GPS.

The first reason that user friendly functions and menus are so important is that the vast majority of people who buy GPS units are seasonal or occasional users. They are not out there 5 days a week, honing their skills and keeping the idiosyncrasies of their GPS at the forefront of their mind! Consequently, most users want to be able to pick the damn thing up and be able to get their hands on accurate information that can make the difference between getting lost, or even a fatal ending to an outdoor adventure.

The second reason that GPS units need to be easy to use is that they are often used by groups such as hunters, fishermen and hikers. This makes it quite likely that some members of the group will not be experienced with your particular model or brand of GPS. In these kinds of circumstances it is doubtful that anyone will want to sit down and read a user manual, that is if you still know where it is! So do yourself a favor and get a GPS that makes sense to you without having to go to the book, if for nothing else that from a safety point of view.

The third reason it that if you are willing to spend a couple of bucks on your GPS and choose a top brand such as Magellan or Garmin you don’t need to worry too much about what functions are included. The level of competition between these two companies is so high that neither is willing to put sub-standard products into the marketplace. At http://www.thegpscentre.com you can see reviews of GPS units and see how close these brand really are in both quality and price. What will make the difference will be the users ability to take advantage of the functions.

Remember, there is no point having a GPS with several navigation screens, thousands of automatic way-points if you can’t work out how to use them with ease. Happy trails and safe navigating to you all.

The author is a regular contributor to http://www.incargpsworld.com and permission to reproduce this article is given only on the basis that all links remain active and intact.

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

GPS - Never Get Lost Again With Satellite Navigation

When we travel, we tend to think of the destination, rather than the roads we take to get there. After all, who wouldn't rather dream of the vacation as opposed to the hours spent in a cramped car with the kids asking every few minutes, "Are we there yet?"

But, the truth is, we have to know where we are to get to where we're going. That is why having a Global Positioning System (more commonly called GPS) is so essential. This cyber map will always be aware of your movements and location, allowing you the security of never having to second-guess directions.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You have traveled down a dirt road, filled with more ruts than dirt, only to enter a town whose biggest
attraction is a gas station with inside restrooms. You didn't want to be here, but your innate sense of direction (or lack thereof) coupled with a map that can only be described as adequate, brought you. Now, you have to either turn around or rely on the directions of a man who was more interested in reading the paper than listening to you. It is a tiresome situation, to put it lightly, and one you should not have to experience.

So what difference would a GPS system make? First of all, you would always know exactly where you are. This satellite locator is the only complete one on the word, meaning: the directions it gives you will be based only on the best and most accurate information. Secondly, a GPS system can be personalized. Unlike a map that just gives roads and the occasional extra information, a GPS can be trained to show you local attractions, hotels, restaurants, airports, etc. It can also become your personal address book, storing the roads and routes important to your daily life. With that, you will always be aware of which turn to make and when to do it. No more missing your exit by being distracted; a GPS system will actually tell you to turn.

Because of these amenities, the GPS has quickly risen to the level of 'needed' item. Not only does it assure that you will always know where you are, but it also brings a level of safety to drivers. No more stumbling about the street, hoping to find the turn you need. A GPS system will always let you know when the time is right to turn.

Of course, it must be noted that there are different types of systems and, the cheaper you buy, the less it will be able to do. Though it is usually thought to pay less and hope for the best, in this case, it is wiser to invest in a more equipped system, or at least one more tailored to your lifestyle. That way, you can guarantee yourself a higher level of security when it comes to traveling. Whether going about town or heading across country, you should always know where you are.

Richard Cussons is a prolific and diverse writer. You will find out more about GPS at Satellite Navigation Online.

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GPS - Know Your Exact Position Anywhere In The World

GPS [global positioning system] is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from the constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations. It is a system mainly used to locate the user’s position at a time. Although GPS was originally intended for military applications, but now it is mainly used in marine, location-based services and terrestrial navigation. GPS can work for 24 hours in any type of weather condition, irrespective of sun and rain.

Working of GPS system

GPS works in a wonderful way. The GPS satellite circles the earth twice a day in a precise orbit and transmits signal information to earth. GPS receivers take into this information and use “triangulation method” to calculate the user’s exact location. The meaning of “triangulation” is receiving radio signals from a distance. Along with knowing the distance, you also need to know exactly the position of the satellites in space. This is done with the help of high orbits and carefully monitoring the instruments for locating the satellites. Finally you also need to correct any type of delays that the signal can experience as it has to travel for a long distance through the atmosphere.

Importance of GPS system

GPS is important as it helps you to figure out where you are and where you are going when you are traveling from one place to another. Navigation and positioning are important but cumbersome activities, which GPS makes it easier. Once GPS locates your position, then it starts tracing other factors like speed, bearing, tracks, trip distance, sunrise/sunset time, distance to destination and several other details. GPS uses “man-made” stars as reference points to calculate positions accurate to a matter of meters. However, with recent forms of GPS you can make measurements much better than centimeter readings. So it is with the aid of GPS that you can give a unique and specified address to every square meter on the planet.

You can get GPS services without any subscription fees and set up charges. So these days GPS finds its way into cars, planes, boats, construction equipments, farm machinery, laptop computers and movie making gears.

Modern GPS systems

With the world advancing rapidly everyday, there are recently discovered Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS [Wide Area Augmentation System] that can improve the quality and accuracy of location of any one at any time. Although no additional equipment is required, yet users get the advantage of Differential GPS [DGPS] to get correct signals within the distance of three to five meters. So use GPS systems to get the maximum benefits of modern technology.

Sharon Albright is the owner of GPS Site. Read more articles on GPS and visit her recommended resources.

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GPS - How It Works

In this second of a three part series we're going to go over how GPS receivers actually measure distance. A lot of math and science goes into this stuff so sit back and get ready to strain your brain.

At any given time, let's choose midnight for this example, the satellite begins transmitting a digital pattern called a pseudo-random code. At that same time the GPS receiver begins running that same random pattern. When the satellite's signal reaches the receiver the pattern transmission will lag a little behind the receivers playing of the same pattern. The length of the delay is equal to the travel time of the signal. The receiver multiplies this time by the speed of light to measure how far the signal actually travelled. We assume the signal travelled in a straight line and this therefore is the distance from receiver to satellite.

In order for this measurement to be able to be made the receiver and the satellite both need clocks that can be synchronized to the nanosecond. In order to make this possible you need atomic clocks, not only in the receiver but in every satellite as well. Atomic clocks cost between $50,000 and $100,000. That makes them a little too expensive for everyday use.

To overcome this cost problem the GPS system has a very clever solution. Every satellite contains an expensive atomic clock but the receiver contains a regular quartz clock which the receiver itself constantly resets. The receiver looks at the incoming signals from four or more of the satellites and compensates for it's own inaccuracy. Once it calculates the correct time value this will cause all the signals that the receiver is getting from the satellites to align at a single point in space. That is the time value held by the atomic clocks in the satellites themselves. So the receiver sets it's clock to that time value and therefore has the same time value as all the satellites. Atomic clock accuracy for quartz clock prices. You can't beat that.

When you measure the distance to four satellites you can draw four spheres that all intersect at one point. Three spheres will intersect even if you're way off but four spheres will only intersect if you are exactly right. The receiver can calculate the time needed for the spheres to intersect at one point. Based on this it resets it's clock to match the atomic clocks of the satellites. The receiver does this constantly as long as it is on, which gives it the same accuracy as the atomic clocks in the satellites.

In order for this info to be of any use, the receiver also has to know where the satellites actually are. To do this, the receiver stores an almanac that tells where each satellite is at a given time. Any adjustments that need to be made because of gravitational pull are transmitted to the receivers by the department of the military.

In the last instalment of this series we'll go over problems with the system, how they can be compensated for and how to use the data itself.

------------------------------------------------------- Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Global Positioning Systems ------------------------------------------------------- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

GPS: Don't Get Detoured

As you read reviews and guides on GPS products, here are a few tips to make sure that you will get maximum benefit from it. For one thing, only buy GPS from companies that regularly update their software and maps.

The whole point of GPS is to help navigation become an easier task, therefore if the data and maps are not updated regularly and easily, then everything becomes a moot point. In general these updates should be free when you buy the GPS unit.

It would be great if there were automatic reminders that updates are available so you don't need to manually check every now and then.

Another area of consideration before you buy a GPS product, is it's level of customizability. You do not want to get something that doesn't allow you to configure the settings and such to your likings. Usually a global positioning systems unit will not work 100 percent the way you would like for it to work for you, therefore configurations will be inevitable.

The ability to instantiate revisions on the go is helpful as you may need to make changes to your route from time to time. Having a detour mode is also a very beneficial component to the overall package.

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

GPS Tracking and Construction Costs

Did you know that only 10% of the more than 70 pieces of construction equipment that is stolen from construction sites everyday is actually recovered?

You don't have to just leave it up to chance that your valuable equipment won't be stolen or that if is it will be found and returned to you.

Last month one builder found out just how much of a great value it was to use GPS devices. Thieves broke into a site where a home was being built and took valuable appliances. Because the builder has concealed a GPS device in one of them, they were informed of the appliance's whereabouts. This made it possible to track and recover all of the devices and find the people responsible for the theft.

Surely the thieves were not counting on there being a GPS device in one of the appliances. They most likely thought that they had made a clean getaway. No doubt they were surprised to realize that they had been caught. No matter how careful a thief may be, a GPS tracking device can do its job and inform owners of their property's location.

In that case the desired objects were appliances, but more often than not, thieves are after heavy-duty construction equipment. Equipment theft is estimated at between $300 million and $1 billion each year. That is a lot of money.

Your equipment is what allows you to stay in business. It is a big investment and you want to protect it. You can get location information, even if a thief cuts the battery cable. GPS tracking devices will not only help to ensure the safety of your equipment,they can also get you an insurance discount. Some insurers will give you a discount if you have tracking devices on your equipment. GPS tracking is great for you budget in many ways.

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

Global Positioning Technology Description

The worldwide Global Positioning System (GPS) network was designed by the US Department of Defense, as a way to track one’s exact location anywhere in the world.The GPS network consists of 24 navigation satellites, which orbit the planet at a height of approximately 12,000 miles. These satellites each orbit the earth twice every 24 hours, and they are set up in such a way that they can send signals to any location on the planet, whether it be land or sea, and no matter how remote.The 24 GPS satellites are continuously beaming positioning data, which can be picked up by GPS Devices on the ground, and used to calculate exact latitude and longitude coordinates. Depending on the device that is used, this data can be accurate to within a few meters.Some GPS devices also provide advanced features such as dynamic mapping and detailed driving directions.Despite the common misconception that GPS-enabled devices are prohibitively expensive, and only useful in scientific and military operations, many of these useful gadgets are primarily designed with the consumer in mind. For example, GPS handhelds can be carried around on one’s pocket, and are very useful for a number of functions. Certain companies, including Nextel GPS, have even begun integrating GPS technology with common consumer products such as mobile phones.About the Author: Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of http://www.GPSDevices.info, an informational site about GPS Devices, and TeleClick.ca, a useful telecommunications news resource.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock

GPS: A Tool To Fit Our World's Need

GPS, or global positioning system, is a tool that is used to measure distance and to help pinpoint location any place in the world. The fact is that it is an excellent tool that can do so much more than just tell you where you are. And, it is being used in everything from heart rate monitors to automobiles. If you haven¡¦t heard of GPS, you need to get caught up. It could help to benefit your life in one way or another.

First, understand how GPS works. Circling the globe are 24 satellites. They are orbiting the Earth at different locations and make a complete orbit around the Earth in about 12 hours. They are located about 12,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. They correspond with receivers that are scattered around the world. They are always transmitting information through digital radio signals. These signals tells the transmitters where they are and the exact time. They are so precise that they transmit time to the billionth of a second in accuracy.

How They Work

Each of the satellites that work in the GPS network will send these signals to the transmitters down on Earth. They travel at the speed of light in fact. By knowing the length of time that it takes for the signal to get to the receiver, the receivers can get precise measurements. In other words, the longer it takes the receiver to receiver the signal from the GPS satellite, the farther away the GPS satellite is at that moment. This all helps the receiver and the transmitter to convey where they are on a longitude and latitude basis. When four receivers are used, this can also tell the altitude as well.

It was first developed and used by the United States Government in the Department of Defense. It allows for accurate, all weather navigation for such things as military ground, sea and air forces to work and communicate.

Today, though, it is used in much different circumstances. In fact, you will see it used throughout the world in many non governmental rolls.

Today's Uses

There are many uses of the GPS system today. In many cases, the GPS is a great way for finding and keeping track of just about anything. It has the ability to communicate within seconds and with precision that is unmatched in any other application available. It is also simple to use and inexpensive in many cases as well. Here are some examples to think about.

You may have heard of cars and other vehicles using GPS tracking. This is one of the largest and most beneficial uses for the system. First, it allows for the car to be kept safe. For example, it can help to track a car that has been stolen. It works by transmitting data to the satellite receivers that then are sent to the authorities. The end result is that within seconds, you can know where your car has been taken.

But, that is far from all it can do on a car. In many of today¡¦s cars, there are GPS tracking systems that can be used to help navigate the car. For example, if your system is working, it can tell you how to get from point A to point B without a problem. It will even tell you when you should be turning.

Yet another example of its use in the car is its ability to help in emergency situations. The transmitted information can be sent to the authorities to alert them that you are in trouble. GPS jumps in and helps to find your location. Many vehicles are now being outfitted with this.

But, cars are not the only thing that uses GPS. Any device can be equipped with one if there is a need for it. An example would be the heart rate monitor. Many use these for exercise to let them know when they have reached a targeted rate and how long they are holding it for. Well, how about a watch that is equipped not only to monitor the heart rate, but to tell you where you are running, how long it took you to get from one place to the next and the distance that you just traveled? GPS allows for this!

GPS is a system that is useful and convenient. It allows for many uses and it has a real fit within the world. You¡¦ll find it in all sorts of unique products.

For more information about GPS systems visit

http://www.gps-globalpositioningsystem.net/ .

You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, link and URL remain intact.

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To Catch a Thief - Use a GPS Tracking Device

In a recent news story, police were able to apprehend a criminal who stole a van because the van was equipped with a GPS tracking device.

A felon spotted a van that was property of a county in New York state and hopped in for a ride. As you probably know some crimes are planned, but many are simply crimes of opportunity. An idling van, an open door...these are the kinds of temptations that criminals find hard to resist.

The employee who had been entrusted with the van was quick to alert his employer and they in turn called the police. Because of the GPS tracking device inside, the police were able to find the van outside of a fast food restaurant. Without the GPS tracking device, who can say how long it would have taken for them to find the vehicle? It surely wasn't the only county-owned van on the streets. So police would have had to be on the lookout for both the van, not really knowing exactly where it was or who was driving it. A detective in an unmarked car attempted to get the suspect to end his joy ride. The suspect left the vehicle and made a run for it.

Eventually the van thief, someone who had been arrested 17 times in the past, was apprehended.

There is another side to this story though-what about the employees who left the car running and accessible to an opportunistic thief? We didn't get to read about the end of that person's story. I'm sure the county was glad that this employee came forward quickly and did not try to hide the theft.

As great as GPS technology is and as much as it can do to help make things more efficient, it doesn't beat old-fashioned common sense. Most employers would prefer of their employees didn't leave company vehicles idling, but having a GPS tracking device can add an extra layer of security in the event that something like this does happen.

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

Tips On Finding Discount Garmin GPS

A world leader in global positioning systems or GPS technology, discount Garmin GPS sells tracking systems to many different people and organizations, from hunters and parents to the military and aviation companies.

Discount Garmin GPS manufactures and sells navigational systems for nearly every kind of vehicle and organization around. They have GPS navigational systems for everyday people and their cars that need to find a certain individuals address or want to find a restaurant or other businesses. There are GPS navigational systems for pilots and other aviation needs, fishermen and women and hunters to track fish and wildlife, sailors and ships, hikers and cyclists, public service organizations such as police and fire departments, surveyors and search-and-rescue workers.

With a wide screen and easy to follow turning directions, GPS navigational systems are rated top in the country. Many styles are plug in and go, which means you plug in an address and the GPS navigator does the rest. It reads the address, and then reads to you where you are starting from. A woman's voice is used to tell you which direction to head, north, south, east or west, then make a right or left at the next street which should be Main Street. Every turn is mapped out so you can arrive at your destination without getting lost.

Depending on your needs, discount Garmin GPS navigational systems have the perfect system for you. There are hand-held units which travel along with you where ever you go so you don't get lost, perhaps while you are walking in a large city. In addition to the hand-held model, there is a watch which displays a map and instructions for getting to your destination. The screen is large enough to be seen, but not bulky so wearing it as a watch is no problem. There are systems which mount on the dashboard of your car, which is the most popular kind of all GPS navigational systems, and gives you maps and then shows you turn-by-turn instructions on how to get to the destination you program into the system.

Garmin does not sell their GPS's at a discount directly; however, on their website, they will direct you to retail shops and websites who do offer them for less than list price. An additional way to obtain a discounted GPS is to search the auction sites and make a bid and hope you beat out all other bids. Periodically retailers will put GPS units on sale. Many retailers and even the Garmin website often offer a sale on their most popular brand of GPS. The website will also direct you to another part of their website in which they sell refurbished GPS products that sell for a significantly reduced price. Most refurbished GPS units come with a limited warranty and are extremely reliable.

There are many methods for purchasing discount Garmin GPS systems, from their websites homepage through sales, shopping around other discount websites and in store specials. By shopping around a little, you can find discount GPS products and save hundreds of dollars on the perfect global positioning system for you and your family.

Stop getting lost by finding out about the benefits of handheld GPS systems by visiting http://www.bestgpssystemsreview.com a popular GPS website that provides tips, advice, and GPS resources including information on how to use GPS tracking software so you can find your way around and not get lost.

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

Tips For Finding a Discount Handheld GPS

Discovering the world around you with out getting lost is sometimes a challenge. But with the help of discounted handheld GPS receivers, the adventure gets a lot easier. Hiking, biking or just traveling along the open road can sometimes be a challenge if you are unsure of where you are going.

Maps are okay, but they can be cumbersome and you normally have to pull off the road to get a real good look at them. The next best thing to a map would be a GPS navigational unit which tells you how to get to where you want to go, usually turn-by-turn by a calm, woman's voice.

There are many advantages to having a GPS navigational receiver in your car or pocket when you set out on a road trip or hiking adventure. One is that the global positioning system (GPS) will help you from getting lost because the 24 satellites orbiting the earth twice a day are there to triangulate your position. Two, there are settings on the GPS which allow you to leave a 'bread crumb' trail for you to find your way back to where you started from, both from walking and in your car.

To find a discount handheld GPS receiver unit you need to do a little research and find the best quality for the lowest money. Not all low priced GPS units are cheap and not all high priced GPS units are good quality, you just have to shop around, do some comparison shopping. Read the reviews in consumer magazines that do the comparison shopping for you or on the Internet websites where writers and actual customers have used the discounted GPS units and are willing to put the truth out there about the GPS products and their experiences with them.

Once you have done your homework and figured out which handheld GPS receiver you are going to purchase, you need to find out where the discounted ones are. The Internet is the ideal place to begin shopping for discount handheld GPS receivers; it seems everyone is selling them now and at very low prices. However, make sure you are getting the 'real McCoy' because sometimes people are selling refurbished GPS units as original units, not that there is anything wrong with a refurbished GPS unit, it's just that you need to know what you are getting. You can also try the manufacturer's website; they often run specials or sales during the slower times of the year to move their products along and this means saving for you.

Another way to find discount handheld GPS receivers is to go to the auction websites and see if you can bid on a good used one. there are some sites that run like a regular auction where you place a bid and wait to see if you are the highest bidder, but others have recently implemented a 'buy it now' policy were there is a predetermined price and you can buy the handheld GPS navigation system for a reasonable price or a discounted price right now and not have to wait.

Stop worrying where your teenagers are by finding out benefits of GPS personal tracking by visiting http://www.bestgpssystemsreview.com a popular GPS website that provides tips, advice, and GPS resources including information on value of GPS vehicle tracking devices and how they can get your car back if it is stolen.

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

The Truth About GPS Cell Phone Tracking

GPS cell phone tracking technology is currently available on most cell phones manufactured after early 2005. FCC regulations require all new cell phones produced after that date to have the tracking device within the phone. This was spawned after 911 attacks and the beginning on the war on terror. It is also the result of the need to find lost individuals and people who have dialed 911 and are unable to provide location information.

Cell phone carriers generally do not monitor or track the phones of their subscribers. In addition implied FCC guidelines allow the tracking feature to be used in cases of emergencies. Despite these guidelines some carriers have contracted with so called location based service providers. For a fee these companies use data provided by cell phone carriers to provide GPS tracking information. The legality of these services many times depends on the local or state government regulations. Cell phone customers understandably are very wary of intrusions into their privacy and on occasion sought legal remedies to protect themselves. Some feel it is a violation of their 4th amendment rights under the constitution.

The GPS technology that is incorporated into cell phone handsets is not the same as the units used in your vehicle that you use to navigate the roads of this country. GPS auto tracker technology is just not the same as that used in cell phones. Depending on the carrier and the type of cell phone hardware used the location data may be continuous or only available when a location request is made. All these differences make tracking an individual cell phone that you do not own or have a legal interest in very troublesome at best.

Despite all the on line hype the bottom line is that accessing cell phone tracking information on your girl friend or business competitor is generally unavailable and most likely illegal.

James Kesel, MS is the Publisher of the GPS Auto Tracker website at http://www.gps-auto-trackers.com . Providing information on the latest GPS Tracking and Navigation systems, Including GPS Cell Phone Tracking technology.

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

The Top 5 Best Performing Handheld GPS

The best handheld GPS offer many varieties for many different adventures. Whether you are going to be hunting and fishing or hiking and biking, there is a handheld GPS that is best for the job. Here are five top performers, the best handheld GPS:

Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS Portable

This huge 7", easy to read screen features wireless remote, allowing you to operate it from a distance. And the larger touch screen is ideal for RV's, Semi's and SUV's - you can see where you are heading from anywhere in the automobile. Some of the features include an MP3 player, maps of the United States plus major metropolitan Canadian areas, audio book reader for optional entertainment, a built-in antenna; WAAS enabled GPS receiver and XM NavTraffic and XM satellite radio compatible (must subscribe). And don't let the large size fool you, it's great to carry around and be able to see, in detail, where you are going!

Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS Unit

This small package, 4"x2" durable handheld, features the best of 12 parallel channels and packs them into only six ounces. This best handheld GPS will fit in the palm of your hand and all the buttons are positioned on one side or the other so it makes it easy for one-handed function that won't get in the way of your view of the screen. Designed with hikers, climbers and bikers in mind, this sleek little handheld GPS will work for hunters as well. What it lacks in features, it makes up for in functionality, it gets you from point A to point B and isn't that what most people use there GPS for anyway? As with all Garmin GPS units, free regular software updates are included.

Garmin GPS III Plus

This Garmin GPS has the 12 parallel channels along with the ability to customize various screens to view different data. You receive excellent reception when using the detachable antenna (provided) when in dense wooded areas. In addition, there are excellent large database of cities and towns and detailed maps. However, there is not enough memory to download additional maps.

Magellan Road Mate 2000 GPS Unit

An ultra-bright screen which can easily be viewed because of its 3-1/2" resolution, anti-glare and color touch-screen, this GPS unit is a full-featured vehicle and handheld. It is powerful, portable, small and affordable. Simply touch the screen and you are ready to go. Easy to read, easy to follow instructions right on the screen. The manufacturer's chipset is the best in the business for quick attainment of your exact location. Approximately 1.5 million preprogrammed points of interest and other advanced features such as Multiple Destinations Routing and SmartDetour.

Magellan Road Mate 2200T GPS

Another ultra-bright screen in a 3-1/2" resolution with anti-glare and color touch-screen, this handheld is everything you need. Nearly 2 million preprogrammed points of interest in this powerful little best handheld GPS. Included is an SD slot for unlimited storage and approximately eight hours of battery life, the longest in its class.

This concludes the review of the top five hand held GPS units.

For more information on GPS Palm PDA software, try visiting http://www.bestgpssystemsreview.com, a popular GPS website that offers handheld GPS tips, resources and information on car GPS navigation systems so you know when you are lost.

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