The Many Advantages of GPS Vehicle Tracking

Advantages of Fleet Vehicle Tracking Systems

Many companies have been employing vehicle tracking systems to monitor the whereabouts of their vehicles. This technology is also used to monitor the speed of vehicles, and it also allows you to keep track of the vehicles at the moment as the data on location and speed are seen on the computer. Fleet vehicle tracking systems are used by big organizations in order for them to be able to keep an eye and tracks on their fleets. That may involve huge businesses with delivery vehicles and courier and trucking companies. On the other hand, many government organizations also make use of this technology.

Nonetheless, a GPS tracking system may also be used by ordinary people and consumers, who can install tracking software or device. This system allows you to collect pertinent information regarding the location of a vehicle as well as the condition of its machine, engine and the consumption of its fuel.

While you may be thinking that fleet vehicle tracking is solely for monitoring and tracking, its importance spans to other important purposes. Perhaps, a very relevant purpose of this system is fleet management. Moreover, it also allows drivers to find their way in remote areas. It also comes really handy when tracking lost or stolen vehicles because it provides data information on the precise location of a vehicle as well as its velocity.

This advance technology can help your business in many different ways. Your drivers may easily and conveniently navigate unfamiliar places. Managers can also easily monitor the safety of their fleet and can quickly respond to unfavorable events. In other words, it ensures efficiency of transport operations.

As you may have known, fleet tracking system is a tool that helps a lot of businesses monitor their trucks, vans, and automobiles and other transportation vehicles. That means they can determine how well operations on the road are being conducted and how efficient their employees are in handling transport. To many managers, knowing the location of their employees on the road is crucial.

Tracking of vehicles is also done for other reasons aside from simply monitoring the location of the fleet. Managers can quickly redirect their drivers on sudden changes in delivery schedules or they can inform drivers to navigate different roadways to skip heavy traffic. Fleet vehicle tracking system also allows consumers to be updated with the location of their purchased products while traveling on transport.

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The Multiple Applications of GPS Vehicle Tracking

Living Better Through GPS Technology

Everyone has read about the crime prevention aspects of GPS tracking devices and how police have been able to locate and apprehend stolen cars, bikes, appliances etc. The creative use of GPS tracking devices continues to amaze as it expands and protects its users. Recently we heard about a bank robber who was caught because a quick thinking teller placed a GPS device in the bag along with the money. Apparently the robber was only looking for signs of a dye pack and not a tracking device. Another robbery attempt foiled by a GPS device.

Another story reported is a state-of-the-art GPS device which makes it possible for authorities to fully control a bus by remote means. The idea is tied in with the Department of Homeland Security, and is being used to thwart attempts by terrorists to hijack buses and potentially turn a passenger loaded vehicle into a weapon capable of massive devastation. In the face of a terrorist threat, all a driver need do is to hit a panic button, which is discreetly hidden somewhere around the steering wheel. The distress signal which is generated activates a GPS device connected to the bus' onboard computer, and lets the dispatcher identify the vehicle, its location, speed and direction of travel. At this point, the dispatcher can remotely override the bus systems and slowly bring the bus to a safe and complete stop, preventing it from restarting. Currently the Gray Line double-decker tourist buses and Coach USA are using this technology to improve the safety of their passengers. The New Jersey Transit is presently in the process of equipping its fleet of approximately 3,000 busses with this system, and other municipalities are planning to follow do the same.

We owe our thanks to companies such as Garmin, Magellan and TomTom, just to name a few, because our lives are being enhanced and made safer through technology. Though for most of us, our introduction to the tech world was through gaming, fortunately we have come a long way since then. Our daily use of many of these various forms of tech advancement link us to global positioning satellites, which in turn provide us with vital information. We can thank GPS devices for helping us keep track of our loved ones, our pets, our vehicles and even some of our toys. They can prevent us from getting and staying lost for any considerable length of time, and they have the ability to help us find food, clothing and shelter by directing us to shopping malls, restaurants and hotel accommodations. Oh, and by the way, you can also use it to play games! Don't forget to have some fun along the way.

Bradley Jacobs is a GPS enthusiast and touts the benefits of garmin, tomtom, magellan, lowrance, and other gps system available with unmatched on-line store experience. With over 20 years of direct engineering, marketing, and customer service experience in the GPS industry, he is uniquely qualified to offer top-level support. His favorite distributor, GPS City, sells to thousands of customers in the USA, Canada, and worldwide. They range from small businesses to many Fortune 500 companies. From major universities and technical colleges to the Pentagon, Canada's DND, military and other government institutions.

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

This article has been viewed 10 time(s).
Article Submitted On: March 25, 2011

Magellan 1700 Review - 3 Notable Features

There are several large display GPS receivers on the market today. Some come loaded with features that can be useful to many of us while others come with just basic functions. In this Magellan 1700 review, I go over some of the features on this model and where you can get it at a low price.

Know How Big The Display Is!

The display on the 1700 measures approximately 7.5 inches x 4.25 inches which, if you don't account for this, can be a bit big for mounting on the windshield of a small car. To find out how much space it would take up in your car, cut out these dimensions from a piece of cardboard and place it where you would want it in the windshield. Another mounting option is the use of a navigation mat that fits either on the dash, floor or seat depending on your vehicle type. A navigation mat is an alternative solution to mounting on the windshield. A bean bag like accessory, it can be used in any car, truck or SUV. Still yet another option is the extended mounting arm that can be purchased seperately and secures to the windshield or dash.

Plain And Simple Functions, No Bells And Whistles

If all you want is a GPS receiver with a big display and basic functions, the 1700 has it. Don't look for a Bluetooth connection, a live traffic update feature or MP3 player capabilities because you won't find it on this model. You'll be pleased to find that it does come with the Triple A TourBook guide giving you triple A approved hotels and restaurants, over 6 million Points Of Interest, Multi-destination Routing and QuickSpell with SmartCity Search allowing you to easily enter city and addresses by suggesting possible city or street names as you type.

Highway Lane Assist

The Highway Lane Assist feature gives you visual aids to point you in the right direction well ahead of your turn. If any of you have ever owned a GPS before, you know how not having this can be frustrating especially when you're on a busy freeway with exits coming up one after another. I can recall a few instances where I ended up on the opposite side of town because I didn't have this feature on an older GPS. Having this feature on a large display GPS makes getting to where you are going a lot less stressful and just makes it easier all around.

The Magellan RoadMate 1700 comes with a vehicle power adapter, adhesive disc for dash mounting, windshield mount, protective pouch, USB cable, and user manual.

GPS Tracking Device Systems - Now Part Of Our Everyday Life

The United States military first introduced the global positioning system (GPS) technology in the 1970s solely for military use. In the 1980s, however, the restriction of use of this technology by military only was removed and it was made available for civilian use worldwide. The huge success of GPS in the military field, goaded development of the global positioning system technology in civilian applications with innovations in satellite navigation and GPS tracking device systems.

How do GPS Tracking Systems Work?

GPS can be used anywhere on earth, on land, at sea or in air. A minimum of 24 active GPS satellites orbit the earth every 12 hours. Each satellite transmits radio signals that help in finding the location, speed and direction of travel of users having GPS receivers. The whole world is covered by the constellation of GPS satellites, a convenient configuration facilitated by four satellites positioned in each of the six orbital planes.

Accuracy of GPS Tracking Device

Accuracy of GPS technology depends on the strength of signals that travel from GPS satellites to the GPS receiver. Accuracy is best when there is minimum obstacle between the sky and the receiver. If you are having a gizmo that receives a GPS signal, a good practice is to turn it on in a wide open area and stay there for a couple of minutes before the gadget gets the hang of the satellite signal. It takes about 60-80 milliseconds for a signal to travel from a GPS satellite to a GPS receiver.

The many uses of GPS

GPS is a massive leap forward for mankind in terms of technology innovation since the time the caveman first relied of footprints to track either human or animal movements. Today GPS technology is packed into as small a gadget as a cell phone or is installed in a car as a small widget. This literally means millions of people are able to use the GPS technology in their day-to-day lives.

It will be interesting to know the myriad areas of applications where GPS Tracking systems are used.

* Aviation: GPS Tracking Device Systems are the lifeline for aircraft pilots. GPS tracking software helps pilots for en route navigation and for airport approaches.
* Fleet tracking: GPS Fleet Tracking helps with automatic vehicle location and in-vehicle navigation systems.
* Environment - GPS is a great help during natural disasters. GPS helps survey disaster areas by mapping the movement of environmental phenomena like forest fires, oil spills and storms.
* Rail: GPS Tracking Device Systems are instrumental in locating trains, preventing collisions, maintaining smooth rail movements, and in minimizing delays.
* Surveying: In traditional surveying, locating a precise point of reference is very time consuming. All that is history now. GPS Technology has now made it easy to not only do simple tasks such as defining property lines but also perform complex tasks such as building infrastructures in thickly populated urban areas.

The above constitute only a small list of applications of GPS Tracking Device Systems. GPS has today made inroads into agriculture, recreation, marine and public safety. It will not be surprising when in the near future GPS Tracking Device Systems will be commonplace even among mundane people in developing countries.

Spark Nano 2.0 - A Must Read If You Are Looking To Buy A GPS Tracker!

If you are reading this article, I assume you are looking to purchase a GPS tracker? Recently the Spark Nano 2.0 GPS tracking device was released on the market.

If you have not heard of the Spark Nano device, it is a popular real time tracker that individuals and businesses have purchased over recent years. It became so popular, that it was used on the CSI Miami TV show.

Besides it's real time tracking capability, there are many features that make it one of the leading GPS trackers. For example, it is ultra compact measuring 3 inches that make it extremely small and undetectable. You can track using a web based interface where you can set up geo-fencing (set boundaries of where the tracker can go to) which is ideal if you want to know where your teenage driver is really taking your vehicle.

I will highlight some of the latest features the Spark Nano 2.0 tracker brings and you can decide whether it has the potential to serve your needs.

When you compare battery life to other trackers in it's size range, the Spark Nano 2.0 is impressive. You can get up to 30 days battery power, based on an hours driving per day. There are other real time trackers that only provide 7 days of battery life.The tracker provides accurate GPS location to within 10 feet under open sky. You can receive accurate location even if the device is indoors.If you have used GPS trackers before, you may have been frustrated with the cold start up times, sometimes taking anywhere between 1-5 minutes. Now the Spark Nano 2.0 can kick start within 30 seconds.This device caters for a variety of needs. For example, if you want to track a cheating partner, teenage drivers, school kids, fleet tracking for business, vehicle monitoring or recover a stolen vehicle the GPS tracker is more than capable.If you are willing to invest more, you can purchase a 6 month extended battery kit. This provides 6 months battery life based on an hours battery life per day. This option is particularly suited for businesses that need long periods of tracking capability.Regarding costs you should expect to pay an activation fee and service plan charges. Depending on your requirements you can opt for 3, 6 or 12 month plans.

The Spark Nano 2.0 has upgraded more than a few features compared to it's predecessor the 1.0. One other important feature is that you actually the own the new device after purchasing the service plans and paying activation fees.

This article has been viewed 27 time(s).
Article Submitted On: March 28, 2011

Allsport GPS Mobile App

Garmin 800 - No Longer Getting Lost With GPS Navigation System Device

There are a lot of things that require people to get to other places. You never know when you need to get to go somewhere new. And mostly the new place that you should go does not tell you how to get there.

If you do not find any help to get to the right direction, you will be able to get lost somewhere else. If you do not want to suffer from getting lost, you need to get to a GPS navigation device. There are a lot of options for you to pick up, but if you are confused of choosing one, you probably have to choose Garmin 800. This GPS device will be a pretty good choice.

You must be wondering why it is worth it for you if you choose this one. First of all, the Garmin 800 will get you all of its features based on 340 of driving. It will make you very impressed because it gives you a very good display of touch screen. The touch screen will get you a very good display of bright and strong colors.

The Garmin 800 has a couple of new features, compared to the previous type of Garmin GPS. But, you are certainly curious about how much money you will need to spend for this GPS, if you are interested in. First of all, you know that it is not inexpensive, but the price is certainly affordable and reasonable for everybody. You have to prepare for about $450 up to $650.

This is a pretty good price for you. It is considered to be a cheap price because it has more features than the previous type. From Garmin 800, you can get a speed or cadence sensor and soft-strap heart rate monitor. The cooler thing is you can also get a city navigator in which many people call it mapping on MicroSD.

You might think that it is pretty ordinary for the aforementioned features. But, there are more things that you should know about Garmin 800. It will give you the feature of the new top model in a six-model cycling line. And the GPS device will also provide you with a large screen namely 2.5 inches diagonal and a lot wider. The other thing that you will get is the wave of carbon fiber, so the outcome of the screen is a lot better and sleeker. But, Garmin Edge 800 will be worth it once you purchase it.

GPS Accuracy Improves Worldwide

How Tracking Technology Would Destroy Action Heroes

The advancement of vehicle tracking technology has provided the world with complete peace of mind regarding their assets. Not only has it assisted with efficient fleet management, but nowadays your vehicle can be found with almost pin-point accuracy in the event of an emergency. You already know how vital this technology is, but we wanted to look at how this could affect the action hero of old. These iconic films would definitely be a lot shorter and anticlimactic.

Here is our pick of movies that would have sunk at the box office if tracking technology made it into the script:

? Rambo
John Rambo is possibly the greatest action hero of all time. Taking down entire villages of bad guys armed with only his knife and handgun. Rambo seemed to have an internal tracking system which recognised bullets flying at him, which is why 50 men with fully automatic weapons couldn't land a single shot. If his targets were fitted with tracking devices though, he wouldn't need to interrogate and intimidate his way to success. All he would need to do is follow the signal, kill everyone in sight and take home the prize. Job done.

? Taken
Liam Neeson tore France apart to find his kidnapped daughter using old school tracking techniques, a host of weapons and unbelievable fighting skills. If he had just been smart enough to install tracking technology into his daughter though, he could have leisurely boarded a plane, drove to her destination and endured considerably less punishment from well-trained bad guys before taking his daughter back to America. The end.

? The Bourne Identity
Jason Bourne, he moves like a jaguar, creates props like MacGyver and fights like Bruce Lee. A truly dangerous weapon. But what happens when his enemies have implanted the latest tracking technology into his brain? Nothing much actually, because he would be snuffed out in the first 35 seconds by a highly trained sniper. I guess those attributes would no longer be able to assist him. That's a wrap.

? The Matrix
I can just see it now. Morpheus: "Neo, take the blue pill." Neo: "No thanks, according to my vehicle tracking device, I already know that I am not, in fact, in this world but in pod 48 in bay two. I have already made arrangements for travel, thank you for your assistance." Morpheus: "Wow, you really are 'The One'..." Roll the credits.

All in all I think it would be fair to say that the invention of device and vehicle tracking technology is the best invention since sliced bread.

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Garmin 1490LMT - Traveling Safely Without Getting Lost With Nuvi 1490LMT

Garmin 1490LMT is one of the important things when you are not in a good mood. You might not know the advantage right now, but let us talk about the very first thing that makes you need to get the Garmin 1490LMT, namely traveling. Traveling is one of the most favorite things to do when someone gets bored of their daily routines. If you do not have a lot of money to travel by plane, you can start doing your travel by crossing cities or states.

Now, you might be questioning the relationship between traveling and getting Garmin 1490LMT. You know right now technology has developed so rapidly. In travel, most of the time, you simply do not know where the exact address that you head to. It is very common because it is impossible for you to memorize every single place without any help. You can now depend on internet, namely going online and looking up the maps on the internet. However, it is not that practical, as you will be on the way. This is the solid reason why you do need to get Garmin 1490LMT.

Garmin 1490LMT is one of the most favorite GPS navigation devices that you can purchase in electronic store. Garmin 1490LMT is pretty recommended because it has some specifications that you will need the most when you are on the way. Definitely it shows you the maps where you are going to, but, the most important one is you can get the information of traffic as it is connected with FM traffic receiver. You also will be able to always get the up-to-date version of maps for free.

You know that, in many cases, you have to pay for the fee to upgrade your maps on your GPS navigation device. But, for Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT, it will be no longer a problem for you. They will charge you nothing for the updated maps, and the coolest thing about is that it will be everlasting without time limit.

If you are interested in getting the Garmin 1490LMT, you can start looking for any electronic store. You will need to prepare your money about $350, in order to be able to purchase it. And, you do not need to worry if you want to sell it, because the price of it is pretty stable for sale. So, traveling across cities and states will be no longer a problem for you.

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Iditarod Vs GPS Technology

In 2011 the Iditarod ended with a new winner, a new record set and a new component. For those unfamiliar with the Iditarod, visualize a person on a sled pulled by a team of dogs over some of the most extreme and gorgeous wilderness terrain known to man. For around 1,150 miles the dog sled team crosses frozen rivers, jagged mountain ranges, desolate tundra and dense forests. As if that weren't enough, factor in subzero temperatures, winds that generate zero visibility and long hours of darkness and you have a race called the Iditarod that Alaska claims as its own.

If you're wondering what does this have to do with GPS devices, well for the first time in Iditarod history, the mushers were permitted to use personal navigational devices (PND) - GPS units. Race participants who are in favor of making the use of personal GPS devices an option, are quick to point out the significance of maintaining a steady pace. They explain that if the speed is inconsistent or too fast, the rate of injury to the dogs is increased substantially. Additionally, it is easy to misjudge your sled speed without the benefit of a GPS. Proponents for the use of GPS tracking devices, such as Garmin, like to call attention to John Baker's experience. In 2010, Baker was considered a contender for the title. Regrettably, thinking himself to be lost, he miscalculated his position and lost hours trying to get back on the trail. Those lost hours ended up costing Baker a chance at the title. If he had been able to use a GPS device, he would have quickly discovered that he was in fact on the correct path and not at all lost.

In spite of the benefits of GPS technology, there are the purists who hold fast to their opinion against allowing the use of handheld devices. Since the first Iditarod race in 1973, the so called "Last Great Race on Earth" has been considered the ultimate match pitting man and animal against nature and the Alaskan wilderness. Finishing the race with only trail markers, dogs, a sense of direction and raw instincts is what makes the experience riveting. Four-time Iditarod champion, Lance Mackey, sides with the purists and said recently, "I think it's kind of funny that all of a sudden they need a GPS to figure out how fast they're going and what their dogs are capable of doing. What have they been doing this whole time?"

Bradley Jacobs is a GPS enthusiast and touts the benefits of Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, Lowrance, and other GPS system available with unmatched on-line store experience. With over 20 years of direct engineering, marketing, and customer service experience in the GPS industry, he is uniquely qualified to offer top-level support. His favorite distributor, GPS City Canada, sells to thousands of customers in Canada, the USA, and worldwide. They range from small businesses to many Fortune 500 companies. From major universities and technical colleges to the Pentagon, Canada's DND, military and other government institutions.

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

This article has been viewed 8 time(s).
Article Submitted On: March 17, 2011

Trailer Tracking Is More Than A Security Issue!

A Portable GPS Could Save You A Lot of Money

Reasons to Purchase Speed Camera Detectors

Speed Camera Detectors

Speed camera detectors come with a set of features to save you from paying speeding and red light camera fines. When you decide to purchase one of these devices to outsmart the installed traffic cameras, you will be confused with the models available in the market with different features, specifications and functionality. There are many simpler designs providing you information regarding the usage of lasers are being used on a specific vehicle including the one you are driving currently. You can find some complex equipments using GPS technology to warn you whenever you are about to approach an installed speeding camera. These advanced speed camera detectors refer to a database containing the list of installed speed trap locations based on the current position of your vehicle. So whenever you are about to reach an area installed with a speeding camera, the device will warn you in advance and save you from paying fines for violating speeding regulation.

Latest Technology: Just like other technologies and equipments, you should opt to buy a detector that comes with the most advanced and latest technology available in the market. Also, select a device that works on different types of cars and can be installed and operated in a much simpler manner. Prefer any of the speed camera detectors that can be easily connected to the power adapter and be placed on a part of the car where you can view in completely and clearly. Some of the portable models available in the market cane easily be placed on the dashboard of your car much closer to the windshield and will be monitored by you in a frequent and convenient manner. It will also be easier for you the get the warning signal provided by the equipment and act accordingly without wasting any time.

Easy to Install: When buying a detector, you need to consider the easier installation and operational aspects of the device. When a device can be handles in a convenient manner, the same can be used by multiple drivers at the time of using a particular car. It is also advisable to check foe the rechargeable battery included in the speed camera detectors along with the cordless usage and power back-up offered by these models. When the device is installed properly, you can drive more safely and be assured of getting warning whenever you are about to approach a hidden camera location. It will also result in protecting your driving license and avoiding driving tickets and fines.

Legal Restrictions: Many people hesitate to use these devices being scared of the legal restrictions regarding installation and usage of such detectors. But when you are buying a device that uses the same GPS technology used in car navigation systems, there is nothing illegal in installing this particular type of speed camera detectors. It will use the technology in a manner similar to determine the exact GPS position of your vehicle and check the same in the database containing the list of installed speed trap locations. If you are about to approach an area installed with speeding or redlight cameras, it will warn you immediately to check and reduce your current speed rate.

BeatTheCameras.com is the affiliate partner of GPS Angel and is an online supplier of GPS Angel Speed camera detector devices. With a list of many satisfied buyers of GPS Angel devices, BeatTheCameras.com has successfully helped numerous motorists avoid getting speeding cameras tickets and drive with peace of mind.

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

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The RoadMate 1700 - Top 5 FAQs

Do you have questions about the Magellan RoadMate 1700 GPS? If you have been looking for more info about this model, I've listed some frequently asked questions that may help you decide whether this model is right for you.

How Is This Model Different Than Other Models?

One of the key differences of the 1700 is its large screen display. With a 7 inch screen you have a lot of map area that show the roads and streets and the map symbols are all very clear. Even if you are driving a large vehicle and the unit is far from you, readability is still good.

The sensitive touch screen interface allows for easy interaction with the GPS. It reacts to inputs very quickly. This is a great pick for those of us that want the largest screen GPS without getting an in-dash navigation system.

Is It Too Big For My Vehicle?

The dimensions of the 1700 are approximately 7.5 inches x 4.25 inches which can be a bit much for mounting on the windshield in a very small car. One suggestion that was made is to make a cardboard cutout of the dimensions of the GPS and place it where you would want it in the car.

This would give you some idea of how much space it would occupy and where the best location would be for it. For medium-sized cars, SUV's and trucks, space isn't as big of a concern and the unit should fit in well. Again, using a piece of cardboard can help you determine the space it will cover.

What Comes Included On This Model?

The RoadMate 1700 comes with maps of the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The maps are loaded with 6 million points of interest to make finding area restaurants, hotels etc.very easy.

Magellan has also included the complete Triple A TourBook. Smart City Search is a another great feature. The way this works is the 1700 attempts to predict the city you are looking for as you are typing. It does this using two elements, your position and cities you've been to before. So entering information is quick and easy.

It does this similarly with QuickSpell. Begin entering a street name in a chosen city and it will offer suggestions on which names you are attempting to spell while at the same time greying out any letters that cannot be used to spell a street name in the database.

How Long Does The Battery Last?

Using the 1700 on battery only will give you about 15 to 30 minutes of on time as is the case with most of the other GPS manufacturers which isn't a whole lot of time. It's best to simply leave it plugged in with the car charger and you won't have any issues.

How Does It Rate Overall?

Designed mostly for people with larger vehicles, the RoadMate 1700 is a pretty basic GPS which is what many owners like about it. It offers all the essentials along with good performance. Good audio, responsive touch screen, highway lane assist and good reviews make the 1700 highly competitive with other brands.

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Where Did They Go With GPS?

Usage Stats Revealed for GPS

The TeleNav company is one of the largest global location based services/mobile resource management (LBS/MRM) services provider in the world. TeleNav GPS Navigator is used for both personal and business purposes, helping individuals make the most of their leisure or work time. They have recently released statistics on how we use our GPS devices. The data shows what and how we search, identifies our daily needs, appetites more info than we can envision.

It is entertaining to analyze the who, what, why and where of our national GPS usage. For instance, when it comes to our eating out habits, did you know that pizza is the most searched cuisine in the nation? Who knew? Second to our craving for pizza is Chinese food. You would think that burgers would have been high on this list, but it came in at #3 and was followed by American food in 4th place and finally Mexican cuisine at #5. This is not at all what I expected. Where's the sushi?

So, where in the country do we find our most impatient citizens? All you need to do is check out the most traffic-plagued and grid-locked cities. According to the TeleNav data, the majority of GPS device users with real-time traffic information and the option to route around traffic mishaps live in Los Angeles CA. Not really a surprise, however, most of you were probably thinking New York City, right?. Surprisingly, the Big Apple seems to be lagging at #3, and was beat out by Washington DC. Rounding out the top 5 are Chicago IL as #4 and Atlanta GA is #5 on this list of hurried and impatient drivers.

Moving on to the nation's most cost-conscious residents. When it comes to searching out the best gas prices before filling up the tank, it looks like the winners live in Phoenix, AZ. The folks in San Antonio, TX came in a close second with Cleveland OH, Detroit MI and Jacksonville FL filling the 3rd, 4th and 5th spots respectively. Nice going for the nation's most thrifty residents. It pays to be more like these folks.

Finally, our last category covers the four most searched businesses and their locations, hours of operation etc. If you guessed that #1 on this list is Wal-Mart, you would be correct. No doubt the people in Phoenix are helping to keep Wal-Mart at #1. I'm equally as sure that I've personally had something to do with keeping Starbucks at a solid #2 on the most searched businesses list. With Target as #3, Best Buy as #4 and Bank of America holding at #5, we come to a close. Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.

Bradley Jacobs is a GPS enthusiast and touts the benefits of garmin, tomtom, magellan, lowrance, and other gps system available with unmatched on-line store experience. With over 20 years of direct engineering, marketing, and customer service experience in the GPS industry, he is uniquely qualified to offer top-level support. His favorite distributor, GPS City Canada, sells to thousands of customers in Canada, the USA, and worldwide. They range from small businesses to many Fortune 500 companies. From major universities and technical colleges to the Pentagon, Canada's DND, military and other government institutions.

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

This article has been viewed 6 time(s).
Article Submitted On: March 25, 2011

Are Red Lights Cameras Necessary?

Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras have been introduced to reduce stop light running. Statistics show that 800 people die each year and another 200,000 are injured in accidents which have been caused after a driver has crossed the intersection while the traffic signal have not changed to green. These cameras take photographs of vehicles crossing the intersection and thus the police can know very well which car was guilty of running through the stop light. It monitors the flow of traffic at the crossings and it automatically catches the car which crosses the speed limit or drives past when the signal is still red. The date, time and the speed of the vehicle are recorded along with the time when the signal turned red, are recorded. Based on this evidence, the drivers are mailed a traffic ticket which tells them which law they have violated. There are many fines and punishments associated with these tickets.

Drop in Traffic Violations

It has been observed that red light cameras have been very effective in controlling traffic violations. Studies show that Fairfax in Virginia and Oxnard in California witnessed a drop in traffic violations by 40% after these cameras were installed. Surprisingly, most motorists slow down at traffic intersections and cross only when green at all intersections irrespective of whether there is a camera or not. This shows that there was a general change in the behavior of the driver who did not depend on the red light only to slow down. Many other countries throughout the world have also reported a drop in traffic violations after these devices were installed.

Drop in Right Angle Collisions

However, there is not much data about the fall in the accident rate after these red lights cameras were enforced. This is more important and it is expected that when people obey the rules, there is very little chance of right angle collisions which usually occurred due to red light running. Some rear-end crashes were reported as the driver bumped into the car in front when he stopped suddenly at an intersection. This can be attributed to the non-uniform driving style in the drivers of the cars.

More Law Abiding Citizens

There have been many studies across the world about the reduction in the number of right-angle collisions after the red light cameras were enforced. There has been great lessening in the red light running cases with New York city reporting a lessening by 10% which is quite significant. Essex in United Kingdom has witnessed a fall by a whopping 88% which shows how these cameras have helped people maintain law on the streets. There have been some reports of rear end crashes in some cities but the statistics are not much as compared with the drop in right angle collisions.

Support for These Cameras

This study was undertaken first in Oxnard, California but slowly spread to other cities across the globe. The findings have greatly encouraged the law makers to install these red lights cameras in more cities so that accidents can be prevented leading to safer roads.

BeatTheCameras.com is the affiliate partner of GPS Angel and is an online supplier of GPS Angel Red Light Cameras devices. With a list of many satisfied buyers of GPS Angel devices, BeatTheCameras.com has successfully helped numerous motorists avoid getting speeding cameras tickets and drive with peace of mind.

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

The Positive Aspects Of Getting In Dash Navigation Devices

The actual growing demand of on the road hi tech devices has lead a lot of automobile companies to devise satellite navigation as an alternative feature in many of their products. The in dash navigation system was pioneered by manufacturers such as Alpine, Panasonic, Pioneer and also Eclipse. Though Kenwood came later on the scene, the idea quickly caught up with the achievement and today deals units with an even greater performance, flexibility and even features. In early 2007, this double-din in dash navigation system, DNX7100 was already tried in the market that has been a huge success. Kenwood carried on the pursuit of supremacy leading to, the Kenwood DNX7160. It is a remarkable product because it features virtually everything right from DVD player to Advanced Garmin GPS and gives an ultimate interactive familiarity.

The in dash navigation system changes between multimedia with navigation very easily. A split screen option is obtainable for map and music controls, displayed at the same time if desired. The 6.95" touch screen user interface has large buttons permitting the user to focus on the road rather than the controls. The color of front-panel controls and display of the receiver is generally adjusted to match up for the car's dash lighting. The DNX unit can easily receive weather information and also display them up on the screen. The touch screen also offers reverse tilt mechanism which allows the top of the monitor to tilt ahead and eliminate glare. The Kenwood DNX7160 navigation recipient has advanced Garmin navigation system that gives one after the other directions. The speediest route to required location can be obtained by free Navteq traffic services.

Lane Assist and Junction Guide facilitates getting to the appropriate lane for approaching junctions or interchanges. This also re-navigates to a new route when traffic up ahead is definitely congested. The database provides 6 million points of interest for maps in the United States and even Canada. The Kenwood DNX7160 model provides its users voice assistance of street names and even upcoming turns. Whether it is a trip to a new location or a drive around the town, the DNX7160 can help the driver to find the way more speedily and efficiently.

The Kenwood DNX7160 In Dash navigation system likewise has the facility of built-in Bluetooth technology. The actual collaboration of Kenwood along with Parrot, leader in Bluetooth technology, allows hand-free cell phone operation, which include a visor-mount microphone. When a call up is made to the compatible phone, any music mutes also caller ID is shown on the screen. Just a tap of ring finger will enable the user to listen to the caller over the vehicle's car speakers. Any compatible Bluetooth device is often used to stream music. Additional Features comprise of: Dual Zone output, I pod User interface, Remote control, HD and Handset Radio, eco Route, Variable Color Key Illumination, Animated 3D and also 3 Skin GUI. It helps a vast number of digital media set-ups including DVD, DVD R/ RW, CD-R/RW, USB, MP3 as well as some other files on disc, JPEGs, EQ along with five band, digital signal processing, as well as other filters.

Kenwood's GPS Navigation feature is certainly the best because it is fast and easily accessible. It includes the ability to play a wide selection of different media. Though the menu is not really problematic but may confuse many amateur users. Overall, the Kenwood DNX7160 that has its large screen, great resolution, higher color contrast and vividness, light weight and also vast compatibility options is a good product and a should buy for every tech savvy car owner.

I have been interested in electronic and gadgets for years, and I am now looking to provide quality information to others. As part of this, I have written a number of reviews of Kenwood DNX7160, in dash navigation system from Kenwood. Please feel free to check out my other Kenwood DNX7160 Review.

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

New GPS and Other Mounts From RAM

GPS Tracking in Navigation

Using Your GPS Wisely

Top Hand Held GPS Devices

The Magellan 1700 - Why a Large Screen GPS?

How to Use Your Android Phone in Hiking

The Advantages of GPS Clock Systems

When someone refers to GPS clock systems, they are talking about the new super-accurate radio transmitter operated clock systems. In order to work properly, It uses a synchronized by a radio-transmitted time code. The systems utilize satellite technology from the various satellites that are scattered in space around the earth, to record time with 100% accuracy.

When a GPS satellite passes overhead, it sends time signals to the GPS receiver. The receiver then sends signals to a radio transmitter and it is rebroadcast to each clock that is programmed to be a part of the system. Each of the clocks is synchronized down to the second.

The letters, "GPS," stand for "Global Positioning System." This was originally a military concept that cost the US Department of Defense $12 billion to design, build and implement. While it was originally intended for military use only, it is no longer exclusive. They are used to help synchronize computer systems. They are considered to be the most accurate timing references, so are used for computerized timing applications and accurate timing references.

Places of business that rely on synchronized time benefit a great deal by implementing GPS clock systems. For example colleges and universities or banking institutions that rely on accurate security logs, are at a distinct advantage when they use it, College administrators appreciate the fact that when a college campus is synchronized, there are fewer class disruptions because of students who arrive to class late. Hospitals that need precise, accurate timing for procedures and testing benefit from them. Companies that use GPS clock systems can also save money by monitoring employees shift changes and breaks and eliminating those extraneous breaks that do not represent the company's best interests.

GPS clock systems do not involve the use of complicated equipment in order to work. They are easy to install and can be installed in a number of different locations in the school, hospital or other business that uses them. Should the electricity ever go out due to inclement weather, the system will continue to perform accurately. This is due to the technology that stores data in a non-volatile memory from the instant the power goes out. When it comes back on, the transmitter will receive the time from the GPS receiver. It then corrects any of the internal data and will send the updated time to system clocks. Any type of power outage that is not extended beyond a reasonable length will not have a significant impact on the accuracy of the GPS clock systems.

The same non-volatile memory also works to automatically change time for Daylight Savings Time. On the day that the time changes, the radio transmitter signals the satellite clock which, in turn, adjusts the clock for Daylight Savings Time. If Daylight Savings Time is not observed in the area where the GPS clock systems are installed, this feature can be disabled.

About Magellan Maestro 4250

The Magellan maestro is a GPS device that is known for its stylish and sleek looks and also the unbeatable line of functionalities that it comes along with. It is one of the best models available in the market when it comes to GPS device as it has many in-built facilities in it. The reach of the model has been very good and people from all corners of the world are looking out to buy this particular model for the striking list of features that it has. This portable navigation system is known to be the top class when it comes to handling and looks as well.

This wonder model called Magellan maestro keeps evolving with time and the Magellan maestro 4250 is one such wonderful model that has gripped the attention of many. This particular model is receptive to voice commands and can easily operate through the voice system. You can actually command the system to work according to your needs and it will function as per your requirements. The best about this model is that it is especially designed to meet the needs of the people who travel a lot. It is the perfect navigation system that anybody would like to possess or own and it can also be easily upgraded as and when necessary.

The model from Magellan is high by 3.2 inches and wide by 4.8 inches. The most amazing feature that attracts everyone is the slim and sleek stature that it comes with. Magellan maestro 4250 is known to be very compact and also lighter than its usual form which makes it to stand out from the rest of the crowd. The slim model is easy to carry and hold and it makes a perfect object in your travel bag. Navigation system is well built in it and it can easily take in commands and other areas of operation.

GPS devices can be fitted inside your car and this has turned out to be greatly helpful in many a cases. It comes along with text to speech functionality and one can easily make use of this facility in times of emergency. On the whole the Magellan maestro range is as good as ever and is known to be the best in the GPS device industry. You can choose over the varied lines of models that keep coming out in the market quiet often from Magellan.

A Researcher's Overview Of Geocaching

Geocaching is a concept that is followed by millions of people worldwide. It first began in the year 2000 thousand mostly driven by the lifting of policy that restricted GPS use. It was initially known as geo stashing before its community changed the name to geocaching. By definition it involves the hiding and locating of caches in any part of the world using GPS technology. Participants use GPS navigators to located a hidden cache by entering the given coordinates of the location of the cache. There will then be a physical excursion to go and find the cache using GPS technology.

In order to participate in geocaching you will need to invest in a good gps receiver preferably a handheld mapping gps. These are available widely on the internet from stores such as Amazon and numerous other hiking specialists. Its a good idea to specifically look for a geocaching navigator. Manufacturers of GPS navigators such as Garmin officially recognize the sport to the extent that they have developed gps devices targeted at the geocaching community. These are typically gps navigators that quickly lock into satellites even under heavy cover such as vegetation and deep in canyons.

With a good geocaching gps receiver in hand you may head-out to numerous internet membership sites that list numerous caches ready for you to find them. These have gps coordinates of latitude and longitude which you enter into your gps receiver in order to map the location of the cache. The sport is so much fun that individuals who find a cache will get small token of goodies and memorabilia in the cache. They will also be required to leave some goodies for the next person to find the cache.

Depending on your requirements, membership sites that have premium membership will over more things and information on concerning a particular cache. Paid members will have more options than non-paid members. All in all the sport is generally safe and can be accomplished within a few hours to days depending on your preference and how fer out you are willing to go in pursuit of a cache. In the United States there are many caches that are likely to be found within your state or neighboring state. The sport has ground so rapidly worldwide so much that each region may have its own website and caches.

Also important to mention is that once you get a hang of it you may also initiate your own cache by hiding some 'treasure' for other participants to find. Today there are an estimated over 1.2 million caches around the world. Enough to keep the hard-core participant very busy.

Texting From The Wilds Via GPS

Many people wonder how those wilderness adventurers are able to relay GPS messages to the outside world when we sometimes have trouble making calls from certain locations in our neighborhood? I used to have a neighbor who had to literally step outside of his home, into his backyard, in order to get a clear enough signal to make a call on his cell phone. Yet, a wilderness hiker in a remote region of the mountains of Andorra can make contact with whomever he wants. We have a solution for all of you who are wondering.

If you're thinking satellite telephones, think again. Though satellite telephones have been available for use in remote areas, and they do in fact work, unfortunately the cost is still prohibitive. What we are presenting here is a more affordable solution for the average wilderness wanderer. We are happy to report that we can now use GPS satellite capabilities through a Spot Connect device in conjunction with a Smartphone. This will allow the explorer to send brief text messages when necessary. This GPS technology may not be suitable for keeping and posting a journal or log during our travels, but it will allow for pertinent and emergency messages to reach the right party and get you the help you need in time. Let's face it, that is immensely important!

Ordinarily, when you're out hiking or climbing, the cell phone is unreliable if you're not in a narrow canyon or covered and surrounded by dense foliage. Also, as my neighbor discovered, it is necessary to have a line of sight for good reception. Though there are some limitations with this type of GPS technology, it is well worth having as you venture out. This new technology allows you to send brief, original text messages and even emails via satellite. In order to send a message you must input the text into a GPS device, such as a Garmin or TomTom, or into a smart phone, which is linked to a transmitter. The transmitter then sends the message to a GPS satellite system and before you know it, your SOS is received. No need to worry about blocked signals or dense conditions. Do some research on the ins and outs of using this particular set up because there is more to know about its use than what we're accustomed to with cell phones. Nevertheless, it will be well worth looking into.

Bradley Jacobs is a GPS enthusiast and touts the benefits of Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, Lowrance, and other GPS system available with unmatched on-line store experience. With over 20 years of direct engineering, marketing, and customer service experience in the GPS industry, he is uniquely qualified to offer top-level support. His favorite distributor, GPS City Canada, sells to thousands of customers in Canada, the USA, and worldwide. They range from small businesses to many Fortune 500 companies. From major universities and technical colleges to the Pentagon, Canada's DND, military and other government institutions.

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

This article has been viewed 8 time(s).
Article Submitted On: March 09, 2011

Real Celebrity GPS Voices - How to Make Your Garmin GPS the Star of the Road

European GPS manufacturer TomTom has been known for allowing their users to customize the voice of their device with famous celebrities, but one might be surprised by how many celebrity voice options are available to users of GPS devices from Garmin, TomTom's main rival. Here are five downloadable Garmin celebrity voices that will make any drive more enjoyable.

Mr. T - As one of the most popular TomTom voices of all time, it was only a matter of time until Mr. T brought his brand of jibber jabber to Garmin users. Only a fool would consider setting off on a journey without this tough talking co-pilot inside their Garmin.

K.I.T.T. (Knight Rider) - Knight Rider was an international television sensation from the moment it debuted in 1982, and according to a recent survey in the UK, its talking car star, Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT), is still the most popular TV car of all time. There are many poor impersonations of this GPS voice available on the internet, but there is only one website offering the officially-licensed version of KITT which features the voice of the original TV series' actor, William Daniels, and addresses drivers by name, so make sure you're getting the real thing - it's worth it.

David Hasselhoff - Not to be outdone by his TV co-star, KITT, The Hoff also has his very own GPS voice. After all, one cannot fully embrace their inner 80's geek without the full Knight Rider package.

Daria (MTV) - Daria Morgendorffer is the star of the hit MTV animated series, Daria, which originally aired from 1997 to 2002. Known for her sharp wit and incessant sarcasm, Daria does indeed have a personality consistent with what might be expected to emanate from a standard GPS voice were it allowed to speak its mind. If dry and sarcastic is your style, this is the navigation voice for you.

Flavor Flav - This hip hop icon turned reality TV superstar has always spoken his mind freely, and the Flavor Flav GPS voice is no exception. This multimedia impresario will leave drivers and passengers breathless as they listen to his colorful and explicit turn-by-turn driving instructions. Yeah boyee.

Choosing the ideal navigator from this list of real celebrity GPS voices will be the most difficult part of changing the voice on your Garmin. Finding and installing a voice online is easy because they're all produced by NavTones, the leader in real celebrity voices for GPS. And don't worry if you are still undecided about which celebrity voice to choose - NavTones also has a great selection of free Garmin voices available for instant download. So, spice up your ride with a real celebrity voice for your GPS; it's very easy, and sometimes it's even free.

Baxter Gordon is a freelance writer, technologist, and agoraphobe who spends most of his time pecking on keys from inside his commodious bunker just outside of Boise, Idaho. If you follow technology online, you have probably read some of his less-memorable material.

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

This article has been viewed 82 time(s).
Article Submitted On: February 03, 2011

Choosing A GPS Tracking Device For Trucks

Just a few years ago, vehicle security systems were limited to an annoying, high-pitched alarm designed to alert others to a possible break in. If a culprit was able to get away with the car or truck, it generally amounted to an insurance claim and black market parts. With the introduction of GPS systems, vehicles can be tracked on a computerized map from a monitoring station, providing vehicle owners with added piece of mind and a much higher rate of recovery. Additionally, many companies have begun employing these systems as a way to track drivers, thus ensuring products arrive on time and schedules are adhered to. In this article we will outline a few steps to help in selecting the ideal GPS tracking device for trucks.

Step 1 - Take a look at your budget and decide how much you are able to spend. Keep in mind that you will likely have to pay a monthly subscription fee in addition to the initial sticker price depending on the exact product you decide to go with.

Step 2 - Figure out how many units you will need. If you have a large fleet, you may want to opt into a system with added features to allow for multiple vehicle tracking. Smaller fleets, say one or two vehicle, may only require a basic model. Evaluate your needs and the available options in order to make a decision that best suits your situation.

Step 3 - Hop online and check out reviews of the many different types of systems on the market. The internet offers a wealth of resources to help you through the process, with reviews, ratings and discount coupons to broaden your perspective and enhance your consumer pallet.

Step 4 - If you know of any other companies utilizing GPS tracking systems for their businesses, contact them to find out what they are using.

Step 5 - Find a dealer and discuss your options face to face. A quick trip to your local GPS specialist will help you find systems that offer features to best suit your needs. If you require an installation specialist, many of these companies will offer the service as a package deal. Before you head in, take the time to write down a list of features you're looking for as well as any questions or concerns you might have. Your sales person should be able to discuss these areas and point you in the direction of a system which works best for your company's situation.

Step 6 - If you are intent on installing the system on your own, take a look at options that are more user friendly. These days, manuals are freely available online, and can provide you with a little insight in regard to what you might expect throughout the installation process.

Step 7 - Take a look at the support and warranty information of the product you are most interested in. You want to be sure you have some back up available in case of complications or system failures.

Feeling Lost? What Do You Need in a Satellite Navigation System?

Feeling a little lost? According to an article by a leading anthropologist at Sydney University, humans apparently have compasses built into their noses - so in theory we should be able to rely on these tiny magnetic compasses to point ourselves in the right direction when we travel. Even so, many of us may hesitate to rely solely on our noses while on the road. Fortunately satellite navigation technology is an easy solution for those that don't know their left from their "other left".

What to look for in a satellite navigation system

Most satellite navigation systems work with a GPS enabled unit that comes pre-loaded with software that is relevant to your region, for example maps and information for Australia. Meanwhile, different brands and models of satellite navigation systems have some unique features that can help you on the road. Some of the key differences between popular models include:

- Rerouting - the ability to reconfigure routes based on traffic conditions, tolls and destinations. This will definitely come in handy when it comes to avoiding traffic jams and accidents while you're en route.

- On road alerts - many systems come with the ability to warn you about changes in road rules, for example as you approach a school zone. Some even give you indications on the whereabouts of static speed cameras and changes to the speed limits as well as points of interest such as petrol stations or local landmarks.

- Bluetooth for phone - this feature allows your sat nav to communicate with your Bluetooth enabled phone. This allows you to use the unit as a hands free device and can use voice activated control to make phone calls. Some even have the option to read text messages out loud while you're driving.

- Advanced lane guidance - perfect for when you're out of town, your unit can give you advanced warning for complex lane changes that you may be unfamiliar with so you don't miss your turn.

- External memory card - you can store images and video files on an SD or Micro SD card and use your satellite navigation system as a viewer while you're travelling.

- Day and night mode - if you plan to be on the road at night, a darkened screen display with a black background will be easier on the eyes for when driving in the dark - it also makes it safer for drivers behind you.

- Operating Systems and compatibility - if you plan to use your system with a computer, consider compatibility, as some models do not support Mac operating systems.

You can also choose to bundle your satellite navigation system with your computer equipment hire, so it's easy to keep all of your electronics up to date. Meanwhile, if you're travelling overseas, you can often hire a computer GPS system with your hire car, although many travellers find it more convenient to take along their own systems and purchasing new maps and software.

How Does GPS Technology Work?

GPS or Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system. This system, also known officially by the U.S. Dept. of Defense name NAVSTAR, was originally intended for the military, but was made available to the public in the 1980's.

How It Works

There are always at least 24 operational GPS satellites in orbit at all times, each with a 12 hour orbit. The satellites are powered by solar energy and have small rocket boosters to keep their orbit stable. All the satellites are synchronized so that repeating signals are transmitted at the same time. Each satellite transmits a radio signal that contains its location and the exact time, thanks to an atomic clock inside each one.

The receiver knows how far away a satellite is by how long it takes the signal to reach it. It compares the time the signal was transmitted with the time it was received. By receiving signals from at least four satellites, the receiver is able to calculate its position in three dimensions.

Imagine each satellite at the center of a sphere, with the receiver located somewhere on the surface of that sphere. The exact location of the receiver is at the point where the spheres of several satellites intersect.

How Accurate Is It?

Hand-held receivers such as those made by TomTom and Garmin are quite accurate, to within 10 to 20 meters. For greater accuracy, there are other receivers that use DGPS, or Differential Global Positioning System that requires an additional, fixed receiver. Observations made by the fixed unit are used to correct the position of the moving receiver.

GPS requires a clear "line of sight" between the satellite and the receiver. The signal will go through plastic, glass, and clouds, but will not pass through mountains, concrete, or steel. Heavy forested areas may also hamper the signal.

Other Uses of GPS

When most people think of GPS, they think of a portable device that helps them calculate their routes. However, there are other uses of GPS technology:
Many newer automobiles come with GPS Anti-theft systems which can pinpoint the exact location of a car should they be stolen.Police, fire, and emergency service providers use GPS receivers to locate the vehicles nearest to an emergency.GPS in small aircraft can help plot the perimeter of a forest fire so firefighters can maximize their efforts.GPS technology is used extensively by surveying, mapping, and construction companies.GPS technology can be used to detect air quality as well as map holes in the ozone. It is used to track major oil spills to aid in cleanup efforts.Wildlife experts use GPS to track migrating herds and endangered species.Recreational uses of GPS technology such as Geocaching.

As you can see, the current applications of GPS technology are vast, and as the future approaches, more and more individuals will find that owning a GPS unit is an absolute necessity. From recreational uses to crime prevention to protecting our loved ones, GPS technology is destined to become a very important part of our daily lives

Better Customer Service Due to GPS Fleet Tracking

Today, more businesses are relying heavily of transportation as part of their vital business operations. Any business that uses vehicles knows the demands of their customers; therefore they have to find ways to gain a competitive edge by providing superior customer service. For a business that manages a fleet of vehicles, a GPS vehicle tracking system will not only improve productivity and reduce operational costs, but the business will profit from providing better customer service.

More businesses are now using GPS vehicle tracking systems to improve customer relations. Some of these business areas include: food and beverage distributors, construction industry, florists, manufacturer equipment suppliers, limousine companies, and many more. GPS fleet management is becoming an indispensable tool of any business that has a fleet of vehicles.

With a real-time fleet tracking system, a business manager can go online and view the delivery status and real-time location of all their vehicles. As well, they will have better communication with the entire fleet of vehicles allowing them to re-route drivers in an instant. It also gives them the ability to increase their response time for customer requests regarding the status of their delivery. As a result, it can reduce the number of customer inquiry service calls. The overall outcome is a very satisfied customer.

The reports generated from a GPS fleet tracking system provides information that can be passed on to the customer. Such information can include the precise location of the driver and when the shipment will arrive. As well, if a problem arises that will result in the delay of a delivery, the customer can be updated on a moments notice. As well, if a business receives a last minute order, they can locate the closest vehicle to the location and dispatch the vehicle right away. They can also submit the routing information to the driver's GPS navigation system.

Many businesses are now realizing the business benefits of using GPS fleet management as not just to boost operational efficiency and reduce costs, but also to improve customer satisfaction. A GPS fleet tracking system can improve response time, serve more customers in less time, provide customers with precise up-to-date information about their delivery and other inquiries, and provide delivery confirmation, which results in an overall improvement in customer relations. Additionally, GPS fleet tracking system will allow a business to keep precise and accurate records so it makes invoicing much easier and more accurate. It takes the guess work out of managing the books and provides verification of the driver's activities such as their stops and the length of their stops. The benefits are all great selling points when seeking to acquire new customers.

Having the ability to respond quickly to a customer inquiry is essential to improving customer relations. With a GPS fleet tracking solution customer service representatives can easily and almost instantly respond to a customer. The main benefits of GPS fleet management to a business are the ability to grow an extensive loyal client base, increase profits, and acquire more business.

Increasing Demand for GPS Based Services

The demand for location based services has dramatically increased specially in the mobile devices. The adoption of GPS for mobiles phones started in the smart phone sector. Today GPS facility is considered a standard feature for a mobile to offer. The rise in the demand is increasing. GPS application development with newer innovative applications offering better navigation services are appearing in the market.

Although GPS enabled mobiles have been available in the market since the 1990s it is now that GPS technology for mobile is fast maturing. The GPS functionality is a feature that is getting quite popular with users. With such features like navigation assistance, text-to-speech, voice activated driving and walking direction, live information on traffic that serve to benefit the user providing the user with more convenience add value to the overall experience.

The trend for mobiles to be integrated with GPS facility has affected the growth of standalone GPS devices. Who would go for a GPS device if you can have the same functionality in your mobile phone?

New paths are being explored and new possibilities being explored to bring improved applications for the user. A lot of potential is being seen where GPS technology in mobile sets can facilitate business processes hence this area is being explored by developers. The market demand together with advance in technology and business factors is fueling the increase of GPS enabled mobiles. The combination of GPS system in a mobile makes a powerful impact that can have great utilities if it is properly handled.

A report by Berg Insight in 2009 revealed that the shipment of GPS enabled handsets was increasing having reached a number of 150 million units for 2009. According to these statistics it was predicted that the number would exceed to 770 million units by 2014.

Taking into account the growing popularity all smart phone platforms are rolling out their own GPS applications and services. The applications at the Apple's App store and stores for other platforms shows support for applications that offer GPS services.

The earlier difficulties being experienced while using GPS facility are being worked on. The focus was on getting the user accurate information. In getting precise information the response time often took very long putting a strain on the battery life.

However as technology is advancing at a fast pace answers to these problems are being addressed to. Work in GPS applications development is leading to more accurate, productive and functional applications and services.

Why Hikers Should Not Leave Without Equipping Handheld GPS Units

Portable digital devices are an ongoing trend that continues to rise in popularity because of the large variety of devices available and many of these devices are actually inexpensive. Many individuals around the world carry at least one portable device and that device is likely to be a mobile phone. Other devices like handheld GPS units may not be as common but these compact devices can perform a surprising number of operations that can greatly benefit hikers. Here are a few reasons why any hiker should have a handheld GPS unit.

Great for Getting Started

Many handheld GPS units are useful even before the hiking trip begins. With various maps preloaded into these units, hikers can start planning a trail even before they reach their destination. Some of these handheld GPS devices have the basic functions of a car GPS device so they can provide directions to the starting point and can actively track the car's position in real-time to get an idea on how long the trip will take.

Highly Customizable

Handheld GPS units do not only serve as electronic maps but they are customizable as well. Starters can add markers or points to these maps so users can effectively return to a certain spot in case they get lost. Many handheld GPS models have several points of interests built in and users can still add more. Different routes can be made to plan for hiking purposes to ensure that hikers never go off course. Many GPS units can also connect to a laptop or desktop computer so users can download additional maps online and upload these maps to the handheld GPS unit so it feels like new once again.

Tracking Possibilities

There are many different handheld GPS units available on the market today and each GPS unit may have a different set of features. The most basic handheld GPS devices are solely focused on navigation while the midrange and high-end units come with various monitors so hikers can track their progress in different aspects. One of the common monitoring features keeps track of the speed, time, and distance which can be useful for competitive hiking. Others are more useful for those want to stay fit or work out to become healthier. Some devices may have heart rate monitors and other related features. Since these GPS units are rather easy to carry and can have large screens, handheld GPS units are more reliable than fancy digital watches.

Certain devices may have enhanced tracking capabilities if other users have the same model or family of GPS devices. If compatible, it is possible to get the locations of other hikers equipped with those specific GPS devices. This saves a lot of time in regrouping if something goes wrong.

Communication Convenience

Mobile phones are supposed to do the job in making sure that everyone stays in touch. But for hikers, mobile phones are not always reliable because the remote areas may yield no signal. But GPS devices rely on satellites and the signal can remain fine as long as hikers are out in the open. Certain GPS devices may be able to communicate to other GPS devices of the same type while other handheld GPS units can contact emergency services in case an unexpected problem takes place.

Any type of hiker would greatly benefit from a GPS device. The best thing is that these devices are not bulky at all so it never hurts to place on in a pocket and take it out whenever tracking is needed.

Best Selling GPS And Navigating Devices

GPS and Satellite Navigation aids, or sat navs, have a place in almost every car. These little technological devices have gone from luxury to necessity in a very short time. High end vehicles are now including sat navs as standard, showing that without a doubt they are here to stay. The Garmin nuvi 1370/1370T is a popular choice with many of today's motorists. This neat and compact sat nav has a large 4.2 inch wide screen display with touch screen for ease of use. It is pre loaded with city navigator maps of both North America and Europe, and switching to the public transport mode allows you to see metro, tramway, buses and rail systems. The built in blue tooth allows you to make calls with a compatible cell phone. A Traffic information system is included in the 1370T model.

The Garmin nuvi 265W/265WT is another popular navigation system which has found its place in the market. This ultra thin, sleek model is great for popping into your pocket if you are traveling and are going to use a hire car. The North American city navigator maps are pre loaded and it can also be used as a portable blue tooth device to enable hands free calling with a compatible cell phone. The 4.3 inch touchscreen is in full color and is well lit for driving at night.

If you are looking for a sat nav system with a larger display, check out the Garmin nuvi 1450LMT. Costing around $190, this is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment perfectly suited to the regular traveler. There are over 6 million points of interest listed in over 48 states, and there are free traffic and map updates to keep you up to date with the constant changes you have to deal with while driving on today's busy highways. The 5 inch color display unit is back lit and has full touchscreen technology. There are advanced navigation tools built into this unit, including voice activated instructions to take you round every twist and turn of suburban driving. Other travel tools include a world clock, JPEG picture reader and currency converter.

For an extra $10 you can be the proud owner of the Garmin nuvi 1490 LMT. This has all the features of the 1450LMT but that extra $10 gets you built in bluetooth with built in microphone and speaker to give you hands free talking while you drive. It also shows you the economy routes to get from A to B quicker thus saving time and money. Overall, the only difference between the units is the addition of bluetooth, and this is well worth $10 of anyone's money.

If you are looking for satellite navigation on a budget, you won't go far wrong with the Garmin nuvi 205W. For around $90, this sat nav basically does what is says on the tin. The 4.3 inch screen is touchscreen and displays maps in both 2D and 3D. The handy locater which tells you exactly where you are is invaluable should you suffer a puncture or need to call the emergency services. The 'hotfix' feature calculates your exact position within seconds to get you on your way quicker. All in all, if you need a sat nav to get from A - B, this little unit is ideal.

Mobile Worker Solution To Public Sector Cost Reduction

As the bleak economic picture continues with tougher times likely to be still ahead, town hall councils and local authorities will be struggling to maintain the most cost efficient transportation departments as possible under the deepest budget cuts, and still plan for effective measures to deal with another possible severe winter ahead.

In addition, staggering rises in fuel prices will topload daily running costs and eat up barely sufficient budgets, creating a real urgency to find and operate real workflow solutions in an effort to keep key social services functioning in the community they serve.

It has become common practice for local authorities and public sector organisations to implement fleet tracking or mobile workforce tracking, which will not only reduce costs as a proven technology but is also a regulatory Duty Of Care measure. As a result, many council procurement officers who recognised commercial vehicle tracking systems as an industry standard tool across private fleet businesses instigated fleet GPS tracking to play a vital role as an integrated operational tool within their own public sector transport departments.

A vehicle fleet tracking system now forms an indispensable part of daily scheduling in key authority areas of responsibility including, building or pest control, waste management, refuse collection, cleansing or environmental services and parking enforcement.

In addition, the importance of a mobile worker solution, deployed strategically across both urban and rural environments, and where vital community services need to be always in operation, is critical for independent social services home visits, where mobile phone tracking can be invaluable. Another area of crucial operation is the emergency services, where a realtime vehicle tracking device is essential at all times.

Coping with the ever increasing severity of winter conditions, a specifically engineered winter maintenance system, which links with a standard vehicle tracking device provides local council and private contractor managers with advanced reports and greater, direct control of gritting fleets. Vehicle deployment in time sensitive response to changing weather conditions can be based on clear, measurable, detailed management information of flow rates, salt usage, and time/date history recording.

Planning for an extended tough economic climate ahead, there is, undoubtedly, considerable benefits to local authorities and public sector contractors for installing live vehicle tracking technology. Not only is there set into place compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLA's), key industry regulations, enhanced security and workforce duty of care, there is also much needed, invaluable mobile asset tracking management of vehicle location, route planning, availability and maintenance scheduling alerts.

Does Your Elderly Parents or Child Need a GPS?

Children
Currently, kids are the greatest group at risk for abduction. Child abductions by a family member is really a family nightmare, with over 203,000 occurrences in the United States every year. Even though a large majority of child abuductions are done by a member of the family, it is the child that usually is afflicted with serious life long emotional and psychological damage. An additional 58,200 are kidnapped by non family members each year.

Teen-agers
You teenager may not like it, but a GPS unit can help your teenager in many ways. Pressure from peers has not changed and at times this age group has problems saying no. A GPS system may also protect personal property from getting stolen like costly musical instruments, phone, iPods, and most important... cars. GPS trackers also have the ability to determine exactly how fast your licensed teen is driving.

Seniors
Early onset Alzheimer's makes up about 5 -10% of suffers and can hit ages ranges as young as thirty to forty years old. Even though little is known about how exactly it begins, hereditary predisposition leads to the illness as the individual begins to show signs and symptoms of forgetfulness and memory loss. In addition to these two traits, problem solving can be a trait of dementia. Even if your elderly parent can still remember their way around the neighborhood, they can be in danger of having one of these symptoms. A lot of individuals will assist a lost kid but very few individuals can identify the indicators of a lost senior citizen, and many times they don't get the assistance they need right away.