Technology Update

What are the uses for GPS? There are many, both for individuals, corporations, and the government.

Military

The military uses GPS technology to guide missiles, track and control forces and facilities, and more. GPS has allowed command and control of forces to greatly advance their effectiveness. Using GPS, units can report their exact location to command central, and easily find directions to other locations.

Automotive

Many newer vehicle models come with a GPS feature, which can be used to get customized maps and directions from your current location, to a specified location. This feature can be very effective, but some users warn that you should remember that it is just a machine and often makes mistakes. For example, it may take you by the shortest route, but it may take you longer to get there due to low speed limits.

Marine

Just like automobiles, many boats and ships use GPS for navigation. GPS may be especially helpful during darkness, fog, or other low visibility conditions.

Emergency Location

Many cell phone have GPS capabilities in them, so that emergency personnel can use GPS locating technology to locate a person vie their cell phone. The Navy & Coast Guard also use GPS technology for location lost persons.

Outdoor sports

Hunters, wilderness explorers, and other outdoor sportsmen may use GPS for navigation purposes, and / or to help find their way when lost.

Surveying

Many surveyors use GPS units to survey and establish boundaries and other locations or markers.

GeoCaching

Geocaching is a game or sport invented in 2000, which uses GPS to locate and find caches, or small treasures. One person hides the cache, the posts the details, with co-ordinates, on a geocaching website. Geochachers then attempt to locate the cache. Once one locates the cache, he or she may sign the log, and / or trade a belonging for some of th treasure in the cache. This ensures that their is always treasure in the cache.

Great prices on GPS units at Outdoors And In Store.

I am an expert navigator with a map & compass but neither is as effective or as easy as the eTrex.

I highly recommend the Gramin eTrex as a basic navigational aide. It’s also a great starter for learning about GPS systems. It does everything it’s meant to and does it very well.

Garmin’s claims of one handed usage are for real, it is easy to navigate the interface with the solid buttons on the unit.”

The Garmin eTrex GPS has one of the longest battery lives on the market, another major influence to purchase, and because it is only powered by two AA batteries, the maintenance costs are minimal. I highly recommend the Garmin eTrex GPS to users of any skill looking for a quick, reliable and inexpensive GPS fix.

Nothing fancy about this unit — other than the remarkably easy to use interface. Its not possible to do better in this price range.

The Garmin eTrex GPS works well (superbly well) for the sea kayaker. It’s waterproof. You can pre-plot a destination if you know the coordinates. You simply utilize the “go to” feature and the eTrex points the way.

Like most modern hand-held units, the eTrex generates its own map of your movements as a visual tracklog or ‘breadcrumb trail’. For retracing your steps (’Trackback’ mode) you will see all the detail you will ever need.

NS Kennedy is a keen outdoor sportsman – particularly hunting and fishing – and loves to find out about new gadgets and gizmos that he can use. He started his Garmin GPS Navigation Reviews site http://www.garmin-gps-navigation.com to share his tips and findings with other sportsmen.

Here are 7 ways to save with GPS:

1. Have a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost!
Devices such as the Garmin Forerunner GPS provides a way to keep track of the time, speed, distance, and pace information for athletic activities. It also provides a way to measure the amount of calories burned based on a variety of customizable personal options and factors.

2. Save on Gas, brake wear, etc on your car as you drive more efficiently.

3. Find where you want to go faster: important business meetings, life events, but also to save your own time so you can use the balance to be with your loved ones.

4. Gain peace of mind knowing where your children are, whether your elderly parents have wandered off, or when and where your family pet has wandered off your premises.

5. Save money on your car insurance. Some auto insurance providers, in return for allowing them to implement GPS tracking devices on your car, can help you reduce your premiums.

6. Run a more efficient business with time tracking of employees and prevent lost company time and money.

7. And the most important reason is that GPS can help save your life from reckless driving, etc. Such as providing voice prompts when you are approaching your specific destination, warnings that you are going over the speed limit, advanced notice of potential accident blackspots, etc.

Two more bonus reasons on how GPS won’t make a significant dent in your wallet

1. Don’t have to worry about new models coming out every few months like the PC. 1 Decent model from Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance should last the typical user many years.

2. No monthly fees like internet, GPS Signals are free like radio waves. You just need a receiver. Advanced features such as tracking services are different (i.e. for your children, elderly, your valuable possessions, and your pets, and may cost a nominal monthly fee depending on the service provider and your needs whether commercial or private.

These are just some of the ways you can benefit it time/money savings as an individual. And just a few ways for you to get a good Return on Investment for your business.

Warnings/Caveats

Remember, that technology will NEVER subsitute basic common sense such as teaching your kids about personal safety, being a safe driver, etc. The best technology for all those starts within your own brain and senses. No matter what the big companies tell you, never let technology replace your own judgment but rather to complement and help refocus it.

Also just because GPS makes it simple to track your employees for instance, doesn’t mean there are no human barriers to overcome such as the trust factor. It’s important to explain to your employees in a manner that allows them to understand the business savings and benefits of incorporating such a tracking system, and is not designed to compromise their privacy and integrity. This applies to family members as well. If you think your family pet has issues with privacy then you may need to convince him/her if applicable.

Not a techno geek or have direct access to one? Visit Simon Wyryzowki’s regularly updated blog with quality information without the fluff or extensive sales pitches. Get up and running in no time with GPS tracking services for people including your children and elderly, etc.