China and Europe Compete for GPS Satellite Navigation Honours

China and Europe are at logger heads regarding their respective global satellite navigation systems which apparently have overlapping signals. China's system, called Beidou, is set to be completed in 2020, which is also when the European system, called Galileo, is due to be finished.

China has been working on Beidou since 2000. It launched three geostationary satellites between October 2000 and May 2003 in a phase called Beidou-1. These satellites are reported to have played a vital role when it came to rescuing survivors after the earthquake in Wenchuan in 2008.

Beidou-2 is actually going to be broken up into two stages with the first taking place from 2011 to 2015, during which time 12 to 14 satellites will be launched. When Baidou-2 is complete, China's navigation system will comprise more than 30 satellites. According to Qi Faren, former chief designer for Shenzhou spaceships and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) (as reported by Space Daily), the satellites launched between 2011 and 2015 will provide navigation, timing and short message services in the Asia and Pacific region. The remainder will complete the country's global navigation system which will rival that of the US - and, apparently, Europe.

The problem with Baidou, at least according to the European Union, is that it uses the same signal as their Galileo Satellite Navigation System. According to Space News, the radio spectrum on which both projects want to operate is already overcrowded, but neither project wants to move because of the large costs involved. At least that's been touted as the primary reason, but there are other factors at play.

The two opposing projects have been playing a waiting game for over two years to see who blinks first. China, it seems, is determined to carry on as planned, as evidenced by its string of satellite launches. Meanwhile, the European Commission has complained that the impasse is about to become a major security issue for the EU. They have unsuccessfully tried to persuade China to move frequencies, but China is sticking to its guns, as it has every right to do.

You see, having both systems on the same frequency doesn't mean that capacity is threatened. They'll both be able to function (more or less) perfectly. But, they won't be able to jam the other's signals. So it's no wonder China isn't willing cede ground and why the Europe Union is adamant that it does so.

Adding to the issue are navigation systems from Russia (Glonass), Japan and India, all of which will compete in the same space. The space race, it seems, is only just beginning.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Vehicle GPS Systems

If you are interested in vehicle GPS systems, it is important to know and understand that there are many factors to consider prior to making a purchase. In the earliest days of vehicle GPS, this type of product was considered to be a luxury device because of the sheer expense associated with such devices. As time progressed, the price tags on these devices quickly decreased. In today's market, vehicle GPS systems are becoming increasingly affordable with each passing day. If you are interested in purchasing one of these devices for your vehicle, it is important to have a good understanding of how to choose the proper unit for your needs.

Prior to the release of the devices that use the Global Positioning System technology, individuals used large, foldable maps and word of mouth to travel from one destination to another. While both of these strategies were mostly deemed as acceptable, they often included many complications and were not at all considered to be convenient strategies among those that used them. A unit that uses GPS software provides a user with a wide array of routes, maps, and other features that outline the driving process in a step by step manner. If you become lost, take a wrong turn, or simply want to take a different route, vehicle GPS units have the capability of assisting you with relative ease.

The first factor that you will want to consider when shopping for vehicle GPS systems is the level of portability that the system offers. The amount of portability that you need will heavily depend upon how you will be using the system and how often the unit will be put to use. Individuals that use a vehicle GPS in several vehicles will likely be more content with a model that can be transitioned from one automobile to another with ease. Those that use a system with only one vehicle may opt for a unit that is placed a bit more permanently in their vehicle. When considering the amount of portability that you need in a GPS unit, it is also important to consider how much money that you have to dedicate to the purchase. In many cases, a portable unit may be a bit less expensive than a model that is placed more permanently.

The next factor that is important when shopping for a vehicle GPS unit is how often you spend in your vehicle - as well as how often you travel in territories that are considered to be unfamiliar. If you travel a lot to destinations that you are not completely familiar with, it is likely in your best interest to choose GPS units that are loaded with many different types of maps and have a wide array of directional features installed in them. If you are often in locations that are somewhat familiar, it probably will not be necessary to purchase models that have a high level of functionality as far as directional features are concerned.

As you can see, there are many factors that should be considered when shopping for vehicle GPS systems. The factors highlighted in this guide should be the most significant overall. In addition to features highlighted here, it is also important to consider the display features associated with the model. It is important to choose models that have a clear, crisp, and bright image to ensure that you are able to successfully see the information being displayed while traveling. If you consider all of the options specified here, you will find that it is relatively easy to find a vehicle GPS unit that is appropriate for your needs and desires.

Cell Phone Network Threatens GPS Signals

GPS service providers are going up against 4G network providers as they contest issues such as bandwidth and satellite signals. More specifically, Garmin and the US military are facing off against LightSquared, which intends to set up 40 000 ground transmitters that have the potential to disrupt vital GPS signals.

According to an article by Andrew Wood on AIN Online, the transmitter network proposed by LightSquared would effectively cause widespread GPS jamming and disrupt services over huge swathes of the US. Garmin conducted laboratory tests which demonstrated that each transmitter would disrupt GPS signals within a 13.8 mile radius and completely jam signals within 5.6 miles.

Meanwhile, an article on Flight Global cites General William Shelton who said that the network would disrupt signals up to 12 miles in the air (with similar findings to Garmin in the ground). The potential for havoc in the air is frightening to contemplate.

According to a provisional permit issued to LightSquared by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it is LightSquared's responsibility to ensure that its network doesn't interfere with other signals. The company has effectively been ordered to work with the federal government and the GPS industry to ensure that vital signals are not jammed.

Scott Canon breaks the problem down into layman terms: LightSquared's network would use both cell phone towers and satellites to ensure that its customers are always in range of cell a phone signal. Basically, when towers are out of the reach the phones would switch to satellite signals to keep conversations and online browsing going. The problem is that the satellite signal concerned uses a band that is adjacent to the one used to provide GPS signals. The risk is that cell phone users will overcrowd their band and will flow into the GPS band and, according to Dale Hatfield, jostle it out of position. Hatfield, who is an ex-chief engineer and FCC technologist, says it's a matter of elbow room - in other words, a certain amount of pushing and shoving is inevitable.

Canon reports that despite the lab tests conducted by Garmin, LightSquared maintains that its network can operate side-by-side with the GPS band. The company's executive vice-president for regulatory affairs, Jeff Carlisle says that it has already invested $9 million to make sure that interference is not an issue and claims that if a problem exists it is only with highly sensitive GPS receivers. Like the kind used by the military and air force perhaps?

The problem is an interesting one with serious consequences for both sides. One thing is for sure, it'll require a lot more testing and a lot more money to settle it.

Handheld GPS Navigation - Garmin 76CSX Review

This superb Handheld GPS Navigation Unit boasts a highly sensitive GPS receiver by SiRF. It is primarily aimed towards mariners and boaters, however it will track your position in canyons and under dense cover too. It has an integral electric compass and barometric altimeter Weighing in at a slight 7.6 ounces. It is ready to take you wherever you wish to go, on land or water.

Handheld GPS Navigation - Garmin 76CSX Review - Our Opinion:

The 133 reviews found on this product were generally very positive. 112 customers gave the product 4* or 5 * ratings, infact 78 of them gave it the maximum of 5*. The remaining customer reviews were nine 3*, three 2*, and nine 1* ratings.

The overall consensus of opinion is that this is a great unit on land or water, it is accurate easy to use and loved by many. The negatives were for mixed reasons, but it has to be said that for that any negative points made were counter-balanced by so many positives on the same subject.

There is now a new model available, the Garmin GPSMAP 78SC 2.6 inch, Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter, it is more expensive but already has only the maximum of 5* ratings.

Handheld GPS Navigation - Garmin 76CSX Review of Features:

The 76CSx's 2.6 inch LED Backlit display is in TFT color, and is easy to interpret in all kinds of weathers thanks to the bright sunlight readable screen, so you should be able to read the maps and trip information with ease.

The on board trip computer provides you with an odometer, moving average, stop time, overall average, max speed, total time, and more. The rapid processor provides you with auto routing, audio alerts, and turn by turn directions.

Another great feature on the 76CSx is the 10,000 point automatic track log. This includes 20 saved tracks with 500 points to each. It allows you to retrace your route in both directions.

The barometric altimeter features automatic pressure trend recording, and will give you data on current elevation, maximum and minimum elevation, ascent and descent rates, averages and totals of ascents and descents. The on board electronic compass provides you with accurate headings while standing still.

The Garmin 76CSX also features a removable microSD card, this allows you to use it for detailed mapping memory. If you choose to use the optional MapSource software you can store it on the inclusive micro SD card. You could also opt to purchase pre-programmed SD cards from Garmin that include information such as topographic maps, nautical charts, and city streets. The unit already has a preloaded Americas autoroute basemap, this will give info on automatic routing capabilities, to include highways and exits. There is also a preloaded marine point database and tide data.

The lightweight and case is up to the task too, it is rugged and water resistant. It is up to the required IEC standards, and can therefore be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, so an accidental drop in a stream will not harm it. Another great feature that is well liked amongst mariners is that fact that this great piece of kit actually floats on the water! Even the SD card slot is situated within the waterproof battery compartment.

Other features of the Garmin 76CSX include a good battery life, up to 20 hours when using two AA Alkaline batteries. There are hunting and fishing timetables, and sun and moon info too. There are also audible alarms for anchor drag, off course, arrival, clock, and proximity waypoint.

So if you are looking for a Handheld GPS Navigation unit, and having read the Garmin76CSX review, you will more than likely compare this to others on the market and make the best choice for your circumstances.