- A GPS device or GPS Tracker, which receives the location information and then delivers it to a software application.

- A data transmission system, which takes the information provided by the GPS Tracker, and delivers it to the software application.

- A Software Application, which presents to its users the data recollected by the GPS Tracker in several formats including maps and reports.

This article will present the main components of a GPS Tracking Solution, and will start expanding on the first component: GPS Trackers. It will take me this article and the next one to go in detail over GPS devices.

GPS Devices

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In this section I will define what a GPS Device, and how they work; after that I will present the types of GPS Trackers, including most of the features that these devices offer, and my opinion in regards to each type.

At its simplest definition, the GPS device, or better the GPS tracker, is the component in charge of receiving the information about the location of the vehicle, and providing this data to the GPS Tracking Application through the Data Transmission System (which will be explained in coming articles). GPS Trackers are usually small boxes (metal or plastic) that can be the size of a man's wallet, or a little bigger. All of them need at least one antenna (GPS antenna), and most of them need an additional antenna to enable the data transmission module. So this leads to a first classification of GPS Trackers:

-Full satellite trackers. This type of trackers will use satellites to receive and transmit data.

-Hybrid trackers. This type of trackers will use satellites to acquire location (we will see some variations here later in this article), and another method to transmit the data (a data modem, a data port to download the data, etc).

On the next article I will expand on these concepts.

So, the main task of a GPS Tracker is to provide information of the location of a vehicle or an asset, or a person. The location of the units is usually acquired from the GPS satellites, but there is another method based on triangulation with cell towers to calculate locations. Getting the location from satellites is the most accurate mechanism, providing a minimal margin of error most of the times (from 2 up to 50 feet). GPS location can be acquired anywhere in the world. The only down side for this location technology is that the GPS antenna has to have a view to the sky. For example, if the vehicle gets into a garage, most probably there will not be GPS locations available.

Getting the location based on a triangulation with the cell towers (those that are also used by our cell phones to transmit voice and data) has a bigger margin of error (up to a few hundred feet), making it a not very accurate location mechanism. This type of location also requires the presence of the named cell towers to work. The upside of this mechanism is that it will perfectly work within buildings, which is not the case for GPS satellite location. Some GPS Trackers are designed to work with both location mechanisms, creating a new concept called Assisted GPS (AGPS).

There are mainly three types of GPS Trackers: Passive Trackers, PING Trackers, and Live Trackers. Also, there are some GPS Trackers that have more features than other - not just a location of the vehicle.

In this article I have dissected a GPS Tracking solution into three main components: a GPS Tracker, a data transmission system, and a GPS Tracking application. I have also started exposing the details of GPS Trackers, specifically the two main ways to locate a vehicle. Finally, I introduced two more elements to consider in GPS Trackers: types of trackers and advanced features of a GPS device.

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First of all, what is GPS? GPS stands for "global positioning system." Global positioning systems come in many types for many applications, from hand held, to automobile, to boat and airplane. The basic idea behind every GPS navigation system is using a series of satellites to relay information to the GPS receiver and therefore make a very accurate estimation of the location of the receiver on the earth's system. GPS can typically give coordinates of your location accurate to one square meter.

There are a number of GPS navigation systems, which include the Go One GPS vehicle navigation system and the nextar GPS navigation system. The idea behind a vehicle navigation system is utilizing GPS technology as well as imbedded map programs to superimpose your location on a virtual map. This allow the GPS navigation system to not only tell you were you are, but even tell you exactly what turns to make to get you where you want to go! With an effective GPS navigation program, you are guaranteed to get where you are going in the fastest, and most direct way possible because your map program can calculate the exact distance between you and your desired destination and can compare every single route and tell you the shortest one!

GPS navigation systems, along with preventing you from getting lost out there on the highways, also prevents you from making the wrong turn when going places you may think you already know how to go to. When the GPS navigation system is on, the most direct route is always king.

So, if you have not put two and two together, the fact of the matter is that when you are consistently taking the shortest route possible to each and every one of your destinations, you are saving precious miles. With every mile you save, you are saving fuel. The more fuel you save, the more money you save! This is one of the major luxuries that come with owning your own GPS vehicle navigation system. You will not only never get lost, but you will always know the shortest route to your destination. With a GPS tracking system on your side doing the navigating, you are guaranteed to win with decreased fuel consumption.

If you are intrigued, it is time you looked into your very own car portable GPS navigation system today. Find out how the newest, hottest technologies on the market can help you save. With an effective auto GPS navigation program, you are guaranteed to get where you are going in the fastest, and most direct way possible, so get an auto navigation system, or a hand held navigation system in your hands today. This portable GPS device will take a backseat to no one. The amazing speech recognition and ease of use will steal the show. The Garmin nuvi 880 portable GPS navigation system should be on everyones list to purchase. So if you are considering a portable GPS device, the Garmin 880 with voice activation is the one. A simple gps navigation system will cost pennies compared to the fuel you will save. Save gas today.

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WAAS-Enabled GPS System

WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration to augment the Global Positioning System to improve its accuracy, integrity, and availability. WAAS was originally intended to enable aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, including the precision approach to airport's within its coverage area. The WAAS system typically provides better than 1.0 meters laterally and 1.5 meters vertically throughout most of the contiguous United States and large parts of Canada and Alaska. This accuracy is capable of provideing aircraft with the precision needed for safe approaches and inflight navigation for all weather conditions. Integrity of the WAAS information is no more than 3 seconds of bad data per year allowing the system to be considerd safe by the FAA for instrument flight rules.

Although orignally developed for aviation, WAAS is not just limited to the aviation industry, any GPS receiver that is capable of receiving the WAAS signal will be able to benefit from it's correction data, making the GPS positioning more accurate. In fact a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can even give you directions right down to the lane your car is traveling in (as long as the maping program supports "lane assist" directions). Because the Wide Area Augmentation System is quickly becoming standard in the GPS industry, most new GPS receivers today are WAAS-enabled. Just like with the conventinal GPS, the WAAS system doesn't come with any extra cost or fees to use. All that is required is that the GPS receiver be WAAS-enabled so it can receive and decode the data then be able to apply corrections to it's position. Currently the WAAS service is limited to the U.S.A., Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. Although independant from WAAS, Europe and Asia are working on their own supplemental GPS correction systems. Europe has the "Euro Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service" (EGNOS) and Japan is working on their "Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System" (MSAS) .

How The WAAS System Works

WAAS uses a network of approximately 25 ground based Wide-area Reference Stations (WRS) in North America and Hawaii, to measure small variations in GPS satellite signals in the western hemisphere. These precisely surveyed ground stations monitor and collect information on the GPS signals and send their data to the three Wide-area Master Stations (WMS). The WMS's generate two different sets of corrections: fast and slow. The fast corrections are for errors that are changing rapidly and are a primary concern to the GPS satellites instantaneous positions and clock errors. These corrections are user position independent, which means they can be applied instantly by any receiver in the WAAS broadcasting area. The slow corrections are for long-term ephemeric and clock error estimates and ionospheric delay information.

Once these corrections are generated, the Master Stations sends them to two pairs of Ground Uplink Stations (GUS) that transmit the correction messages to a series of geostationary satellites that broadcast their correction data back to earth. Then WAAS-enabled GPS receivers use this information to make corrections to the original GPS signial, giving WAAS-enabled GPS receiver a more accurate position. GPS receiver's use the information broadcast from each GPS satellite to determine their location and the current time. Depending on the GPS device, a GPS receiver only needs to receive a signal from 3-4 satellites (out of the 31 satellites currently transmiting a signal for civilan users) to be able to calculate it's position. In addition to the GPS signal, a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can also receive the geostationary WAAS satellite signal.

The two different types of correction messages from the WAAS system (fast and slow) are used by the GPS receiver in different ways. The fast type of correction data includes the corrected satellite position and clock data to determine its current location using normal GPS calculations. Once an approximate position fix is obtained the GPS receiver begins to use the slow corrections to improve its accuracy. Slow correction data Includes the ionospheric delay. When the GPS signal travels from the satellite to the receiver, it passes through the ionosphere. The receiver calculates the location where the signal pierced the ionosphere and, if it has received an ionospheric delay value for that location, it corrects for the error that the ionosphere created. Unlike the fast data, the slow data doesn't need to be updated frequently because the ionosphere conditions don't change rapidly. While the slow data can be updated every minute if necessary, they are only updated every two minutes and are considered valid for up to six minutes.

Limitations of the WAAS System

(1) The WAAS system is currently only available to United States and large parts of Canada and Alaska but there plans to expand the system to other countries and continents. (2) Because the WAAS broadcasting satellites are geostationary causes them to be less than 10° above the horizon for locations north of 71.4° latitude. This means aircraft in areas of Alaska or northern Canada may have difficulty maintaining a lock on the WAAS signal. (3) In order to calculate an ionospheric grid point's delay, that point must be located between a satellite and a reference station. The low number of satellites and ground stations limit the number of points which can be calculated. (4) Aircraft conducting WAAS approaches must possess certified GPS receivers.

Jeff Sanders
Garmin GPS Navigation Systems
www.GpsFrontier.com
04/05/09

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GPS Navigation Systems have come a long way

Gps systems have come a long way since they were first designed for the US millitary. The first signal from NAVSTAR 1 was received on Feb. 22, 1978. NAVSTAR 1 was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and was the first of 24 satellites that make up the Global Positioning System (GPS). The first generation of satellites that make up the Global Positioning Systems 24 satellites were launched between Feb. 22, 1978 and Oct. 9, 1985. Since it First became operational the Global Positioning Systems has revolutionized the way America goes to war and provides a GPS system in which the world relies on for precise navigation.

The Global Positioning System's constellation of orbiting satellites is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The unit is the host wing at Schriever Air Force Base, located in east Colorado Springs, Colorado. They are responsible for tracking and maintaining the command and control, warning, navigational, and communications satellites for Air Force Space Command as well as the Global Positioning System satellites. Full Operational Capability was declared by NAVSTAR in April 1995 (NAVSTAR is an acronym for NAVigation Satellite Timing and Ranging, and is the official U.S. Government name given to the GPS satellite system).

The US government granted the Global Positioning System available for civilian use in the late 1980s and with no subscription fees or setup charges to use the GPS system the civilian GPS market exploded, especially in the last decade. A new generation of sophisticated GPS satellites are replacing the older satellites and there are now 34 GPS satellites in orbit that provide combat capability for military applications and aircraft navigation aids. Civilian applications include ATM's, bank and stock market transactions as well as power grid management. Currently 31 of the 34 GPS satellites in orbit transmit navigation and timing signals to civilian and military users around the world.

Gps for civilian use

The civilian GPS system wasn't always as it is today and the US military is still keeping the most accurate Global Positioning Systems available classified for national security. But GPS upgrades for two new civilian signals to enhanced user accuracy and reliability, particularly with respect to aviation safety were planned in 1998. Then on May 2, 2000 "Selective Availability" was discontinued as a result of the 1996 executive order, allowing users to receive a non-degraded GPS signal globally, and in 2004 QUALCOMM announced the successful tests of assisted GPS for mobile phones that led the way for the GPS aided cell phones that are widely used today.

In 2005, the first third generation GPS satellite was launched and began transmitting a second civilian signal for enhanced user performance. Then in September of 2007 the Air Force completed a four-phase transition of the Global Positioning Systems ground segment to it's new Architecture Evolution Plan. The ground segment's provide command and control of the satellites and generates the navigation message for satellites to broadcast to the users GPS device to calculate their earth's position. The new Gps satellites include new high-powered, anti-jam military-code, along with other accuracy, reliability, and data integrity improvements for both civil and military users. This modernized version of the world’s greatest free utility was designed to ensure the US has the most precise and secure positioning, navigation and timing capability through 2030.

Europe and Russia develop their own GPS

In 2004 the United States signed an agreement with the European Community establishing cooperation with Europe's planned Galileo system. Galileo is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that is currently being built by the European Union and is separate from but complimentary to the United States Global Positioning System. The European Union's Galileo system should be operational by 2013. The European Community's political aim is to provide an independent GPS system that the European nations can rely on in times of war or political disagreement, because both Russia or the USA could disable use of their national systems by others (through encryption).

The Russian GPS system GLONASS is a radio-based satellite navigation system that was developed by the former Soviet Union and now operated for the Russian government by the Russian Space Forces. Like the European GPS system the Russian GPS system also functions separate from but is complimentary to the United States Global Positioning System. Russia began launching satellites for their GPS system into space on October 12, 1982 and was completed in 1995. The system rapidly fell into disrepair fallowing the collapse of the Russian economy but in 2001 the Russian government began restoring the system with hopes of restoring global coverage by the end of 2009.

GPS Systems today

Depending on the GPS unit a GPS receiver only needs a signal from 3-4 satellites to calculate the units position and will work in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or set up fees like with a cell phone to operate GPS receivers and although some GPS receivers have extra features like real time traffic updates that will have a monthly charge, some GPS receivers like Garmins Nuvi "T" series come with free live traffic for the life of the unit. Today's GPS is extremely accurate thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are very quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain a strong lock even in dense foliage or city's with tall buildings because they continuously track signals from up to 12 satellites at any given time. Even if a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver loses signals from 8 satellites at once it will still function properly.

WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration to augment the Global Positioning System to improve its accuracy, integrity, and availability. WAAS was originally intended to enable aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, including the precision approach to airport's within its coverage area. All though originally intended for aviation most GPS receivers today are WAAS-enabled including automotive, boating chartplotters and hand-held units. WAAS uses a network of ground based reference stations, in North America and Hawaii, to measure small variations in the GPS satellites' signals. Measurements from these reference stations are routed to master stations and then they send correction messages to geostationary WAAS satellites. Those satellites then broadcast the correction messages back to Earth, where WAAS-enabled GPS receivers use the correction data while computing their positions to improve accuracy. WAAS enabled GPS receivers are accurate to within 3 meters and that make them the most accurate GPS receivers for civilian use on the market today. In fact a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can even give you directions right down to the lane your car is traveling in (as long as the mapping program supports "lane assist" directions) and With no additional equipment or fees required to take advantage of WAAS-enabled GPS receivers they are becoming as common as cell phone's.

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Choosing to have a GPS vehicle tracking system installed in one's car will save one from the hassle of being lost and asking for directions. To be guided in selecting the right GPS vehicle tracking system, here are some tips to keep in mind.

The first thing you should know is what exactly you're looking for. Are you simply in need of some extra guidance on the road or do you want a device that will also point out great restaurants and hotels on a long drive you are planning. For the former, you would want to look into a GPS comparison of basic models to make your decision.For the latter, you would want to look at a GPS comparison of high end models.

There are online sites that list various free GPS software and describe how to use the programs after you download them. Often individuals who have used the programs themselves develop the sites. These are great because they give you an unbiased interpretation of the benefits and disadvantages of the programs before you use them.

At the higher end of the price range, you can get a GPS device that is completely voice commanded, has real time traffic information, calculates routes that are nearly always reliable, and plenty of other features.

Multi-Functions Every client or buyer's first priority in purchasing an item is its functionality. In choosing an automotive GPS system, it would be better to have a GPS that has multiple functionalities. Quite a number of automotive GPS systems provide directions by an address back, an address typed in, a location selected on a map, or even by the nearest intersection.

Using a GPS comparison chart should make things much easier since all the information immediately available and you don't need to go through multiple sources of information in order to get a complete picture of how the models match up.

The last, but definitely not the least, factor I will mention in this article is reviews. Reviews, especially user reviews, are one of the most important factors when comparing devices. A device may be listed at a great price with amazing features but it might break down half the time and this will be reflected in poor reviews.

Price When one has decided on the kind of GPS system and the features it has, one's budget should also be considered. The differences in pricing usually depend on the number of features the system provides, however there are less expensive models that have enough features for most users. Prices for GPS units range from under $100 for the Garmin Nuvi 200 through Home Depot to nearly $400 for the Magellan Maestro 5310.

Want to find out more about Cheap Gps Systems, then visit Severica Vintila's site on how to choose the best Gps Navigation Systems for your needs.

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GPS works in any weather conditions, in almost any location, and at any time. Since GPS depends on signal reception, it does not work inside caves, tunnels, buildings or under water. Using it does not require a subscription fee or setup charge-it's available free to anyone who wants to use it.

Applications

Many automobiles now have built-in GPS. Some auto GPS units by Garmin and other manufacturers contact emergency assistance, while other systems also provide location and direction information. GPS use for consumer applications continues to increase. As the efficiency and accuracy of GPS have increased, the cost of surveying and the setup time have decreased. GPS is heavily used by forest rangers and farmers. The precise locational information is very useful to biologists, geologists, surveyors and other scientists. Commercial fishermen, and professional mariners use GPS.

Drivers and dispatchers use it to improve customer service and fleet tracking. GPS is an essential component of emergency response, disaster relief and public safety. In the air, GPS improves pilot communication, navigation, and hazard avoidance. Even space exploration has been revolutionized by GPS.

Recreational uses of GPS navigation systems continue to expand. The technology is used by hikers, snowmobile drivers, boaters and hunters. In fact, anyone who wants to keep track of where he or she is or figure out how to get from one place to another will find a GPS useful. Without GPS the worldwide activity of geocaching would not be possible. Even golf has not been left unaffected by GPS as it tells golfers how hard they have to swing for reaching the holes.

Equipment

Sophistication ranges from entry-level devices appropriate for recreational use, to cutting edge technology for high Earth orbit missions. Enhanced technology is making GPS more available within heavy foliage environments. Another popularity boost for GPS is its integration into cell phones, which has enhanced emergency response.

The newest auto GPS units are both more sophisticated and more user friendly than earlier systems. Manufacturer support and guarantees cover all the issues that can possibly go wrong.

Many guidance systems are built for specific applications. Consumer reviews are an excellent way to simplify the buying process since the choice is so vast. For this growing technology that is fast becoming part of every day life, many technical websites are dedicated to educate the public.

Michael D. Torc has written numerous articles on auto GPS units. For top of the line automotive GPS, visit his website: http://www.auto-gps-units.com. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.

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The 21st century has come along with a lot of new things that has helped to change our way of living. In the past years it was a very difficult thing for a person to go to a strange land or environment and find his way out easily. It was almost like an impossible thing for it was so certain that the person could get missing. The Invention of the handheld GPS by scientist has greatly turned the table around and today anybody can trace his way out any where and at any time with the help of this device.Formally, this type of technology was reserved only for military use. This was done with the help of the Satellite Navigation system developed in the 1960s.

The question many people may ask today is what is a handheld GPS.It is simply a small device which looks like a wrist watch or a radio, equipped with the Global Positioning System (Technology).This device has diverse uses depending on the individual. Some one may decide to use it for sports like fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and so many other recreational activities. Another person may need a more complex one which has some advanced functions like camouflage or Compass.The good thing about these devices is that they are made to be very portable and compatible equipped with modern functions like 2000 weight point storage, 10 to 50 retraceable paths and graphics for all locations.

Despite the fact that one can get a handheld GPS receiver at a cheap amount of $100 that can help you get home easily,there are other obtainable types like: Map database,Voice activated GPS,WAAS technology,Reflection-less screen,Theft prevention functions,an option for personalized screen icons,MP3 capability.

There are various advantages of having a Handheld GPS Receiver .

If you are lost in a place you can do two things, either ask somebody the way or try to call some one to pick you up. However, if you are at a foreign place where no one speaks your language, then this device can tell you where you are and also give you the directions to your destination.

The handheld GPS will help you trace out the shortest route you can take to get to a place in case you are late for and appointment.

Lets assume that you have shifted to a new place and have an emergency where you need to go to a doctor. How do you do that? Where do you find a doctor? With the handheld GPS receiver, you can locate a doctor or even a gas pump if you need. You do not have to ask anyone.

This device just has the greatest advantage of being portable. In case you lost your way around you will easily locate yourself and find your way back home.

When moving along with your family, it is always good to know the emergency points along your route. Having a handheld GPS will save you the time of opening to your pocket map and flipping from page to page.

Hence with a handheld GPS receiver, you will always be safe wherever you go!

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