We’ve all been there. We are driving in an unfamiliar city and get lost. Well thanks to new technology this never has to happen to you again. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of what GPS devices are and how you can choose the right one for you. 

History of GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was first developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1973. GPS is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites. The original purpose of the GPS was to reduce the number of navigation aids used by the military but in 1980 the government made the system available for civilians.

How GPS Devices Work

GPS devices can work anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day and in any weather condition. You can use a GPS device to identify your position, velocity, and time 24 hours a day. By locking into three satellites, a GPS device can tell you your latitude and longitude. With a fourth satellite in view, a GPS device can calculate latitude, longitude, and altitude. One thing many users like is that there are no setup charges or subscription fees. 

 
Who uses GPS Devices

Originally GPS devices were used by pilots and for car navigation, but these days you can find these devices almost anywhere. Probably the most popular use for GPS Devices is still car navigation. A GPS device equipped with mapping software can help you with directions and suggest the best route for you to take. Some people use GPS devices for work including archeologists, boat captains, firefighters, geologists, military personnel, pilots, rescue crews and surveyors while others use their GPS devices for play and take their devices biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain climbing and skiing.

Choosing Your GPS

The first question to ask to help narrow down which GPS is right for you, is how you plan to use the device. There are basically three categories of GPS. Automotive GPS devices are built specifically for cars and include either built-in maps or the ability to download maps.  Recreation GPS devices are great for most types of recreation. You can buy handheld devices to fit in your pocket or backpack and now you can even buy ones you can wear on your wrist. Then there are the marine GPS devices which are designed for us on boats. These usually include maps, chart-plotting functions and can even predict tides or locate fish.

The second question to ask is what features are most important to you for your GPS. There are many different features and options on GPS devices which include:

· Screen: GPS devices come in a variety of screen sizes and even can come in color.  Screen sizes range from 1.7” to 6.0” with the larger screens costing more. Also while the color screens are nice, they do use more power.
· Accuracy: Most GPS devices will pinpoint your location within 15 meters (about 49.21 feet). If you need greater accuracy than this, you will want to look for a Differential GPS (DGPS) which can calculate your location within 1 to 3 meters.
· Maps: Most GPS devices include built-in software such as U.S. street maps but you can purchase additional maps.
· Weather resistance: If you plan to use your GPS outdoors, you will want to look for a device that is weather-resistant and designed for the outdoors.

GPS Device Accessories

The third question to ask yourself is how you want to accessorize your GPS device. There are hundreds of accessories available, but here are some of our favorites:
· GPS chargers and cables
· Car adapters
· GPS software
· GPS holders
· Bluetooth (learn more about Bluetooth by reading “What is Bluetooth Technology and Why Do I Need it?”)
· Memory cards

Most Popular GPS Brands

The most well-known GPS brands include Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, TomTom and Cobra. Newcomers to this market include Audiovox, Sony and Novogo. Garmin and Magellan offer the widest range of recreational GPS units for the beginner to the expert with feature-rich functionality.  Garmin is currently the leader in the recreational and automotive GPS market.

The Bottom Line

GPS sales projections for 2006 are looking to be three times what they were in 2005. Watch for GPS technology to be built into more phones and computers and for more industries to start adopting GPS devices. By understanding the different models that are available and answering some key questions before you shop, you can determine which GPS is right for you.