Anyone who has used a great GPS system, including a great motorcycle GPS system, will know how user friendly and useful a good GPS can be. With modern GPS technology coming of age and modern digital mapping technology improving, a great motorcycle GPS can turn a ride into a pleasure.
What is GPS? For those who don’t know, GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a navigation and positioning technology pioneered by the US army, that has been taken to it’s ultimate and turned into a complete user friendly modern navigation solution. Whilst in the past GPS was really just the province of the military, the technology is now so good, and so cheap, that anyone needing the ultimate in navigation can afford it.
That includes motorcyclists, modern motorcycle GPS has also come of age.
Basically GPS works by cross referencing the signals from a number of satellites above the head of the user and using those references to plot the user’s position on the globe. It will only work where there are available satellites, so if you can’t pick up the signals your GPS won’t work.
Modern GPS is accurate, depending on the number of satellites available, to wit read this entry »
Jeff Sanders
Garmin GPS Navigation Systems
http://www.GpsFrontier.com
04/05/09
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 read this entry »
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed/direction, and time.
Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Contrary to popular belief, NAVSTAR is not an acronym, but simply a name given by Mr. John Walsh, a key decision maker when it came to the budget for the GPS program[1]). The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year,[2] including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite these costs, GPS is free for civilian use as a pub read this entry »
People often question how much GPS functionality can be jam-packed into a wristwatch form factor. Some even question if they would be able to use the positioning figures to get information to their desired location.
The Global Positioning System or GPS is currently the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System. Utilizing a group of at least 24 medium Earth course satellites that sends out precise radio signals, the method enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, and direction. GPS is free for casual use for the good of the public, and these days one can find GPS incorporated in watches, cars, digital maps, etc.
People frequently wonder how much GPS practicality can be crammed into a wristwatch. Will it be possible to download maps and watch the progress?
GPS technology is a wonderful feat of human advancement, which is readily available in your loca read this entry »