GPS and Sat Nav systems are related, though they’re different, and are used together or interchangeably. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and informs about one’s location, while Sat Nav stands for Satellite Navigation, and uses a GPS to help in navigation.
GPS refers to a bunch of satellites circling around the earth, since several decades, after the United States Government had positioned them in orbit. A GPS receiver communicates with these satellites, and indicates its current position accurately. The data, represented by a collection of co-ordinates guides the user to the destination. This type of receiver may be fitted to security systems or mobiles, while today’s smartphones have built-in receivers.
Sat Nav is actually the software that utilizes the signal from the GPS system. It picks up the co-ordinates given by the GPS, and unites it with a detailed map. For any given destination, the software computes a route, and continuously updates the GPS signal. As a result, a satellite navigation system guides the user by giving one instruction after another, in a detailed manner.
Even certain digital cameras use the Global Positioning System to record the exact place of clicking a photograph. As these devices are gaining recognition and becoming more and more affordable, numerous products have flooded the market. Consumers have to think about vital elements, to discover the features that best suit them. Voice-based devices are particularly useful, as they verbalize driving instructions audibly. Price can be a big factor, ranging from a couple of dollars to a couple thousand dollars, depending upon the maker, as well as features of the gadget. A free map update of the system accompanies the purchase of the device from select manufacturers.
Both the systems are available in many formats, and it is possible to find devices for cars, trucks, cyclists, athletes and runners. The screen is an important factor that determines the usefulness of these gadgets, with regard to dimension, readability and clarity. While picking a GPS device it is essential to observe the ease with which the menu system can be manipulated, readability under different lightings, battery life, and audible navigation. Traffic routing, text-to-speech functionality and Bluetooth capability are other crucial features to be taken into consideration prior to buying the gadget.
The most common brands of GPS equipment and Sat Nav equipment include TomTom and Garmin. Both the companies offer a diverse choice of products. The Europe-based TomTom Company focuses on equipment for motor vehicles like cars and trucks. It also produces the required software for smartphones. The American-based Garmin Company concentrates on a myriad of products ranging from watches to aircrafts.
Travelers no more depend on stars or landmarks, as technology has advanced the modes of navigation from the traditional compass and paper maps, to today’s global positioning satellites. One has to literally consult these ultra-modern gadgets to find out the current position, as well as destination.
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