Posts Tagged ‘gps systems’

Top 10 iPhone GPS Apps

One of the most anticipated features on the iPhone 3G was the inclusion of GPS systems technology. Apple's incorporation of GPS (Global Positioning System) onto its portable mobile phone enables users to receive directions and navigate anywhere they are in the world.

Regardless of whether you're driving or walking around an unfamiliar city, the 3G will help you find out your current location and how to get to your destination.

Before we get to our top 10 list of iPhone GPS apps, let’s cover how to use the built-in Maps feature.

Step 1 Tap “Settings” and go to “General.Check that "Location Services" is turned on.

Step 2 Go back to the “Home” screen and tap “Maps.On the bottom left corner of screen, tap the Scope icon. Click "OK" when the iPhone asks if Maps can use your current location. The iPhone now identifies your location.

Step 3 Tap the “Directions” tab on the bottom of the screen. Put in the address of where you are wanting to go in the "End" field. Tap “Route.”

Step 4 At the top of the screen, select your mode of transportation: Car, Bus, or Walking. A green pushpin icon should be marking your current location on the map. A red pushpin marks your end point. A message at the top should indicate the number of miles you are from your destination and approximately how long it will take to get there.

Step 5 Tap the “Start” button on the upper left corner of the screen. Maps will give you step-by-step instructions on where to head next. The iPhone GPS will track your movements and show your location as you move.

Top 10 iPhone GPS apps

Besides Maps, there are many other applications now available in the iTunes app store that utilize the GPS on the iPhone.

1. MobileNavigator: Navigon’s official GPS application for iPhone. This is one of the most useful GPS apps designed for the iPhone. Provides you with everything you need to get on the road without any doubts.

2. TomTom for iPhone: TomTom for iPhone has a lot of potential. TomTom have done a good job of trying to replicate their software on the iPhone but it's not quite there.

3. Mobile Maps America: Mobile Maps America turns your iPhone into a super GPS and provides you with turn by turn directions. The 3-dimensional maps are amazing and the directions clear.

4. iGo My Way: iGo My Way one of the elite GPS apps for iPhone. Excellent 3D graphics and there's no need to pay monthly fees. European and other versions are available as well.

5. G-Map U.S. East: G-Map U.S. East is a cool GPS solution for iPhone that helps you get directions and navigate your way through your city without too much trouble. The maps looks as good as the ones on my Garmin GPS.

6. G-Map U.S. West: similar to G-Map East, but it’s made for the Western states. If you live in California and around that area, you should be using G-Map U.S. West.

7. AT&T Navigator: AT&T Navigator is an AT&T GPS service that provides you with voice directions while you are on the go. Costs $9.99/month. It would be nice if the cost was included in my phone bill!

8. MotionX: MotionX is one of the best GPS app on iPhone. It integrates nicely with Facebook as well. Excellent solution for biking, hiking, and outdoors in general. It appears to have been a top-seller for months.

9. SayNDrive: SayNDrive is a navigation application for iPhone that lets you say your destination and get your directions fast. Essentially a voice-GPS app for iPhone.

10. iWant Pro: iWant Pro is a cool POI finder that lets you find restaurants, shopping places, and more all around you. If you're in the outdoors a lot you will love iWant Pro.

And as you would expect, there are plenty more iPhone GPS apps out there including Where, UrbanSpoon and HearPlanet. In fact, the iPhone is really opening people’s eyes to the many uses of GPS systems. Know where you're going - all the time! It’s no wonder that so many fleets around America are relying on GPS navigation and taking advantage of the growing trend towards SaaS web-based telematics!

Traveling by GPS is Much Fun

Tips On Using Marine GPS Based Devices

Useful and Easy Guide For Buying Handheld GPS Systems

Many people would like to purchase a handheld GPS unit but are overwhelmed by all the choices. There are so many different models on the market that it can seem difficult to get the best one. Fortunately if you take a little time to research the features you need narrowing down your choices can be very simple. There have been many innovations to the handheld GPS unit since it was first introduced. This being said there is really not that much difference in the basic screens and menus that you find with the assorted handheld GPS units.

Tips For Picking The Right System

When selecting which model will best meet your needs is will center around which features you need most. You will want to individually consider all the features out there and decide which ones is the best match for your lifestyle. Each type of discount handheld GPS unit has been built with a particular user in mind. For example those handheld GPS units built for those who love the outdoors tend to be waterproof and offer things like an electronic compass and tough exterior.

You should choose a handheld GPS unit that can be updated. Routes and maps are always being altered and you want a unit that will give you the most current information. The easiest units to update are those that feature removable memory. You will also need to figures out if you want black and white or color display for the GPS unit’s screen. Black and white models are usually less expensive. With a color screen you will usually get clearer images and an improved interface. Before you make your final decision it is a good idea to spend some time looking at a display model. This will give you a good indication whether the clarity of a black and white GPS unit will work for you.

Reviewing The GPSMAP 60CSx

The true outdoorsman turns to the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx for hiking and biking the backcountry. One online reviewer called this Garmin model “the current Cadillac of outdoor GPS receivers.” This portable hand-held device has a user-friendly interface, with all the information you could ever want or need right at the press of a button.

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx retails around $535.70, but can be found for as low as $191.50 at www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com or $339 at www.zappos.com. Compared to the $249 Garmin GPSMAP 60, this upgraded version comes with three important new features. First, the new SiRFSTARIII chip set has received wide acclaim for its ability to beam signals under canopies, around buildings, down into canyons and in typically hard-to-reach places. Secondly, this new Garmin model has traded in the dated internal memory system for a microSD card slot that can be upgraded instead, giving you unlimited storage capacity and the ability to use any new map software that comes out. Thirdly, the 60CSx comes with an electronic compass and barometric altimeter that the GPSMap 60CS doesn’t even have.

There are many functions for your GPSMAP 60CSx that you’ll find useful in the wilderness or out on the seas. For instance, those on a fitness routine can appreciate the trip computer with odometer, which indicates how long you’ve been stopped, what your moving average is, the total time, your max speed and more. Mariners can make use of the audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course indication and waypoint proximity. Hikers can backtrack easily using a 10,000-point automatic track log, with 20 saved tracks. Hunters and fishers can look at built-in celestial tables for the sun and moon, which calculate the optimal time to fish or hunt. Drivers can use the automatic routing GPS systems to help them get from point A to point B.

If you’re used to the old GPSMAP 60CS, then you may notice there are some modifications in auto-routing with your new GPSMAP 60CSx. For starters, you’ll notice the newer version calculates a route twice as fast as the old version. In a 140-mile trek with 26 turns, the 60CSx takes 18.8 seconds to route, compared to the 39.4 seconds it took for the 60CS. Additionally, the recalculations if you miss a turn are much faster on the new version too. Some people like turn warnings well in advance, but the 60CSx turn warnings are presented much later. The one true con for this newer version, however, is the battery life. While you’re likely to get 27 hours from your AAs, you’ll still have about 30% less battery life, no matter how conservative you try to be.

An Overview Of The GPSMAP 60Cx

The popular Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx is a great unit for hiking, boating and driving. Compared to the old Garmin GPSMAP 60, the updated version features a removable microSD card to add more memory for the navigator maps. Additionally, the resilient casing will keep your GPS dry in the most rugged conditions. With a new highly sensitive SiRF receiver, you’ll gain reception in previously unreachable places like under dense canopies or in deep canyons. With a large color display and turn-by-turn routing, the GPSMAP 60Cx makes a sensible choice.

Compared to the original Garmin GPSMAP 60, this next version up has 256 color display (instead of 4 color grayscale), a removable microSD memory card to handle more intricate navigator maps and has a high-sensitivity receiver that is reliable in deep canyons, indoors or under dense foliage. Additionally, you’ll receive tide tables and have the ability to add custom points of interest, as well as store 1,000 favorite waypoints (instead of the GPSMAP 60s usual 500). The most basic Garmin 60 can be found for as low as $191.60 at www.amazon.com, whereas the new and improved 60Cx will be a bit more, retailing as low as $219 at Top Choice Digital online or as high as $319.

Many people using the GPSMAP 60Cx notice immediately the improved reception and the improved quality of the maps, compared to the older units. Because there is an external SD memory card for the 60Cx, detailed MapSource maps can be loaded. You’ll receive the Americas auto-route base map with highways, exits, tide information and marina points. Other map products can then be purchased separately, such as BlueChart, CityNavigator, Topo24K and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. While you’re driving, you’ll get turn-by-turn directions and when you’re hiking, you’ll have a trip odometer to calculate the speed of your progress.

For a cheaper alternative to the GPSMAP 60Cx, you can try the Garmin eTrex Legend, which runs just over $150. This is one of the least expensive GPS navigation systems and is still geocache-ready for those who dream of playing “The Amazing Race” on their GPS device. The Legend’s base map includes lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, highways, railroads and coastlines on a gray screen. If you’re buying for someone who is familiar with GPS already, then the cheaper models may not impress. However, for the first time user, it might be a good starting point to try something that doesn’t cost $400.

A Garmin GPSmap For Everything

A Garmin GPSMAP can be used by motorists, bicyclists, hikers and mariners. The crossover GPS devices are usually smaller, which allow for hand-held capacity, especially when compared to the bulkier nuvi automobile models. The navigator maps can range greatly too, as some are in color and some are black-and-white. As well, some are equipped with customizable points of interest, some aren’t; some have 16 hour batteries, some with 28 hour; some with automatic routing and games, some without.

Garmin knew that active individuals needed a reliable crossover device to help them navigate their way. In this world of James Bond caliber adventure, we find ourselves traveling by various modes in our pursuits. At the very beginning of the Garmin line of GPS maps, there are aviation navigator maps for pilots to travel by land, air and sea, such as the GPSMAP 96 or 196, for example. From those basic grey-scale models, Garmin has advanced to full-color portable devices like the GPSMAP 495 and 496, adding airport maps, pre-loaded maps, 3,000 favorite locations, traffic information services, voice prompts, satellite radio and weather.

The 60 Series is very popular for people who want a mapping handheld Garmin GPSMAP for hiking, biking and exploring. As the site says, the Garmin GPSMAP 60cx “puts the great outdoors in the palm of your hand.” The high-sensitivity of these GPS devices provides you with good satellite reception even in dense foliage or deep canyons. The screen is versatile and can be viewed during night or day conditions and can even survive a dunk in the water if it’s encased in the IPX7. The built-in America auto-route base map will show you highways, exits and tide information, in addition to offering turn-by-turn directions. To use, you can connect to your computer using a USB cable to load map data or transfer routes and custom locations; or you may be able to purchase 64 MB microSD cards that come pre-loaded with MapSource maps, so you don’t have to hook up to your computer at all. The Garmin GPSMAP 60 takes you from the backwoods and boundary waters to the highways with 28 hours of reliable battery life, in addition to geocaching features, games, alarm clock functionality, as well as optimal hunting/fishing times and sunrise/sunset/moon phase tables.

The Garmin GPSMAP version 378 comes pre-loaded with “Chart Plotter” marine maps, as well as “Street Navigator” road maps so you can travel from boat to car with ease. When boating, you’ll have access to information on 3,200 lakes, depth contours, rivers, creeks, islands, boat ramps, tide stations and obstructions database. At the touch of a button, you’ll then receive turn-by-turn driving directions with voice prompts to get you home. If you’re hungry or need gas along the way home, you’ll appreciate the City Navigator maps information with more than 6 million points of interest. You can also add XM satellite radio, weather and sonar if you’d like.

Pointers When Finding A GPS

GPS devices are sure to be one of the top gifts for the holiday season, whether it’s for dad to use on his boat, the wife for her car or your brother for his hiking expeditions. A GPS is so much more than “just a map.” While the features vary greatly, on some GPS systems you can look up restaurants or gas stations, play “Amazing Race” type games, reroute your commute around traffic jams and listen to satellite radio.

“Garmin is founded on the principles of innovation, convenience, performance, value, and service,” proclaims the company website. In fact, Garmin, which has been around since 1989, is the most well-known North American brand name in Global Positioning Systems today. Based out of Kansas, no part of the manufacturing process gets outsourced, as the company designs, manufactures, markets and sells all of their products themselves. They offer GPS navigation systems for all different lifestyles, such as fitness-based systems, automotive GPS systems, systems for hikers or campers, aviation technology, marine technology and site navigation for geocachers.

In addition to Garmin, Magellan is another leader in GPS systems, with their Magellan Maestro 4250 being the most popular GPS model, which ranges from $90-$279 online. Dutch Manufacturer TomTom was founded in 1991 and employs over 3,500 people worldwide. Their most popular navigator is the TomTom ONE XL 330-S (starting at $249), which has a wide 4.3″ screen, customization options, search by zip code functionality, text-to-speech, multi-destination routing, emergency locator service and the ability to search for points of interest near your current location. Lastly, the Navignon 2100 Max Portable Navigator (starting at $248.35) can help you find hospitals, pharmacies and roadside assistance, while also offering text-to-speech, lane assist and reality view maps.

When buying an auto GPS device, look at how many “points of interest” are offered. Anything less than 2 million will be frustrating, whereas the ideal number is around 6 million. Next, check for screen size. They range from 2.1 inches all the way up to 7 inch. If you plan to use your GPS while walking, you’ll want something smaller, whereas the 7 inch is best for an RV. For cars, the Garmin nuvi 680 is an ideal 4.3 inch. You’ll want something with good functionality that allows you to switch maps or search points of interest with a button tap or two. Some of the newer, more advanced GPS systems include things like text-to-speech, multi-destination routing, satellite radio/audiobook player/MP3 player capacity and Bluetooth speakerphone capabilities.

New Games GPS Offers

What makes the games GPS has to offer better than the games Playstation or computers offer is that you are given the opportunity to get outside, get some exercise and combine online clues and navigator maps with real places, objects and prizes! “Geocaching” is one of the most exciting GPS games that allow owners of GPS navigation systems access to “Amazing Race” type competitions. Of course, there are the individual puzzle type games too, but most GPS owners are more adventurous than that!

At www.gpsgames.org, you can find some of the funniest games GPS has to put forward. For instance, “Shutter Spot” is a game where players take pictures and other players are challenged to find that exact location where the photographer was standing to take the shot. “GeoPoker” takes the usual assembling of a card hand and adds a twist: players must first find and move a container holding a GeoPoker log to earn their virtual playing cards! “GeoGolf” has you moving from waypoint to waypoint to get your score. Then there is “Minute War,” which is like Capture the Flag, and other exciting, interactive navigator maps games like “Geodashing” and “Geocaching.”

If you have ever watched “The Amazing Race,” then you’ve got the concept of the increasingly popular Geocaching games GPS has to play. Teams or individuals will receive sets of coordinates and will race from waypoint to waypoint, performing different tasks at each location and competing for prizes. In their ventures, seekers often find hidden containers with inexpensive toys, keepsakes or items and log books; they then replace the item with something new and record their name in the log. To find hosting in your area, check out www.geocaching.com to see if one of the 673,265 geocaches can be found near you.

Some geocache games GPS has are more detailed than others. For instance, Magellan GPS navigation systems recently hosted a “Cache Her If You Can” GPS adventure game that sent gumshoe detectives to 30 different American cities to solve a mystery and compete for grand prizes. This second annual game (found at www.magellangps.com) was meant to promote the new Magellan eXplorist 100, 200 and 300 and prizes ranged from trips, outdoor gear, ATVs, and other vehicle navigation packages. “We were delighted by the excitement that thousands of people expressed during our 2003 treasure hunt, so we decided to do it again but with a detective-story twist,” said Karen Carbonnet, VP of Corporate Communications for Thales, who hosted the game. “Our geocaching adventure offers something for everyone, and is the perfect activity to encourage kids, parents and friends to grab their Magellan GPS receivers, get out of the house and enjoy some family fun and adventure while taking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors.”

GPS Rating Systems – Read GPS Reviews Before Buying Your GPS Device

A full review of General Positioning Satellite (GPS) review is required in order to buy the best possible GPS device. Due to the wide options offered to you, choosing one GPS device can be a daunting experience. An unbiased GPS review from independent people can be a huge boon for the selection process. Some GPS systems are very expensive, so before opening your cheque book, you should try to get as much information as possible about it.

There are many websites offering GPS reviews, the most important being www.gpsreview.net. Here you will find a full test of nearly all GPS systems and rate them on their reliability, performance and usability.

GPS reviews include all information about popular brands such as Delorme, Magellan, Garmin and so forth. Reviews highlighted all good points as well as dark ones. These reviews are refreshed frequently as new brands are released or old models are enhanced. GPS review websites also offer latest news about the GPS technology as soon as they are released.

There are many other sources of GPS reviews such as magazines. For instance the well known PC Magazine also comes up with several GPS reviews. Another source of GPS reviews is by the means of search websites such as Google.

The enterprise Consumer Reports is also another source of comprehensive GPS reviews about main brands and all types of GPS devices.

Generally speaking, you must read unbiased and complete GPS reviews before purchasing a GPS device. As this help you select the best possible GPS device that meet your needs and waits. GPS reviews are designed to give a brief overview and a full report of pros and cons of GPS devices to customers before they formally decide to purchase it. There are many places where you can get reliable GPS reviews: either on the Internet or dedicated magazines. All these reviews are unbiased, accurate and well written.

You may have never heard about a GPS review so I will describe what it looks like. I will cover a Magellan GPS Roadmate 2200T which will be described in depth in another article. The 2200T has a current retail price of around $400. For that price, it’s in competition with Garmin’s c530, which is essentially a c330 that’s been upgraded with SiRF’s receiver. If you want absolute ease-of-use, then I recommend that Garmin c530 over the RoadMate 2200T. Garmin’s interface is slightly easier to use than Magellan’s one and their routing engine can’t be beat at all. However, if you fancy more options such as multi-destination routing, route exclusion, Text-to-Speech, and a traffic jam add-on capability, or are interested in a cross-over GPS that can be upgraded for outdoor purposes, therefore you should opt for the RoadMate. If you are thinking about an Alpine Blackbird, or TomTom ONE, I recommend the Magellan RoadMate 2200T over both those units. The 2200T is a better unit than the One or the Blackbird. Compared to Garmin, it is more a question of your needs and waits.

Caffeinated Content

How good are the Garmin 200 series GPS systems?

GPS Map

To help people find their through unfamiliar territory many devices and items have been invented. Of all of these the current favorite is that of gps systems. These systems work on the principle of a tracking system that bounces signals off of orbiting satellites which have been made especially for this need. The information you receive is translated into the form of gps maps.

These gps maps show you the current position you are in and the final destination point. You will also be provided with a highlighted route to take. In most cases the route will be the quickest and the most efficient way to arrive at your destination. There are a few cases where the gps system will not be able to provide you with the needed information. This is due to the insufficient data that has been provided to the system.

However you can rectify this situation by installing more updated gps maps. These new maps will have lots of extra information. In some instances you can also add city maps of countries where you are hoping to visit. Imagine being in an unfamiliar country and being able to drive in that country without any hassles.

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In these gps maps you will find lots of valuable information. Among the information you can look into is the names of streets, various venues like hospitals, restaurants, hotels. As these are places of importance to travelers the gps maps will contain this information. The best way you can get hold of this information is to use the touch screen interface that is found with the gps systems.

When you use the touch screen interface the gps maps will show you the different streets in your locality. Based on the information you feed the gps system you will be shown the fastest route to take. This route will be shown more clearly as compared to that of the others. The onboard computer voice will enhance the information you receive from the gps maps.

With each of the gps systems that are available the gps maps are formatted differently. Some of the maps will show the route highlighted, while the other roads are depicted in a faint background picture. On some of the maps the gps system will also show many other pieces of information like near by trees, bodies of water, places of interest, railway crossings and others.

These are various items which are required for the traveler. The many different forms of gps maps will let you see and choose the best way to travel to your final destination. With the help of these gps maps you can be assured of reaching your travel destination quickly and safely.