Friday, May 20, 2011

How to choose a Toyota Navigation DVD

As we all know, TOYOTA Navigation DVD are famous for their good quality and thoughtful aftermarket service. When you plan to get one, you can be sure that you will get value for your money. There are many online and off line shops that offers stock Toyota DVD navigation. You can pick any models and any designs whatever you like.

Usually, Toyota navigation DVD is made up of several components, which includes amplifiers, head units, changers, equalizers, speakers, satellites radios, GPS navigation and Bluetooth receiver. For the speakers, they come in several sub categories which are car speakers, subwoofers, tweeters, component speakers and subwoofer enclosures. There are CD changers and add on changers. The head units include CD players, cassettes players, in dash video, DVD players and Mp3 CD players. Amplifiers can be single channel or multi channels.

Mostly, car audio systems are characterized straight into the source, the sound, the bass and the power. When you’re going about purchasing, you will most probably be seeking for only one of these systems or two. It is very significant to make sure that your car system is compatible with the car navigation. Otherwise, you will waste your money and get some no-use product. Keep in mind the features you want in your Toyota car audio system. There may be features that do not please you and there are features that you will find very pleasing. Since there is so much variety to choose from, do not settle for less.

Make sure the store attendants give you correct and precise information about the systems. They should do this in a courteous and friendly way. If you find that some staffs do not have product details, you are better of shopping somewhere else. This is because you are dealing with very sensitive products that will define your car entertainment.

Every time you enter your car, you want to listen to something that makes you happy and if the system is compromised, without question, you are likely to be not happy. Knowing the type will help you purchase from the stores well. It must be registered and authorized stores to market TOYOTA DVD Navigation. If many folks are entering and leaving good comments to some stores, then it means that most of them are pleased the service and it is a reliable supplier.

Prices are regularly a substantial aspect to consider while purchasing Toyota navigation DVD. Don’t go for the low price ones without being sure of the quality. Many stores specialize in promoting less expensive but in top-quality Toyota 7 Inch DVD Player. While some store are spams. You need to tell the difference between those. Toyota navigation systems usually are inexpensive and affordable.

By comparing the discount deal from various shopping websites, you will be able to get the best deal. What you need to do next is get some useful information on how to install. It might take you some time, but it will be worth it because you will save money and get a desirable sound courtesy.



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Car GPS Navigation

Car GPS Navigation relishes a sudden growth and has shifted a lengthy way from the plain function. A Car GPS Navigation frequently blended with GPS operate, DVD disc loader, and sensitive television and radio receivers, audio and movie production and so on.

When your send for a lengthy outing with your guys or family, television and Radio can produce the outing touch faster. For television operate, you can add DVB-T operate to your car DVD unit whether your rural advocates digital TV. As for radio, RDS would be ideal whether you exist in Europe. Another breakthrough of Car GPS Navigation is that you can relish your favorite cinema and MTV right in your car.

If the media system in your car is motionless the one can merely play cassette, thereafter you are actually out of date. In attachment, you can join car rear scene camera or parking sensor with the Navigation. It shall produce it easy to parkland or rear your car.

As a interior car entertainment system, great screen is significant feature; a 1 DIN Car DVD Player will be your good choice. Just like a lot original car DVD players in the high-end cars, host and exhibit of Large-screen breed are together. It played on the car more inside landscaping impression, and the visual impression is excellent as well. Besides, as shortly as you exert GPS operate, the DVD also gives you same affect as the portable 2 DIN Car DVD Player.

There are so a lot advantages to purchase a seven inch Car GPS Navigation. It can entertain citizens on the street outing or lengthy powering, and they won’t be bored any more. It is too hard to ignore the useful operates, because it facilitates a lot as shortly as citizens need.


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Best TomTom GO 700 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator


The new generation of TomTom GO 700 makes life even easier with a satellite navigation system and Bluetooth hands-free car kit in one. You save the cost of a hands-free car kit when you buy a GO, and if you change cars no problem – just take your GO with you! Tap the GO screen to accept or make a call via your Bluetooth mobile phone* and talk through the GO while you drive. The GO routes calls automatically through the powerful built-in speaker and microphone, while the screen continues to show you where to go. It makes every trip safer, more efficient and more enjoyable. The TomTom GO 700 gives you door-to-door spoken and on-screen instructions anywhere from Miami to Vancouver or L.A. to Montreal. The TomTom GO 700 doesn’t just help you find your way; it helps you safely keep in touch while you’re on the go. The built-in Bluetooth hands-free car functionality links compatible mobile phones to your GO. Simply tap the GO screen to accept or make a call and talk through t

Bluetooth-enabled GPS navigator with built-in 2.5 GB hard drive and hands-free car kitRoutes cell phone calls through powerful built-in speaker and microphone for hands-free phone accessDelivers spoken instructions in 32 languages; offers 3D graphics on 3.5-inch TFT anti-glare screenChoice of quickest, shortest, or toll-free routes; portable design moves easily from car to carRechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for 5 hours; 4.5 by 3.6 by 2.3 inches (W x H x D)
List Price: $ 699.99
Price:

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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Headed To Vegas Next Week? If You Like Your Planes To Be GPS-Enabled

Probably no big deal, but if you’re a nervous flyer, please note that Phil Falcone’s LightSquared will be running some tests that might interfere with the technology on aircrafts flying near Vegas.

The Federal Aviation Administration is warning that navigation systems based on GPS technology may be “unreliable or unavailable” in about a 350 mile-radius that includes Las Vegas. LightSquared — a Reston, Va., company that plans to deploy an ultra-fast nationwide wireless broadband network of 40,000 transmitters and cell towers — is field testing its equipment in Nevada southeast of Las Vegas.

The tests are part of a deal LightSquared worked out with the Federal Communications Commission. The company has rights to frequencies located very close in the electromagnetic spectrum to those used for GPS. But the company’s signals will be stronger than GPS signals, raising concern that they’ll jam GPS in the vicinity of LightSquared transmitters…

Dick Knapinski, a spokesman for the Experimental Aircraft Association, which represents 175,000 recreational pilots, said most pilots will see the FAA notice and plan to use something other than GPS to navigate. “It’s like if you are in your car or truck and you’ve been relying on GPS to get someplace, but you might want to make sure you still have a map in your car and get it out,” Knapinski said.

For anyone uncomfortable enough with this “get out a map” plan to pay for a last minute change, as an offer of gratitude, Falcone would like to invite you for an evening of cocktails and show tunes with Manhattan’s most popular singing pig.



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Garmin Montana: Hands-on With the New, Ruggedized, Multi-purpose Device

Garmin Montana GPSGarmin Montana GPS announced... I've had frequent requests, or rather, pleas from readers over the years looking for a true multi-purpose GPS navigation device. One that could seamlessly switch between a car, off-road vehicle, a boat, or a backpacking trip, and do all of these tasks well - without compromise.

Car GPS devices have typically been as water-vulnerable as a cell phone, and rugged handheld GPS devices have been far from ideal for in-vehicle use. Garmin has finally created the dream crossover device in the new Montana series.

The Garmin Montana GPS is an "advanced Garmin handheld featuring a ruggedized design with multiple mounting and battery options, dual-orientation screen layout options and support for a wide range of Garmin cartography," states Garmin. Highlights include the option of using the unit's built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or three AA batteries; a built-in 5-megapixel camera, additional memory and map-loading with a microSD card, 3.5mm audio jack, and a waterproof rating.

The idea behind the Montana is to be a device that can get you to your destination like a regular dedicated car GPS using Garmin's tried and true City Navigator spoken turn-by-turn directions, then unclipping the device and taking it with you on the next leg of your trip, whether by boat, ATV, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and more. If you need local topographic maps or lake or ocean charts, these may be purchased form Garmin and downloaded or plugged in as a microSD card.

I was fortunate to be among the few to get hands-on time with the Montana 650, and it does have a rugged and substantial feel, and a large, 4-inch touchscreen. The dual-battery-type setup is easy to use, with the AAs under an easily removed, water-tight cover. The unit readily flips between landscape and portrait screen modes, helping make it a true multi-purpose device. Only downside is that it is a bit heavy compared to other handhelds, a factor for hikers and cyclists.

Overall, this is an impressive new entry into an adventurous outdoor market segment that's been hankering for just this device. Backcountry and boating trips are usually bracketed by road trips, and the Montana, with its powered mount options, is the way to go. The Garmin Montana will come in three models beginning June 8: the 600 ($549 with basemap only), 650 ($629 with basemap and built-in 5-megapixel camera), and the 650t ($699 with 100K topo maps and 5-megapixel camera). Image ? Garmin


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IMS highlights automotive navigation trends

A newly published IMS Research report, 'The Future of In-Car Navigation,' has highlighted two key trends in the OE automotive navigation head unit market over the next eight years. First is the move toward offering embedded navigation solutions in mass market cars for under $1,425; the report assesses how this trend will develop by region as the market matures. Second, it assesses the newly emerging market for connected navigation head units.

Until last year in Europe, factory-fitted navigation head units had primarily been a feature found in luxury vehicles, or chosen in mass-market vehicles as an expensive option. There has, understandably, been a huge demand for the much lower cost option of a portable navigation device (PND).

Jack Bergquist, an analyst at IMS Research states, "With an estimated 12.8 million new PNDs sold in 2010 in Western Europe, it is clear that there is huge potential demand from motorists for a low cost solution for in-vehicle navigation." Bergquist goes on to say, "However, until mid-2009 there wasn't an embedded system widely available on the market to fill the void between $2852 factory-fitted units and PNDs that were readily available for under $214."

The report highlights that possibly the most notable current event, in terms of unit sales of factory-fitted navigation, is an offer from Renault of an embedded navigation unit from the PND leader TomTom. This is the first mass produced, 'low cost' embedded navigation head-unit to achieve wide uptake in Europe, with an estimated 500,000 units sold in 2010.

Although TomTom offered one of the first low-cost navigation head units in Europe, most vehicle manufacturers have since released, or are in the process of releasing, cars in their range with a sub €1000 embedded navigation head-unit option. Examples available at the time of writing include the RNS 315 navigation head unit from Technisat and Volkswagen, and the Touch and Connect head unit from Bosch and Vauxhall/Opel.

The second key trend identified in the report is that of connected navigation head units. On this basis IMS Research estimates that in 2010 2.3 million OE connected navigation head units were sold globally and that by 2018 these head units will account for 56 percent of global navigation head unit sales.

Connected navigation head units, such as BMW's ConnectedDrive or Audi's MMI, offer services such as Google search, live POI search, and detailed traffic information. With the release of TomTom LIVE in Renault vehicles and the eCall initiative gaining traction in Europe, it is expected that many new services will start to become available in both luxury and mass market vehicles.

The key to driving this uptake in Western Europe is likely to be price. Previous attempts to offer connected services in the region had limited success. The industry is very sensitive to this issue and all companies involved in this field are working on an array of business models to find a solution to the European attitude toward paying for these services.

The information in this press release is taken from the report 'The Future of In-Car Navigation 2011'. This report provides a detailed view of the entire automotive navigation market covering fixed navigation head units, PNDs and GPS enabled cellphones.


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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Car GPS Navigation System is one of the most fashionable car media

Car GPS Navigation, 7 Inch Car GPS, 7 inch car DVDToday, Car GPS Navigation System is one of the most fashionable car media systems. And large-screen Car GPS Navigation gives buyers much better visual effect. So if you want to make your car as a combination of people, car and nature, the 7 inch car DVD player will be your good choice.

As a central car entertainment system, the 7 inch screen Car GPS Navigation has fantastic functions. Touch Screen, DVD disc loader, sensitive TV and radio receivers, audio and video output. Besides, the Car GPS Navigation has same GPS function with portable 7 Inch Car GPS.

As a central car entertainment system, large screen is important feature. So 7 inch car DVD will be your good choice. Just like many original car DVD players in the high-end cars, host and display of Large-screen type are together. It played on the car more interior landscaping effect, and the visual effect is very good as well. Besides, when you use GPS function, the DVD also gives you same affect as the portable 7 Inch Car GPS.

When your drive for a long trip with your friends or family, TV and Radio can make the trip feel faster. For TV function, you can add DVB-T function to your car DVD unit if your country supports digital TV. As for radio, RDS would be perfect if you live in Europe. Another innovation of 7 inch screen Car GPS Navigation is that you can enjoy your favorite movies and MTV right in your car. If the media system in your car is still the one can only play cassette, then you are really out of date. In addition, you can connect car rear view camera or parking sensor with the Car GPS Navigation. It will make it easy to park or back your car.


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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Car Gps Navigation Systems- A Buyers Guide | Car Gps Portable

In 1973 the U.S. Department of Defence launched the Navstar GPS network. This consisted of 24 satellites orbiting the earth every 12 hours and five ground stations. This positioning system was made available for public use. With this capability, consumer location devices were produced to accurately determine location and other data such as current and average speed, directional heading, and elevation. These GPS devices need an unobstructed view of at least four satellites to provide a reliable 3D fix. The GPS receiver overlays this location data onto map files stored on the unit, to give a current position on the map as well previous track. The receiver constantly recalculates position, giving real time position.

A typical GPS device contains:* 12-channel receiver - the quality of the receiver determines how long it takes the device to acquire a 3D fix.* Antenna to capture satellite signals - positioned to get a clear view of the sky.* CPU to process the data and overlay on maps* DVD Hard-drive - where maps on DVD's or available online are uploaded and stored. Some cheaper units do not upload the maps, but reference them off the DVD or CD.* Display Screen - mostly color with handheld units using black and white* Voice Interface - more advanced unitsHow The GPS Device Gets A FixThe first time you start your GPS device, its data store is blank so needs a to collect satellite information to determine your position.

This is known as a cold start. Some units only take 30 to 45 seconds to acquire a 3D fix during a cold start, while others can take several minutes. Subsequent position updates only take 3 to 4 seconds. If you go out of range from losing line of sight, such as passing behind a large building or through a tunnel, a good receiver will instantly recover, whereas weaker units will require more time to reacquire a 3D fix. How Different GPS Navigation Units DifferLocation of Antenna - A factory installed in-dash unit antenna is integrated into the dashboard where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. Many portable models have a suction-cup-mounting device to position the device on the windshield.

Add-on antennas are also available. Regardless of the type of unit and antenna, the important thing is to keep the antenna visible to the greatest area of sky possible. Choose a unit where this can be done AT THE SAME TIME as being able to maintain a clear view of the screen.Screens and Display - important to check how bright these are, and if they are clearly visible from the mounted position in bright day light. Onboard navigation systems are generally color screens, and portable units are black and white to save power. Larger screens and integrate better with other vehicle electronics. Input Buttons - most enroute buttons are on the display screen. Ensure these are easy to use when driving; that is they are big enough and colored sufficently to see without causing a driving hazard.

Map Media - Earlier models were CD-based, requiring multiple discs to cover the entire United States. Newer in-dash systems are DVD-based; only 1-2 DVD's required for an entire country of maps. Cost - In-dash systems are usually more expensive than portable counterparts. Aftermarket in-dash models usually require professional installation and can be just as expensive as the factory models. Upgrading - always check how easy it is to upgrade the firmware and maps on your GPS unit. Some units detach a portion to be connected to the computer via USB, whereas others are done using a DVD. Those units which can be upgraded online, are much more convenient.Added Features of GPS UnitsApart from giving you a current position, a number of GPS navigation devices can give you:* A track of where you have been - the number of tracks and waypoints stored varies from unit to unit.

You may also want to save on part of a track for future use. * A path from your current position to your destination* Maintain commonly used navigation paths for reuse.* Points of Interest - user sets the types of points of interest, such as tourist, bank ATM, petrol stations, historical, accommodation, restaurants etc.* Real time traffic reporting to avoid traffic delays. This can also include road works.* Voice recognition to receive destination instructions, and voice guidance to give driving instructions* Weather updates* Street name navigation - instead of just turn left 200m it was say 'Turn left into Stanley St'* Integrated Multimedia players - MP3 players, image viewers, and audio books.

Onboard or Portable GPS NavigationThe downside of onboard GPS Navigation units are susceptible to theft; and you cannot take them with you to use in other vehicles or when travelling abroad. Portable units, such as the Garmin StreetPilot 2720, can be used in multiple cars; being easily moved from car to car. Depending upon the power supply and portability, portable and handheld units can be taken when travelling or used on cycles, boats, private aircraft etc.


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Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS Review – What You Must Know Before Buying

Garmin Nuvi 1300

Well, truth be told, the Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS navigation device is not water proof and so not marine friendly. Interestingly that may well be all the bad new you hear about the Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS navigational devices. You will really love the Garmin Nuvi 1300

In this Garmin Nuvi 1300 article, you will find information that primarily reflects the thinking of several people who have obtained a Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS device. This Nuvi 1300 review will basically provide summary information of the foremost features of this Garmin GPS brand.

I assume you can name a number of GPS devices. Perhaps you have used these before. Can you say that you enormously love you GPS device? If not, then you need to get the Garmin Nuvi 1300 navigational devices which the best GPS device for less. Let me tell you all about it

The advance functions of the Garmin Nuvi 1300 makes it a pleasure to tour a new city. Get along town with a Garmin Nuvi 1300 is a breeze. In fact the Garmin Nuvi 1300's CityXplorer preference can make you navigate a new city’s public transit system quite a lot of times better than your own city. The CityXplorer feature helps you know on which part of the road to walk or drive in a city, where to catch the train, the bus and other transport services the minute you arrive. what is more? I find the Garmin Nuvi 1300 to have a wide screen but is portable enough to take along in your pocket or purse

It is interesting to note that the Garmin Nuvi 1300 is not just about navigation. It is also about economy. The Green EcoRoute feature of this Nuvi calculates the most fuel efficient route to your destination helping you save on both time and money as well as being a good environmental citizen. Additionallly It comes equiped with most of the tools we need on our travels. There is a picture viewer, currency converter, measurments converter and a calculater

One of the principal attributes of the Garmin Nuvi 1300 that is commonly talked about is the fact that the Nuvi 1300 has a wide screen (4.3 inch diagonal) display making it easy to view lots of information which is principally useful for seeing all the routes to either side of the current road

The Garmin Nuvi 1300 is convenient but with a wide screen for easy perception. In fact, with its colored 4.3? (10.92 cm) display screen it is a cool device to purchase. With it in your hand or mounted on your car, you get map details, driving direction, walking directions and places of note clearly displayed for easy viewing by you

In terms of weight, the Nuvi 1300 series GPS navigation units are also on the average 0.4 ounces lighter than the earlier models. Further, all of the units in this Garmin Nuvi 1300 series speak street names as well as vocally directing you where and how far your next turn may be

Take out the Garmin Nuvi 1300 from its package and you are literally ready to use it when you turn it on. That easy!. The the Nuvi 1300 comes with a number of maps already loaded onto it in including European, Canadian, Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, and North American maps, as well as City Navigator?. The Garmin Nuvi 1300 can be positioned on the dashboard or windshield depending upon preference, and a disc and windshield mount are included with the system’s initial packaging

So what is my take on buying the Garmin Nuvi 1300? After having used it and other Garmins, I think if you like a device that you can rely on to take you whereever it is that you want to go by giving the most excellent GPS information and exclusive of gratuitous features, then go get the Garmin Nuvi 1300

There is an inclusive Garmin Nuvi 1300 Review at a main Garmin Nuvi 1300 site. click on either of the hyperlinks to read the site


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Monday, May 9, 2011

Car Navigation DVD

There are times when a Car Navigation DVD is inadequate to provide mobile entertainment. Probably for us adults, the aural experience is enough to keep us preoccupied during those long trips. But this is not the case with most of our young ones. They are just too restless, and single sensory diversion is simply not enough. In cases like these, in-car movies may be in order, and this will necessitate investing in a Car Navigation DVD dual screen.

Car Navigation DVD with GPS function is considered as one of the best innovations up to now as they provide its users with a great of services. It is well known that time is money and it should not be wasted when people are in cars. Getting stuck in traffic, long commute from the suburbs, even getting lost occasionally are all wasting time? Car DVD player GPS navigation helps you get to your destination on time. Multimedia features let you and your passengers enjoy the ride instead of just looking at the cars passing by.

When purchasing a GPS Car DVD player that purchaser desires to manage, you have to ascertain out persons who understand the devices well in advance . If a purchaser pertains to VW DVD Navigation union, which is, of course, much better, he should discourse with aides and glimpse if everyone has currently established aftermarket Car DVD GPS that he is in need of. For the special BMW GPS Navigation, purchaser may be alarmed by how numerous persons have the things that he demands and are enthusiastic to wholesale Car GPS Navigation at a worth far minus than retail, or in some equipment they may even be eager to trade for certain thing

Invariably, the extremely greatest and easiest-to-use KIA Navigation System have a monthly or an annual fee that you have to pay for the service. Truly, I would not suggest one that does not have a fee attached. The info will not be current. You can bet on it.

It is easy to find out that we can find traces of GPS satellite positioning, as long as we need to determine the location. And Car Navigation DVD is gradually starting to enter into our daily life among the necessary facilities. That is to say, the strategic significance of GPS satellite navigation is not just limited to military purposes, but more is to protect this infrastructure to the normal and efficient operation, consequently, so many countries are beginning to establish their own satellite navigation system.

Source from: http://blog.autocarplaza.com/it-is-not-only-a-car-navigation-dvd-but-a-good-assistant-on-your-way.html






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2012 Jaguar XJ to have built-in smartphone dock

Electronista: Jaguar’s flagship sedan, the 2012 XJ, will come with a smartphone dock that will show the phone’s screen on the car’s built-in navigation screen, Pocket-Lint learned. Demonstrated at BlackBerry World in Orlando this week with a BlackBerry Torch, users will have the ability to control the phones with the car’s interface and not the phone’s. This includes contact info, music, GPS and more, but browsing the web will be locked out for safety reasons.

Multiple popular phones will be supported, which likely means iPhones and Android devices will be compatible.

The Jaguar engineer in charge of the project also suggested users could use the car’s Dual View screen to allow the driver and passenger to see different things, though multitasking would have to be supported by the phone itself. The Dual View feature allows passengers to view movies from a car’s entertainment system, while the driver can see the navigation screen or other images on the screen. Passengers may also be able to connect their own phone in addition or instead of the driver’s.

Whether the dock will be standard equipment or an option isn’t being revealed. What, if any other Jaguars will also get the dock remains to be seen.

Android blackberry iPhone Jaguar smartphone dock


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Garmin Nuvi 1300 – Why Is It So Highly Sort After? » Sport <b>...</b>

Garmin Nuvi 1300 Review

Although the Garmin Nuvi 1300 navigation GPS device’s 161grams weight makes it easy to carry while walking or mount in your car, never ever think that this GPS device or any other presently in the market will make it under water. GPS devices are not waterproof. The are also not your best choice if you make to go motocycling or trucking. The dimensions of the Nuvi 1300 are nicely sized making the device convenient due to its compact measurements

In this Garmin Nuvi 1300 write up, I am going to take you through the very important attributes of the Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS navigation device that many who love this Nuvi brand appreciate about it. I am going to be brief and to the point on this so read on.

I have possession of and use the Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS navigational devices. I have used other devices too. However, I will not trade my Garmin Nuvi 1300. Do you want to know why? then read on.

Because of the enhancements in pedestrian navigation functions, n?vi 1300 is the ideal travel assistant for getting around town. Download optional cityXplorerT content to help you navigate city public transit. Know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. It easily fits in your pocket or purse. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe. And with its low price, you are sure to have a lot more money left to give yourself a good treat in the big city

Are you impressed about what you have read about the Garmin Nuvi 1300 so far? You certainly love its widescreen display, the preloaded maps, and the Nuvi 1300's voice prompts.However, is that all there is about the Garmin Nuvi 1300? No, there is more. With the ecoRoute feature which estimates the most fuel-efficient rout to take, you are able to save on gasoline and determine in advance what specific quantity of gas you will need for a trip. Additonally, the Garmin Nuvi 1300 comes with a JPEG picture viewer, a world travel clock, currency converter, measurement converter and much more

In my research on the Garming Nuvi 1300, I have come to a realization that the majority of the Nuvi 1300 owners have the wide screen touch screen of the Nuvi 1300 as a major basis for their purchase. This wide screen is particularly advantageous in giving users a full picture of the road they are driving or walking on

As you should know by now, a good GPS device must have a screen wide enough for easy reading of display information. How does the Garmin Nuvi 1300 fare? With the Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS device you are assured of getting that whether you are driving or walking in the city. Map details, driving directions, walking directions and photos are made clear and brought to life on the the brilliantly colored sunlight-readable 4.3? (that is 10.92 cm) Garmin Nuvi 1300 display screen.

With reference with weight differences, the Garmin Nuvi 1300 series are lighter that previous models. The Nuvi 1300 weigh on the average 5.7 ounces whereas previous models have their weight averaging 6.1 ounces. Additionally, the Nuvi 1300 product range all come with the very importance GPS feature of speaking street names and vocally giving instructs as which are the right turns to make

The Garmin Nuvi is potable enought to carry in your pocket or purse if you will be walking. The Garmin Nuvi 1300 package comes with a dashboard and windshield mount for use. You can position it on your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield. You decide

In my estimation, if you would love a GPS device that thus not only sleek and convenient but has all the key features you will need in a GPS device when on the road, then the Garmin Nuvi 1300 is for you

More Garmin Nuvi 1300 Information can be establish at this Garmin Nuvi 1300 review site

Author: jimmanamb

This author has published 7 articles so far. More info about the author is coming soon.

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Jul 15, GPS Locators can mean independence for children and elderly persons


When we wrote the article about Personal Locator Beacons (emergency GPS locators) in March of 2007, see plb.html, we did not know that something much more spectacular was in the making at that time.

In September 2008 the SPOT Satellite Messenger received the prestigious Wall Street Journal Consumer Electronics Technology Award. This marks the sixth industry award since its introduction in November 2007.

The SPOT floats, is waterproof, rugged and resists extreme temperatures. It uses two AA-size lithium batteries and when powered on has a standby battery life of approximately 12 months.

The SPOT messenger offers four features: "Alert 9-1-1" dispatches emergency responders to an exact location (United States/Canada) or to an exact location outside North America (GEOS rescue service), "Ask for Help" sends a request for help to friends and family; "Check In" lets contacts know where you are and that you are OK (via SMS or email); "Track Progress" sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress using Google Maps.

The Satamatics SAT-201 is an all-in-one terminal that allows users to track, trace, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets from any location in the world. Satamatics launched the latest version of the SAT-201, calling it the SAT-201i. This version incorporates an enhanced chipset allowing for increased scripting and the delivery of more accurate and reliable GPS data. All SAT-201 terminals are also now IsatM2M ready (the replacement to Inmarsat D+) meaning the end user will experience an enhanced service with faster data forwarding rates, quicker responses to polling requests and shorter time to first transmission over a broad range of applications.

FindWhere is a global leader of real-time GPS location tracking services. The company offers several GPS locators, such as the iFind 1000, iFind 2000, and iFind 3000, but also supports GPS enabled phones on GSM networks worldwide.

The WorldTracker GPRS is a self-contained, water-resistant GPS tracker which is smaller than a small cell phone. The rechargeable device features a powerful Sirf-Star III 20-channel receiver and provides real-time location updates every 15 seconds. Working in conjunction with both Microsoft and Google 3-D satellite mapping technology, the WorldTracker operates reliably from any location in the world. The WorldTracker GPRS allows users to easily set pre-determined boundaries known as geo-fences. "With a geo-fence, you can be instantly alerted when your child leaves a specific area or wanders too far from home".

Easy to use, the WorldTracker GPRS GPS locators feature simple controls including a power switch, two LED indicators and a panic button, which activates a series of 20 location reports in 2 minutes. "By teaching your child to push and hold the WorldTracker’s SOS button, they can send you their exact location when they are in a potentially dangerous situation"

The PocketFinder family of products uses advanced technology to help families stay connected. The smallest known single-board GSM/GPS locators easily fit into a pocket, purse or backpack, and can be accessed via the Internet, cell phone or landline to show their exact location in real time. In addition, the devices include several advanced features, such as allowing users to designate customizable alert areas as electronic "fences" to notify them when a family member or pet leaves or enters a specified area. The devices can even track vehicle speeds to encourage safe driving decisions.

Outdoor enthusiasts, extreme sports participants, Scouting organizations, caretakers of persons with Autism, Down Syndrome, or Alzheimer’s all desire to enhance the safety and security of their loved ones. This small, disk shaped device offers added security that has never before been available at this size and price and will locate both indoors and outdoors.

TrackingtheWorld’s newest GPS locators, the WorldTracker PLD, eliminate two common problems in GPS tracking with their ability to operate without interruption in buildings and parking garages and superior battery life. Equipped with quad-mode capabilities and GPS assist, the WorldTracker PLD operates from any location in the world, including problem areas known for interrupting GPS tracking signals such as parking garages. Considered to be the most affordable and versatile GPS tracking device available today, the WorldTracker PLD is ideal for personal safety, covert tracking and asset management. The WorldTracker PLD utilizes a powerful 1340 mAh , or optional 2000 mAh, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery to provide continuous GPS tracking, reporting and monitoring for up to 2 weeks.

Created for professionals and consumers who need to know where it is now, the PT-10 is a Live GPS tracker that boasts incredible 10 second position updates when moving over 10 mph and updates every 20 feet when moving less than 10 mph. The GPS locators also feature 90-day historical playback -- a highly useful feature that let's you know exactly where the PT-10 has been. With its compact size, the PT-10 can move from person to person and vehicle to vehicle with ease, giving the GPS a number of potential uses -- a fact not lost on the executives at LiveView.

LiveViewGPS president George Karonis believes there is no limit to the applications for the PT-10 GPS locators, saying "when we designed this unit, we really thought about the end user and how they could benefit most from a small compact GPS device that tracks live. We see the PT-10 as a staple for families with young children, teen drivers and elderly family members, businesspeople who travel throughout the year and even companies that can increase efficiency by gaining a better understanding of their employees' whereabouts."

Zoombak's Advanced GPS locators are compact and light, weighing only 2.5 ounces, and offer consumers the fastest and most accurate location technology commercially available. With Zoombak's interactive website, users set up custom safety zones around virtually any location including homes, parks, malls and schools.

Once activated, if the device crosses a virtual boundary, the owner will receive a text message or email promptly alerting them to the location of the device. Consumers can also locate their device by logging into Zoombak.com, sending a text from their mobile phone (coming soon), or contacting Zoombak's live 24x7 customer care location support. With Zoombak, there are no hidden fees for activation or limits on the number of on-demand location requests.

The BlueRanger Starter Pack is a compact, battery operated, discrete tracking device designed specifically for consensual personal tracking, security and assistance. If your child or loved one wears one of BlueRanger GPS locators, you can track their whereabouts in real-time with accuracy down to just 4 meters using your PC and the Internet. Now you can give your kids a little more freedom to grow, while you get a little bit of your life back.

BlueRanger Starter Pack is upgradable to full BlueRanger functionality which does provide a panic alarm, geofence boundaries, multiple contacts, and emergency room phone support. You can do that at any time simply by paying the price difference. If you wish, you might also like to purchase a BlueMap PDA which would allow you to walk or drive yourself to find your child using a hand-held unit that displays where you are in relation to each other (although to stay within the law while driving you probably would have to park each time before using the BlueMap PDA this way, but you can get yourself close, park, and continue on foot).

The GlobalTrack G200P personal GPS locators by Cybergraphy Technology look like a rugged pager from the early 90s, but these palm-sized devices pack more functionality than you would initially imagine. Inside the GlobalTrack G200P is a -160dBm high-sensitivity GPS receiver that will track your every movement and keep it recorded via its simple data logger. The 16MB of flash memory should be more than enough for that kind of information and it's quite helpful that the GPS receiver is very low draw. So low draw, in fact, that Cybergraphy claims a standby time of up to two months. A SIM card in the available slot will grant you access to voice calls and emergency SMS messages. It has both a microphone and a speaker.

True Tracker Pro, LLC markets and sells miniaturized, low-cost, electronic GPS Locators using SiRF Star III technology for extra sensitive reception outdoors and indoors. The Personal Locator Devices immediately locate and help rescue lost or missing children, teens, the active elderly (including Alzheimer's patients), and pets via the internet or any web enabled cell phone. These same GPS Locators can be used in the business arena in order to better manage the logistics of outside personnel, sales people, deliveries, fleet operations, valuable packages or equipment in transit, helping to increase their business efficiency and thus improve profits.

True Tracker Pro, LLC was formed as a company committed to providing next-generation remote Personal GPS Locators in order to immediately locate and aid in the timely rescue of children, teens, adults, the active elderly and pets. Additionally, True Tracker Pro will focus on providing tracking services for municipalities, law enforcement, fire fighters, fleet vehicles and valuable parcels and deliveries.

A key feature of the True Tracker Pro personal GPS locators is the website control panel. Through this password protected user interface, the customer can locate their device(s). Through the mapping software, users can see street address detail for the location of their device, or zoom out to get a wide-angle or bird’s eye view of the device's location. Users can define a territory, known as a Geofence or Safety Zone, in which the device can travel freely but when the device travels outside the Geofenced territory, an alert is immediately sent to a cell phone or email designated by the user. The user can locate the device through the online web panel, or use the cell phone option (must have internet capabilities).

Homeland Integrated Security Systems’ CT-100 is a low-cost personal tracking device. The CT-100 GPS locators transmit their location to your computer, letting you track and find your family, pets, packages and vehicles. Small enough to clip on a belt, throw in a glove compartment, or even carry in your pocket. The tracking device doesn't need a line-of-sight with an open sky, and can work indoors using a combination of GPS technology and cellular signals.

Amber Alert GPS is a relatively inexpensive solution that can track indoors and out, has an SOS button to call for help, supports Geo-Fencing, and can send speed alerts (ie. send an alert if my kid is driving faster than 80 MPH) -- all for under $200. Amber Alert GPS locators sell online for $199, and require a monthly service that ranges from $19.99 to $49.99, depending on usage.

The location report includes GPS and battery signal information, speed, lat/long coordinates, altitude, and Date/Time. The physical location of the GPS is also displayed on the map, which can be zoomed in/out. The report is specially formatted to appear correctly on the small screen of a smartphone.

Pressing and holding the SOS button for 4 seconds will cause Amber Alert GPS locators to send location reports to all authorized cell phones (up to 5) 3 times within 10 minutes. It will stop sending the alert when any authorized number replies by texting "help me!" to the GPS.

The SOS feature works well and I especially liked the fact that the device alerts all authorized cell phones. However, I would have liked to see email alerting options as well the ability to extend the alerting longer than 10 minutes. Still, this is a great feature for a tracking device, especially at the sub-$200 price, and will be a selling point for families/parents.

Homeland Integrated Security Systems' Cyber Tracker, is basically a computer with tracking abilities. As a "smart box" computer, the Cyber Tracker can collect, analyze, and transmit the information it receives through the utilization of sensors. In addition, the Cyber Tracker is able to make real time decisions based on that data. This ability to react to "in case of" situations without requiring a command from a dispatcher is where the Cyber Tracker GPS locators begin to really stand out compared to other products of this type. The sheer versatility of the Cyber Tracker is what truly separates it from the rest of the pack. Through the use of varied sensors the Cyber Tracker has no limit to it's possible applications.

Smart Box

The Cyber Trackers revolutionary technology enables the GPS locators to make decisions based on preset criteria. Unlike other units of its kind, the Cyber Tracker is able to make decisions without an operator command, thereby allowing it to be an ultra effective tool even in areas with no wireless reception.

GPS Tracking

Combining Homeland Integrated Security Systems proprietary technology and software with Nextel's wireless network, the Cyber Tracker brings a level of reliability that is unmatched by other GPS units.

GEO Fencing

A feature of the Cyber Tracker, specific areas can be designated "off limits" or "Alarm Zones" and as such will trigger an alarm if the assigned Cyber Tracker crosses the alarm boundary, notifying the appropriate contact. The opposite is also possible, effectively "fencing" the unit into a specific area.

Monitoring

A key feature of the Cyber Tracker is its ability to be equipped with a near endless range of sensors. These sensors give the Cyber Tracker a versatility that is unmatched among its peers. Some examples of these are temperature sensors, door sensors, light sensors and a full range of vehicle or machine diagnostics.

Over the Air Programming

An important feature on the Cyber Tracker GPS locators is the ability to be programmed remotely. When the Cyber Tracker is installed on your fleet you don't ever want to pull them out to reprogram them. The Cyber Tracker has a unique feature that allows all software updates or configuration changes to be done remotely, without ever having to touch the hardware. This allows your business to save time and money.

The GuardTrax SFL (Security Force Locator) by NovaTracker is the security industry's first "real-time" GPS tracking solution for foot patrol security personnel. GuardTrax enables security supervisors and managers to track, monitor and manage their field security forces in "real-time" at all times. The GuardTrax SFL utilizes GPS antenna GSM wireless communication which pinpoints location and activity data and combines it with mapping and satellite imagery software that is accurate to within several feet.

The GuardTrax SFL GPS locators have an innovative incident reporting system that utilizes a straightforward multi-function button coding system. These coded incident reports, together with the location, time, date, and other critical incident location data, are received by the GuardTrax server where they are immediately relayed from field personnel to supervisors and mangers via email or SMS.

In addition to the officer-initiated or "keyed" incident reporting, the GuardTrax SFL is equipped with a motion sensor that will report if the device has had no motion for a predetermined amount of time. If something happens to security personnel holding a device, the security operations center will be alerted.

Personal Safety Companion is a GPS Tracking solution that will allow the consumer to have available a customized safety tracking and monitoring solution important to their own personal needs. As an example, a family can provide GPS locators to each family member with the added safety of 24 hour per day, 7 day per week full time monitoring for any safety issues or concerns based on GPS tracked movements and characteristics. The system allows every user to set pre-defined personal rules for the safety of each individual being tracked. In the event of a rule violation or GPS movement that is not desired or "allowed" by the rule definition, a 24/7 monitoring center alert will provide immediate personal interaction to ensure the personal safety of the individual being tracked. This can and will include the dispatch of a 911 law enforcement call.

ID Software’s Personal Safety Companion is unlike other GPS locators, because it provides a "personal monitoring" capability that allows for immediate two way communication for any safety event regardless of location or time.

The Contigo 8100 is an indoor-locatable beacon for covert asset tracking, theft recovery and personal security. The GPS locators leverage gpsOne from Qualcomm, which allows the beacons to be located in environments where stand-alone GPS fails, such as indoors. The device also provides a battery life of up to 10 days on a single charge. Using the Contigo platform, subscribers have the ability to pro actively locate or track the 8100, review scheduled position reports online, and receive alerts (via email or cell phone) for multiple monitored zones.

Argyll Telecom, the UK's market leader in mobile personnel monitoring has launched MaxCare, a highly innovative, accurate waterproof device, which can be worn comfortably on the arm, leg, shoulder or waist - it can even be sewn into an item of clothing. Containing sophisticated mobile phone and satellite location monitoring technology, MaxCare GPS locators are totally dependable and simple to use. Should the worker encounter difficulties they simply squeeze the MaxCare unit in order to trigger a duress signal.

This signal is transmitted to Argyll Telecom's 24/7-manned control room where assistance is summoned, guided by the highly accurate GPS location technology, which pinpoints the wearer's position. The arm band uses vibration alerts to acknowledge that the signal has been received and that help is on its way. MaxCare also transmits audio, allowing the operators to monitor the incident and the lone worker to communicate details of their situation verbally. Sophisticated voice recording and audit trails ensure that every incident is captured and can be produced in evidence.

FollowUs, the UK’s leading mobile location solutions service, launched the GPS Person Locator, which can give parents and lone workers peace of mind. FollowUs believes it is the first to offer a GPS locators with pay-as-you-go web based mapping that enables parents locate a family member through their WAP-enabled mobile or PC. The Person Locator is a GPS phone that is the height of a credit card, and is small and light enough to be carried by people of all ages including young children and the elderly. Unique to the product, it uses the new SiRF III chip set that offers accuracy to within 10 meters. The Person Locator will operate world-wide subject to having mobile phone reception. The product, unlike any other, is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis – meaning owners pay for maps as and when they are done – with no recurring payments or monthly subscriptions.

The AnyTrack GPS-100 is a low-cost personal tracking device. The GPS locators transmit their locations to your computer, letting you track and find your family, pets, packages and vehicles. Small enough to clip on a belt, throw in a glove compartment, or even carry in your pocket. The tracking device doesn't need a line-of-sight with an open sky, and can work indoors using a combination of GPS technology and cellular signals.

The omniscout Portable, is a small GPRS/GPS location, tracking, asset recovery and personal protection system. The omniscout Portable GPS locators will determine and report the global location of any mobile asset, vehicle or person in which or on whom the omniscout Portable is located with an accuracy of a few meters.

The omniscout Portable is able to communicate its location and receive commands using the international (GSM/GPRS) wireless networks. These networks are used by cellular communications companies for tracking the assets. If the omniscout Portable is unable to obtain a GPS location as a result of being in a restricted GPS signal area such as in a building or underground, omniscout’s enhanced location technology (ELT) will establish its location through cellular tower triangulation and maintain same until GPS contact is re-established.


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Mar 17, GPS software for cell phones, update


GPS software exists for PND's, for PDA's, but more and more also for GPS phones.

PND stands for Personal Navigation Device. These are the TomTom and Garmin boxes that only do GPS navigation. PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant. Here we think about pocket PC's and Palm Treo devices that can do an excellent job in GPS navigation, but that can do a lot more.

Mobium is a GPS software that turns a Windows Mobile device into a full navigation system with turn-by-turn instructions.

Key Benefits to Mobium GPS navigation Find your destination by turn-by-turn voice driving directions and estimated drive time. Find whatever you need in your way by quickly locate and navigate to nearby business such as hotels, restaurants and more from over 15 million points of interest. Quickly find lowest Gas Prices locally or along your planned route.

With GeoMicro Mobium GPS Navigation System , your Windows Mobile device is turned into an advanced Mobile Navigation System with turn-by-turn voice announcements and detailed driving directions. You can search over 15 million points of interest (POIs) - places like hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other tourist attractions - then dial the POI's phone number for reservations, hours of operation, or other information. With Mobium, you never need to be lost again.

AAA Mobile is a mobile GPS software suite which combines turn-by-turn GPS navigation with other location based services. For instance, users of the AAA Mobile will be able to access AAA’s Diamond Ratings for information about hotels and restaurants, as well as find various points of interest in their TourBook guide. In addition, the application will provide users with the list of AAA-approved auto repair shops.

A more interesting feature is the ability to send your location to roadside assistance crews when you are in need of help. With the AAA Mobile service you can pick up your mobile phone and call for roadside assistance. In the process of doing that your location is transmitted to AAA so that they can dispatch a nearby crew as well as giving the crew your exact location.

Garmin Mobile XT is an all-in-one GPS software solution that turns smartphones with internal GPS into full-feature Garmin navigators. These new Garmin Mobile XT capabilities will be available to customers for no additional cost and will allow them to navigate to locations found on Google Local or geo-coded photos found on Panoramio.

The Google Local search capability on Garmin Mobile XT allows users to harness more points of interest information via the world wide web. By selecting "Where to?" and "Google Local", customers can type in keywords as they would if they were on their desktop computer. In addition, Garmin has created a "quick search" feature that lets users search Google Local via categories – such as food, lodging, fuel, and more – rather than typing a keyword into the Google Local search box. Search results are based on the user’s current location and are sorted by geographic relevance.

CoPilot Live 7 is simple with redesigned step-by-step address entry, finger-touch buttons, predictive address matching, and on-screen set-up wizards. Large-buttoned menus make frequently used features quickly accessible. CoPilot Live 7's redesigned 2D and 3D map views enable drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians to see their exact location and where they are going. Finally, customers can also choose from a variety of standard road colour schemes or create their own personalized skins.

By default, the CoPilot map shows a turn or junction, progressively zooming-in automatically before returning to the non-distracting safety screen once the turn is completed. The CoPilot Live 7 GPS software also comes with Text- to-Speech voice commands, with 13 different languages available for both Windows Mobile powered Pocket PCs and Smartphones.

The whole system's a vast leap ahead of other mobile navigators, made possible thanks to CoPilot's completely re-designed graphics engine.

Wayfinder Active is a GPS software application for mobile phones that combines maps, GPS recording and statistics and is targeted at folks with an active lifestyle (think hiking, skiing, running, or biking). The application is a simple, social way to stay connected with other people with similar interests. Once installed on a mobile phone, you can access a world-wide map and record/share routes with a keystroke. It lets you follow your friends on their activities and training routes by easily importing their tracks.

The complementary online community, ActiveOutdoor, lets you upload GPX records onto the Internet. Other statistical data include maximum, current and average speeds during each activity, calories burned and that sort.

A built-in Reverse Route feature lets you find a route to anywhere. The free application can be downloaded from ActiveOutdoor. Compatible with over 100 phone models, including popular ones from Nokia and Sony Ericsson.

ViewRanger is GPS navigation software for mobile phones specifically designed for the off-road and outdoor activity user, whether walker, mountain biker, horse rider, geo-cacher, birdwatcher, or rural tourist. The GPS software offers a unique combination of 2D and 3D mapping, GPS navigation, sports performance analysis, location-based content sharing, and buddy tracking.

Used by search and rescue team members as well as weekend outdoor enthusiasts, ViewRanger is ideal for tourists, walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders, geocachers, river boaters - in fact anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

ViewRanger runs on the Symbian S60 smartphone platform, and transforms a Nokia or other S60 mobile handset into a full-featured trail navigation system.

amAze is a first of its kind mobile local search and navigation GPS software application, and it's totally free. It turns your regular Java-enabled mobile phone into a powerful navigation tool as well as comprehensive information tool.

With amAze you get all these options and more: Visual and voice guidance to any destinationSearch or define any location by its addressSearch and navigate to businesses listed in local search directories (where available)Present any required location on the mapView and use dynamic high quality maps at various scalesView and navigate over high resolution satellite imagesCalculate the fastest way between two locationsSave and manage personal favorites list

amAze enables to calculate the route of a journey to any address or point of interest. GPS will indicate your location along the route with vocal and graphical guidance to your destination in the shortest possible way. amAze is a collaborative effort led by LocatioNet Systems Ltd., together with some leading vendors in the fields of mapping, local search directories and other geographically related content.

Apisphere for Outlook enables users to send and receive automatic messages on their mobile devices or GPS-enabled laptops based on their Outlook calendar and location. Using real-time location-aware information, Apisphere for Outlook will change the way people use their calendars and how they communicate with business associates, friends and family. When a meeting is scheduled in Outlook, the plug-in creates a "sphere" around the meeting location and the calendar entry. This sphere activates several features including mapping, real-time traffic updates and geo-triggered voice and text messages for reminders on the go.

Each sphere created through Apisphere for Outlook enables mobile devices to know where a user is located and provide customized information in real-time. The plug-in automatically generates mapping information to provide driving directions to an Outlook calendar appointment and will notify the user through email, SMS or phone, when they need to leave to arrive on time. Apisphere for Outlook can then provide ongoing location-aware mapping and navigation, using real-time data such as traffic updates and road closure information to identify the optimal route.

Additionally, geo-triggered voice and text messages can be created to provide users with reminders or notifications. Messages can be created in Microsoft Outlook and set to automatically trigger when the user reaches a specific location or enters the pre-defined sphere. For example, email messages can be automatically sent every time a user enters and leaves a meeting to accurately track time for more precise timesheet records. It can also provide pre-set reminders upon leaving the sphere such as dropping the car off at the rental agency or picking up groceries before heading home.

A new GPS software download from Blue True Services — KoolTrax — will turn any GPS-enabled mobile phone or PDA into a GPS tracker, allowing its exact location to be monitored on the Internet. It enables anyone, with the appropriate access of course, to see where the phone has been for up to a month at a time, with the software allowing the viewing of breadcrumb trails, the setting of geofences, and nominating contacts to receive alerts.

There's no limit to how many phones can be tracked using KoolTrax, so it could be used for parents to keep track of their children (that'll go down well), lone workers, or even for tracking sports progress.

JGUI's GPS.Friend allows you to find your friends, child or whoever as long as your friend is also carrying a GPS-enabled Windows Mobile smartphone, running GPS.Friend. It allows you to get your current GPS location and asks someone's phone for his/her location as well, to match both locations. If that someone has Windows Mobile phone with GPS.Friend installed too and and the GPS receiver is working, the phone will reply with the location and GPS.Friend is able to displays the location on a map, even with calculated distance. This reply is always made under the phone's owner permission, but the owner can also allow to reply automatically without any further notice.

GPS.Friend has a simple and intuitive interface. You get your own location and ask someone, with only two taps on your phone device. Just set the target phone number or select from your Contacts. GPS.Friend is independent from pre-installed map images, because it downloads the necessary map from Google Maps service and location information is exchanged between the phones by SMS text messages.

This GPS software works with Windows Mobile Professional (touchscreen) and Standard (non-touchscreen) smart phones and supports all screen resolutions.

U.K.-based social networking Sanoodi has launched SMap, an integrated and free route recording and sharing application for GPS-equipped BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Nokia smartphones and mobile devices. Sanoodi lets its website community members record, upload, and share routes and info on their outdoor activities, such as running, hiking, cycling, or walking the dog, according to the company. It has developed SMap in conjunction with a new version of the Sanoodi website. Routes can now be uploaded live from SMap to the site as they are being recorded. This GPS software app can be used to record routes online and offline.

HP has launched a new prototype GPS software suite and associated website called Mscape, designed to overlay digital sight, sound and interactions using GPS-enabled mobile devices. According to the firm, these interactive experiences are termed 'mediascapes'. The mediascapes are created using a simple web-based authoring tool on any GPS-enabled handset. When you walk pass the locations in the physical world, the mediascape will activate digital media such as images, text, audio and video. The triggers can be set to react to physical stimuli such as location, proximity, time and movement.

From Abaqus Inc. comes the MyGeoRecorder, a groundbreaking mobile GPS software application that allows consumers to record personal location-based content in real-time via a mobile phone and then share it with any social network and online service on the web. The MyGeoDiary service enables consumers to easily record, annotate, organize and share their personal location-information from a central place on the web. Consumers can publish and use their location data across variety of services on the web such as sites for tracking fitness regimen, sharing travel journals, blogging, enabling mobile workforce management, geotagging photos, or simply managing one’s real-world geodiary.

Proxpro's Prompt is a GPS software service that makes sure people are never late. It is a "push" technology that optimizes navigation and traffic information based on a personal calendar. Prompt compares the user's current location to the time and location of their next appointment, consults real-time and predicted traffic, displays the fastest route and tells people exactly when to leave to get to their next appointment on time.

Special settings also allow users to effortlessly monitor their daily commute to work in the morning and return drive home again in the evenings.

GPS Tracker’s many convenient features—including automatic GPS detection, real-time tracking, and detailed map and route information—make it much easier to stay on course. This all-in-one GPS software app also allows for personalized notes and photos to chronicle the stunning waterfall you stumble upon.

Features: Track locations in real-time including latitude, longitude, altitude, speed and more.Capture favorite vacation routes, scenic spots with personalized notes, photos.Export personalized favorite trips, locations, view with Google Earth and share with friends.Get detailed map and route information of POI (Point-of-Interests).Automatic GPS detection and connection.Tag my location with category, note, photo and alarm.Display current location map with zoom capability.Manage location favorites with ease.Turn on/off alarm and view photo with single click.Associate favorites with photos from web and on device. Instant photo capture from the application.Locate saved geo-locations or any physical address with detailed map and route information.Export personalized locations and routes to Google Earth, save as outlook contact or email attachment and share your trip information (route, notes, photos etc) with friends.GPS data log and real time satellite location status.

Micro Technologies Micro BTS (Buddy Tracking System) is a location-based service meant to deliver tracking services to mobile telephony users who are constantly moving. If you like to constantly keep tabs on the whereabouts of loved ones, then Micro Technologies "Micro Buddy Tracking System" should interest you. "Micro BTS" is a mixture of GPS (Global Positioning System), Internet, and mobile phone services. This GPS software resides on a user's phone, which enables him or her to share messages and real-time location status with friends from a mobile phone.

Using this technology , one can share others’ position with his or her friends and family, create and join groups, record and review track history.



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Jan 17, GPS wildlife tracking

WildLife Tracking GPS wildlife Tracking or GPS Telemetry is another high-potential growth area for GPS applications. With ever smaller dimensions and weights and the availability of solar cell power these devices can be used in a growing number of cases. For most of us GPS tracking means probably GPS vehicle tracking systems, but we will show even more spectacular applications in quite different fields. Collecting GPS data is one thing, but reading the data is often more complicated and, especially in real-time, rather expensive. The simpler ‘passive’ units store the data in internal memory. Data can only be read, once the unit is retrieved by the user or sometimes when the unit comes within the reach of a radio connection between the unit and a (portable) receiver. More sophisticated GPS wildlife tracking units send the data via a cellular phone network in regular time intervals or on demand in the case of units with two-way communication. It is obvious that this only can function within the coverage area of the cellular phone network. Two-way communication has the extra advantage that the programming of the unit can be modified, even with the unit in use and at distance. This way the user can change the time intervals between reports, or even met the unit in a pause position. The most expensive GPS wildlife tracking systems send the data in regular intervals via satellites (Argos, GlobalStar). This stands for a really global coverage, but is not a real time solution as the satellites can not be reached 24h/24h. Data can only be sent or received when a satellite is overhead. GPS wildlife tracking systems are now available for almost all mammals and even for the bigger birds. In 1994 the first collar, the Lotek GPS_1000 weighed 1.8 kg and was too heavy for mid-sized mammals. Less than 10 years later Microwave Telemetry has developed the PTT-100, a 70 gr solar powered GPS tracking system that transmits the data to the Argos satellite system. We present some other manufacturers and their programs. The above-mentioned Lotek specializes in GPS collars for small to large mammals. Their collars contain a VHF tracking beacon. Other innovations include remote two-way communication, which allows you to retrieve data on demand and/or reprogram the collar while it is still on the animal. Temperature and mortality sensors as well as field uploads and downloads. All the GPS wildlife tracking collars can be equipped with a remote release mechanism or a drop-off mechanism that is activated after the expiration of a factory pre-programmed time delay. Televilt Sweden manufactures three different types of collars as well as backpacks for birds. The GPS-Simplex uses a radio link while GPS-Direct and GPS-Weblink use a cell phone modem (GSM 900/1800). All systems can be fitted with a drop off (pre-programmed or remote control release). Televilt only uses Lithium batteries. GPS-Direct and GPS-Weblink are customer programmable while on animal. Telemetry Solutions is a Californian based telemetry company involved in GPS wildlife tracking since 1998. Last year the development of a proper GPS collar started. The project focuses on equipment reliability (expressed in back-up VHF beacon, two built-in drop off units, custom made GPS receiver amplifier etc.) and how the product is supported. TS intends to deliver a very reliable system and back it up with customer support. This may not seem as anything new; however, wildlife biologists all around the world are used to failing GPS collars and not too friendly customer support. TS intends to change that, to the better. Toma Track is their distributor of GPS wildlife tracking devices in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. BlueSky Telemetry in the UK manufactures GPS tracking collars. The modular design of each collar range enables the biologist to pick and choose different components to suit their individual application. The following options are available: GSM mobile telephone engine, UHF radio modem and Satellite telephone engine, enabling remote setup and download. Other options include Programmable remote drop-off, Temperature, Mortality and Activity sensors and a VHF or UHF radio telemetry beacon. Telonics has a long history in manufacturing wildlife telemetry, conventional telemetry and tracking devices. Their Store-on-Board GPS Collars for animal tracking applications, with or without ARGOS Uplink, are only part of a program of quality electronics for wildlife, environmental research and special applications. Wildlife tracking

Sirtrack - Wildlife Tracking Solutions are specialists in the design and manufacture of wildlife tracking equipment and since 1986 have been commercially supplying customized tracking solutions to researchers, conservationists and wildlife managers throughout the world. Their expertise and experience is second-to-none. They have manufactured telemetry equipment for research on more than 550 species of wildlife (from small insects through to heavyweights like elephants and whales), and their products have been put to the test in more than 75 countries around the world. Even in the harshest conditions and terrains, Sirtrack has proven itself time and time again. If the tracking solution you require is not shown on their website, then be assured that they can customize a product specifically for you.

Wildlife Track Inc. develops and manufactures telemetry and direction finding systems. Their GPS wildlife tracking collars store up to 6240 three-dimensional locations with date and time in nonvolatile memory. Nominal weight is 500 gr and a VHF beacon is standard on all collars. GPS battery lasts up to 7 years (one fix per day). GPS collar circumference is adjustable and WGS 84 or NAD 83 Datums can be specified upon ordering. The Advanced Telemetry Systems GPS Remote Release Collar can be remotely triggered to drop off the animal on command with the available ATS Command Unit. The collar will also automatically drop off as it reaches the end of its battery life to ensure data retrieval. Up to 8190 locations can be stored on board the unit. The collar incorporates a VHF transmitter to signal location, the status of the last GPS co-ordinate, mortality and battery conditions. The ATS collar also provides data on animal activity, ambient temperature, mortality, VHF duty cycle program, battery voltage and the amount of time logged on the battery backup. North Star has developed a line of animal GPS collars and bird borne platform transmitter terminals (PTT’s). Acquisition of GPS locations for store and forward through a satellite service provider can be programmed in a variety of duty cycles.

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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Jul 15, GPS car tracking update

Ten good reasons to use GPS car tracking: Reduce fuel costs.Improve productivity.Better customer service.Driver accountability.Eliminate theft.Increase in personnel safety.Special tax breaks.Lower insurance rates.Lower system costs.Complete historical record of fleet activities.

As an update to the GPS car tracking page, we limit this page to real-time car tracking systems, using cell phone networks to send the tracking information to a server. We will create a new page with real-time car tracking devices, using satellite communication systems to send the information.

The LandAirSea GPS car tracking system 8100 is a real time- or active-GPS car tracking system that incorporates the latest in GPS tracking and wireless technology to accurately determine the exact location of a vehicle. This system can be used as a portable device operating on an internal lithium battery pack, or it can be connected directly to the vehicle’s 12 volt power supply.

The LandAirSea 8100 hardware and software are designed to be used for both single unit portable applications or large fleet management installations. The 8100 can be set to update its location from every second up to 30 minutes and anywhere in between.

Features: Completely self contained device. NO external antennas or external power cables are needed.Internal Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack – Used as a portable unit or can charge off of the vehicle’s 12V system. If the vehicle loses power, the tracking unit will still function.Three high performance magnets for mounting if desired.Battery status monitoring online – (only needed if being used as a portable unit)LED status lights for battery, GPS, and communication linkSimultaneous viewing of multiple vehicles with one second update rates.Google Earth mapping engine.Vehicle name identifier for quick ID.Geo-fencing capability with e-mail and/or text message notification of vehicle movement inside or outside a zone. Online driving and stops text reports The 8100 is able to transmit as fast as once every second literally allowing the user to watch the vehicle move across the map as it moves.

CSM SupaTrak GPS car tracking system provides users with the following list of impressive features as standard: No hidden costs, monthly fee includes installation, all hardware, network charges and lifetime warrantyGPS updates every 60 seconds for real-time monitoring of all vehiclesCovert in-vehicle installations for maximum securityInstalled by our own team of employed engineersUnlimited access to our ‘easy to use’ web based mapping via any Internet connectionFull training and 24/7/365 telephone supportComprehensive reporting including start/stop and historic ‘snail trail’Market leading ‘black box’ GPS/GPRS modem designed and manufactured by CMSCombined GSM/GPS antenna for minimum power consumptionAll vehicles are visible on the mapping at all times

Specific features for the CMS AssetTrak: measuring only 96mm x 50mm x 42mmMagnetic installation to any steel surface within secondsNo external power requiredBuilt in GPS and GSM antennasCovert installation which can be relocated easilyConfigurable tracking intervals to conserve battery lifeWeatherproof allowing external fixingBuilt in tamper switch which notifies removalRechargeable battery

CMS TrailerTrak adds: Installed out of sights on roof of trailerNo external power requiredBatteries recharge from integral solar panelsCan be connected to tractor power feedBuilt in GPS and GSM antennasConfigurable tracking intervals from 60 seconds to 1day to conserve battery lifeWeatherproof allowing external fixingBuilt in tamper switch which notifies removalOption power feed

WorldTracker SMS is a completely self-contained GPS car Tracking device small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (45 x 66 x 25 mm). By utilizing the global GSM/SMS text messaging network, the Tri-Band WorldTracker SMS provides global real-time tracking capabilities. Additional features: Self contained device fits in the palm of your hand. No external antennae needed, just plug-&-play.Durable, lightweight, water-resistant housing.Geofence feature sends alert if the target moves from pre-defined area.Parking and Anti-theft Function, notifies you if vehicle moves from parked location.GPS assist function using GSM network, boosting location sensitivity when GPS signal is temporarily lost. Enhanced sensitivity for indoor and outdoor reporting.Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz for worldwide coverage.12 volt DC adapter connects to vehicle power.Can be hooked up to 12 volt DC for permanent hardwire connection.Can be accessed and programmed via SMS messages sent from any cell phone.Emergency location alerts can be sent to multiple cell phones.

The WT5000 Trailer Sentry from WebTech Wireless is designed for fleet managers who need to know where their trailer assets are located at all times. It creates a circular Geofence around the trailer of interest when it is stationary. When the location of the trailer changes, the devices sends an automatic location record. This helps minimize cellular communication costs and provides accurate reporting of the trailers position when moved, even if it has not connected to tractor power.

The WT5000 Trailer Sentry Plus solution includes all of the exception-based reporting of WT5000 Trailer Sentry, and also generates detailed reports of where and for how long the trailer stopped at each location along its route. Fleet managers can also create a virtual fence around customer depots to record the exact time of entry and exit for load/unload management.

Features of this GPS car tracking device: Automatically update trailer location within 30 minutes when movedImmediate on/off hook location update when connected to tractor powerGPS odometer mileage during tripsExceptions-based reporting through Quadrant vehicle tracking and Telematics solution

WT5000 Trailer Sentry Plus: Automated Stop reportingConfigurable 1 hour or 15 minute updates while movingGeofence and Landmark reports

The Ocellus T100 from QinetiQ is a high performance GPS car tracking device for Fleet Management applications. It offers the following advanced capabilities: High sensitivity GPS for operation in low signal strength environmentsGSM/GPRS tri-band communications for affordable global operationRechargeable battery for long-term operation when disconnected from powerCompact and easily installed with self-contained antennas for zero installation costs and high reliabilityRugged enclosure and connector system for deployment on commercial vehiclesInternal in-vehicle chargerMonitoring functionality including 9 digital inputs and outputs and serial port (RS-232)

The Ocellus T100 is available with a Logistics and Fleet Management service that provides easy set-up and reliable access to load and vehicle data. Alarms may be set on battery level, target movement, breach of geo-fence or load parameters*. Reports are sent using low cost GPRS although fall-back to SMS (text) is possible. The service is accessed using a standard web browser.

FieldLogix from FieldTechnologies was designed to be one of the most user-friendly GPS fleet management products in the market. The extensive set of features provides you with invaluable information that helps you better manage your business: On Line Access: Our system is 100% on-line. You can view your vehicle & asset location information from any computer with internet access.Real-Time GPS Tracking: 2 minute real-time location updates for vehicles and 15 minute updates for heavy equipment.User-Friendly Maps: The very user-friendly maps allow you to easily pan and zoom very quickly. You can also view all unit locations along with any landmarks all on one screen.Notification Features: It comes with an extensive set of notification features that provide you with alerts when operators and drivers do not comply with your policies. This eliminates the need to review mountains of reports to discover any violations.Extensive Reports: A full set of activity reports give you the ability to review the past activities of your units.Low Cost Equipment: Initial hardware costs are, on average, 35% lower than most GPS tracking systems in the market. Monthly service fees are also among the lowest in the market.

Safefreight's GPS car tracking system – SmartFleet- is a uniquely robust fleet management solution that delivers anytime, anywhere visibility on demand. It gives you the power to manage your vehicles, trailers and other mobile assets more effectively by delivering the online tools you need to: support driver safetyoptimize securityreduce operating costsmaximize productivitySmartFleet telematic technology comprises a web based GPS vehicle tracking device, asset-to-Internet software and cell or satellite communications.

The all new SD30 is the world's most advanced GPS car tracking device, manufactured and sold exclusively by Sky Detective. It excels over other devices of its kind in its ability to track in impaired or difficult to locate environments. Small and light weight, the SD30 offers exceptionally accurate and sensitive positioning.

It provides enhanced capabilities for improved battery life and tracking capabilities. The new onboard lithium ion battery provides 10-21 days of continuous use and 100+ days with proprietary enhancement. A new battery release latch enables simple replacement in seconds.

The programmable application button provides on/off; location fix; battery status; CDMA coverage status and the ability to launch a custom application. The Mini USB port provides easy access for battery charging or serves as a 12 volt connection port. Visual status is provided through a tri-color LED. An autonomous GPS antenna port enables the attachment of an external antenna for added coverage.

The Enfotrace Stealth GPS car tracking unit is a small, self-contained tracking device that can quickly and effectively locate any vehicle or mobile assets. Features include: Remote Door UnlockInstant Vehicle Location 24/7Alerts/ Notifications: With Enfotrace you can be notified via email, or text message when your device sends in certain messages.Electronic Fencing: Should your car be driven beyond the preset boundary, you will be instantly notified by e-mail, or SMS ready mobile communication device like a cellular phone.Starter Immobilizer: You can remotely disconnect your vehicle's ignition system so that your car will not start or operate under its own power even if someone has your car keys.Speed NotificationAlarm Reporting: Should your vehicle alarm be activated your Enfotrace unit will notify you by email, or via text message.

fleetBOX from BOX telematics ltd offers you a complete web based monitoring solution for maximizing fleet efficiency and productivity. By utilizing mobile phone GPRS networks and satellite GPS technology, fleetBOX offers fleet managers the convenience of a simple and effective 24/7 vehicle tracking, asset management and security package.

Box key features: 24/7 tracking on an unlimited number of vehicles with regular updates of exact locationDetailed mapping, street level accuracy within UK & IrelandVehicle Odometer readings and route history reportVehicle and non-powered asset tracking options.Helps you to track stolen assetsVehicle behaviour monitoring, including; out of hours mileage, speeding, excessive driving timePoints of interest reportsUser friendly web based software

Box benefits include: Covert installation – Simple to set up. Simple to use.Improved utilization of your mobiles assets – both vehicles and driversAccurate service scheduling – text/email reminders for vehicle maintenanceReduced running costsBetter customer satisfactionEnhanced asset and fleet securityInformative management reportsSimple to use, web based software accessible from anywhere via any Internet connection

AutoSearchGPS 1.5 GPS car tracking device from EarthSearch Communications offers: Speed monitoringDriving style evaluationDetailed vehicle location in REAL time - reported every 2-5 minutesVehicle door sensorSensor for additional passengers - critical for limiting new teenInformation on vehicle preventative maintenance

How to use the information AutoSearchGPS 1.5 will gather: Vehicle GPS Tracking 24/7Driving directionsVehicle identificationDetermining best routes for travelTracing vehicle historyEliminating distractions with awareness of additional passengersDetailed vehicle usage reportsImmediate preventative maintenance alerts

Security Features: Dynamic Geo fencingCar disable/enableSilent AlarmVehicle anti-towRemote door lock/unlockTracking & Tracing

AutoSearchGPS GPS car tracking device is now integrated with RFID chip technology to provide the users with more detailed information about their assets. The AutoSearchGPS integration with RFID will allow users to track individual packages, their vehicles, as well as their drivers no matter where they happen to be in the world.

The AutoSearchGPS GPS car tracking device has an attached RFID reader that picks up information being stored by the RFID chip located on the packages, materials and/or inventory in the vehicle. The reader receives activity information on each individual package and sends the stored information about the package, materials and/or the inventory to the AutoSearchGPS unit. The unit then transmits the information, including location and time of the activity to our server, in real time for the customers to view or download. The application can also be applied for trailer tracking.



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Jan 21, GPS Software for Mapping and Navigation

GPS navigation is much easier with a good map. These GPS software programs allow you to create and prepare calibrated maps for use on a PC (or laptop), pocket PC or Palm PDA. Many allow you to navigate the maps with the help of a GPS receiver.

See also our GPS maps page and our Marine Charts page.

Our favorite GPS software for analyzing recorded trips is Gartrip. This really international shareware program for Garmin and Magellan receivers lets you edit and review your waypoints and routes on a graphic chart (with or without scanned map as background). The route editor even calculates the estimated traveling time. It imports and exports your waypoints, routes and tracks from and to your GPS receiver and a variety of other programs. Really impressive is the review and play-back of your track logs with altitude or speed diagrams and a lot of options to play with.

Master Navigator Software is for laptops with Windows XP. No need for electronic maps. Just use your own scanned maps from any exotic place on Earth. The GPS software program is intended for GPS navigation with a moving map and allows the input of several different instruments. The main features: Fully automatic (no user interface needed... suited for mobile applications). Imperial or international units or mixture of both. Rich, detailed configuration. Easy-to-learn WINDOWS based user interface. Easy-to-use thanks to single key functions. Utilizes most features of modern graphics cards. Multi-lingual. Supports complete range of sensors. Up to eight channels of sensors in one system. GPS and other NMEA 0183 compatible sensors. Moving Map (will rotate to show direction, fast zoom). Instruments on map (speed, heading, altitude/depth, attitude, clock, etc.). Fly on map feature (find places on bad weather using virtual view). Trip meters, 4 different, measures trip, time and speed. Supports 150 different projections and 3000 datums around the world. Large projection/datum database (add your own definitions). Navigate routes and navigate to point functions. (Shows XTE, CMG, etc.). Autopilot output (standard NMEA autopilots: APA and APB). Supports most common image file formats (JPEG, BPM, GIF, BNG, TIF, etc.). You need 3D graphics acceleration on your PC (Hardware OpenGL support). (Minimum HW: Windows (XP), 800MHz CPU, 256Mb RAM, 32Mb OpenGL 3D graphics, 1024 x 768 res.). Several import/export formats: BSB, KAP, TIF-TFW, GIF-GFW, PNG-PGW, etc.

BackCountry Navigator (www.backcountrynavigator.com/) is GPS navigation software for outdoor recreation that runs on your Pocket PC. The GPS software displays topographic maps and aerial photography for the United States. When used with a GPS connected to your Pocket PC, it shows your location on a moving, multi-resolution map and guides you to waypoints you import, download or define. BackCountry Navigator is appropriate for all activities for which you would normally use a topographic map and compass or GPS

BackCountry Navigator has a number of benefits to the outdoor enthusiast: Navigate with color Topographic Maps describing terrain of land and waterways. Use Aerial Photography for a rich, overhead image of your area of interest. Download USGS Geographic Places for Points of Interest from over two million geographic features within the United States at the touch of a button.Download maps directly to your Pocket PC whenever connected to the internet without the need for desktop software, subscriptions, or CD Roms. Use public domain maps from TerraServer-USA with no additional cost or subscription needed. In other words, use *Free Maps* for any region of the United States.Create tiled maps that define the area of your adventure, without being limited by the boundaries of quads, counties, or states. Use multiple maps resolutions automatically to load the appropriate image as you zoom into or out of a map. Define unlimited Custom Waypoints for navigation with a tap of the screen. Use a Pocket PC GPS Receiver to show your location on a moving, multiresolution map of the wilderness. Import GPX files (GPS Exchange format) to use waypoints defined by friends or other internet users. Display geocache locations on your map and see formatted descriptions and hints. Use the full display capabilities of your VGA Pocket PC with 2003SE for crisp and sharp images.

Unlike many GPS software programs that are restricted to street and highway networks, GPS PAD can be used in any environment. Your position and movements can be tracked and analyzed with or without map material. Map material of any sort including aerial images can be converted with the accompanying desktop software for use with the program. Map material can also be added to previously logged journeys. Areas of applicability include hiking, biking, maritime navigation, surveying, geocaching, GPSdrawing and much more.

Features: Moving map navigation. Zoom in/zoom out. Panning function. Map overview with moving position navigation. Freehand drawing. Waypoints. GPS track recording and replay. Distance measurement. Signal strength, position and number of satellites. Height profile. Speed profile. Average speed. Elevation. Track length. Navigation to target. Target distance. Current speed, height and position. Arrow. Compass. Import NMEA, TomTom, Mobile Navigator, TOP 50. Export Top 50. Different display formats and units. Energy management. Battery status. Automatic backup file. Handbook.

System Requirements: GPS PAD GPS software runs with Windows Mobile 2003 and requires approx. 620 Kb of memory. It does NOT require any additional software packages. The program can also be installed on a memory card. Any NMEA 0183 GPS receiver can be used.

Andromeda Productions has some handy products for boaters. NAVTOOLS GPS connects your GPS navigation system to your PC using a NMEA0183 serial connection. Routes can be created or loaded from the NavTools Route application, where after NavTools GPS will continuously monitor your position, required course and speed and estimated time of arrival in each new waypoint.
NAVTOOLS ROUTE is a complete route planning application. Unlike any other similar application. NavTools Route is able to calculate the most economical engine rpm setting to reach your destination on schedule, taking into account average or predicted weather along the route (data will include wind speed and direction as well as wave heights and current). Many handy tools are included.
NAVTOOLS METEO is an easy to use small application to retrieve worldwide weather charts and information from the NOAA Internet servers. Files can be retrieved via email if you do not have an online Internet connection available (integrates seamlessly with most email programs, including Amos Mail).

From Italy comes OkMap, a program for the outdoor enthusiast, comparable to OziExplorer, but only for the PC.

The program allows you to calibrate rastermaps, as well as multi-layered vector maps. See next page for a full list of features: http://www.okmap.org

New from Russia is Octoox.

Octoox' features are:

1. General positioning Basic coordinate, altitude, speed, and heading information. Mark, store, go to, and measure distance to points of interest (POIs). Distance travelled, average and maximum speeds.

2. Speed limits and cameras Configurable "Exceeding preset maximum speed" alarm. Recording and sharing of the speed camera location and maximum speed.

3. WiFi mapping Requires a WiFi adapter. Mark positions where WiFi is available as you go.

ExpertGPS GPS software is a powerful tool for viewing, editing and mapping your GPS waypoints, routes and tracks. It downloads USGS Topo maps and aerial photos from the Internet (USA only), but you can load and calibrate your own (scanned) maps. Very useful for GeoCaching use, as it understands the GeoCaching.com format for downloading coordinates. With a laptop, connected to your GPS receiver, you can do real-time navigation. USAPhotoMaps is an exceptional, free tool developed and distributed by Doug Cox. Use it to automatically retrieve and display TerraServer aerial photos or topographic maps. The GPS software program also connects to GPS receivers to display tracks and waypoints or real-time locations. A companion utility, BigJPEG, merges TerraServer image tiles into geo-referenced files that can be used in other spatial mapping programs. GPSTrackMaker is feature rich, free GPS software that creates, edits and deletes track logs, routes and waypoints. You can use a lot of different map-formats with the program and its database contains more than 250 different datums. With a laptop computer and a GPS receiver, you can do real-time navigation. GPSTrackMaker Pro (GTM PRO) is for users that use the GPS software program professionally, in other words, for those users that need area calculation, data transfer for Microsoft Excel, import and export to AutoCad and ArcView, and other advanced functions. GPS Utility is a GPS software program for manipulating GPS information. Its list of supported file-formats is impressive. Using a scanned-in bitmap you can digitize waypoints, routes and tracks. This GPS software is particularly useful for editing and splicing together track and route segments. With a laptop computer, linked to a GPS receiver, your position will be shown in real-time on a moving map. Together with Terrain Viewer, 3D color rendering is possible. Memory-Map Navigator from Maptech is a full-featured electronic navigation package that displays high quality scanned (raster) charts and topographic maps. It interfaces with a GPS to plot your position in real time, and you can use it to program the GPS with routes and waypoints, and to download a track log from the GPS. You can print full color, high-resolution charts with your waypoints, routes and tracks. Pocket PC support is included. Their QuickChart Technology is really impressive. It provides instant zoom-in and zoom-out with the mouse wheel! Panning the map is real fast, dragging the map with the left mouse button. Also from Maptech is the Outdoor Navigator GPS software for pocket PC, Palm PDA and SmartPhones. For a modest annual fee you can download any of more than 60,000 U.S. Topo Maps 1 : 24/25,000, 1 : 100,000 and 1 : 250,000 scale and NOAA Nautical Charts, all scales from overview charts to harbor charts to your pocket PC, Palm or SmartPhone. Present coverage for continental United States and Alaska. With a NMEA-0183 GPS receiver connected, you can do real-time tracking on the map/chart of your choice. Waypoints can be entered on the screen with your finger or the stylus. You can navigate to the active waypoint. Our favorite for geo-referencing our own maps is OziExplorer, an interactive, raster image, trip planning and moving map GPS software which allows the user to add waypoints, routes and tracks to the map by simple point & click and then download these to a GPS receiver. Reads maps in various formats. Numerous datums, grid systems and map projections are supported. OziExplorerCE is an add-on, which enables the use on a pocket PC. It provides real-time navigation with moving map. It even chooses automatically the best map for the actual GPS position. GPS Manager (GPSMan) is a graphical manager of GPS data that makes possible the preparation, inspection and edition of GPS data in a friendly environment. The GPSMan GPS software supports communication and real-time logging with both Garmin, Lowrance and Magellan receivers and accepts real-time logging information in NMEA 0183 from any GPS receiver. GPSMan can also be used in command mode (with no graphical interface) One of the many features of GPSMan is making conversions of routes into tracks/ tracks into routes, by keeping a certain number (fixed by the user) of track points/ tracks into a waypoint taking the averages of the latitudes, longitudes and altitudes of the track points/ waypoints in a group into a waypoint taking the averages of their latitudes, longitudes and altitudes. Keith Sheppard's MapMan is a free map generating GPS software tool designed primarily for owners of Garmin GPS devices with mapping capability. However owners of other brand devices, devices without mapping, or even those who don’t own a GPS at all, may be able to make use of some of the features. MapMan GPS software allows you to scan in paper (or other) maps, or use maps downloaded from the Internet, and sketch over them to set up Waypoints and Routes to upload to your GPS. You can also download Waypoints, Routes and Tracks from your GPS and display them on screen However MapMan really comes into its own if you also have copies of the GPS software products cGPSMapper and SendMap Equipped with these additional products you can use MapMan to create home-made digital maps which can then be uploaded to a GPS device which supports mapping. Willem van Schaik’s GEM is a Win32 GPS software program that downloads maps and aerial photos from MapQuest, which provide a very good international coverage. The maps are stored to the hard-disk for later use as moving-map with a GPS receiver connected to your laptop. The program supports four different zoom-levels. PocketGEM is the version for pocket PCs. If you have Internet connections from your pocket PC, you can wirelessly download maps. In the other case you download maps via the PC and sync or copy them to the pocket PC. A "PPC with GEM" unit can be used as a rover to communicate its position to a GEM equipped base station, which is rather unique. TrackLogs Digital Mapping for Windows PC combines genuine Ordnance Survey digital maps with route planning and managing software. The software lets you print out OS maps over multiple sheets and routes, created in TrackLogs Digital mapping can be transferred to a compatible GPS receiver. IBIS is a set of mapping and navigation functions that uses data from a GPS receiver along with maps, GPS type road display and other various displays to provide a comprehensive navigation tool set. Features include: Support for marine charts in BSB, NOS/GEO and Maptech pcx published formats as well as DRG Geotiff format land maps and user scanned maps and charts in various formats. NMEA input, waypoint, route and track up- and download. Multiple Track creation and re-display. Trailgauge is accurate map route planning GPS software for Windows. It can use any bitmap image as a map e.g. scanned paper maps, images from internet map sites or commercial GIS raster data. The GPS software program supports hundreds of map projections and datums and can download tracks from a Garmin GPS receiver to analyze on your map. Full support for track logs, routes and waypoints. Motor bikers don't want to go fastest or shortest: They want to go curviest and nicest. Inexpensive PC-based motor bike tour planners will yield very good results on that, but they are not prepared for transmitting route data to handheld GPS-receivers. GPS-Route (German description, presently working for German planner outputs only) bridges this gap and converts route description outputs of those planners to multiple overlapping GPS routes automatically. Turn directives (left, right, roundabout exit no. etc.) are coded into the route point names, so they really lead along the way. An additional mode covers overlay files produced by the German/Austrian Top50 topographic map material. This is especially interesting for wanderers and bicycle tourers. Kevin Millican’s RealMaps is a mature mapping utility with enough guidance and forethought to help even beginners become competent cartographers and navigators. The GPS software is intended for the Psion Series 5 and other EPOC32 computers and also the Series 3(SIBO) platform. The program could be used for the following worldwide applications: an Atlas, Storage and Display of quality maps, either scanned or produced by PC applications for use on the move, Coastal navigation and GPS moving map display. A major feature of the GPS software is that it can integrate map images from any number of sources together to meet the user’s own requirements.

GPS Tuner from Megalith is a high precision measurement, mapping and geocaching tool for pocket PC. The GPS software program delivers more accurate positions than your GPS receiver can. All that is due to the Averaging Software Solution. The program can use JPG, GIF, PNG and BMP files as map, that can be easily calibrated (max 2000 x 2000 pixels). Tracks can be saved in the track log with selectable time interval. The moving map shows direction, waypoints and track. Waypoints can be added to the map and a target can be set. The Digital Compass display will guide you to this target. As soon as you are standing still automatic averaging is on. Trek-Tracker Pro is GPS software for real-time GPS navigation on the map of your choice, using the pocket PC environment. It is intended to be a navigational tool for people on foot. You can use numerous maps or scan your own maps, which can be geo-referenced with the program. It navigates on a map in any orientation. GPS Pilot’s Tracker for Palm PDAs is a GPS software navigation system with tracks logging. Track logs can be exported to a PC for exploitation in GIS applications. Maps can be loaded from anywhere from topo maps, marine charts, satellite images to street level or site plans. Included in the price is one year subscription to Vicinity maps, which have full coverage to house number location for USA, Canada and 18 European countries and city-to-city coverage for almost 40 other countries. The program supports wireless (or via modem) web access for map downloading. The GPS software program offers full support for the Garmin iQue and rotating screen on the TapWave Zodiac and Tungsten T3. GPS Pilot’s TripPilot for Palm PDA’s is a route planner with driving direction on interactive maps. Fulfill departure and destination address by typing a specific address (Full integration of the Palm Address Book), choosing a POI or locating yourself with GPS co-ordinates. The GPS software program supports 11 languages. For on-line cartography: Smartphone, wireless connection, land modem or PC-Internet gateway (MocchaPPP, SoftickPPP). For maps and device support: see Tracker above. With Fugawi GPS software you can easily create accurate digital maps from any scanned map or existing map database (i.e. BSB marine charts or USGS topographic maps).Then, in real-time navigation mode, your exact position is displayed on the map as you move and new maps are automatically loaded as you travel to new areas. You simply position waypoints, routes and tracks on your map with a click of the mouse and then upload them to your GPS receiver. For PC, pocket PC and Palm PDA. WinGPS Pro is GPS software developed by sailors for sailors. You can easily scan and calibrate charts to build up your own chart database, but the program supports calibrated digital charts of DKW, NKF/EuroSea, BSB (Maptech) and BSB/PCX-format (world-wide coverage). Making routes is easy by simply clicking on your chart. Dangerous or forbidden areas can be marked on the charts and you will be warned when entering such zones. Only for PC. With an inexpensive extra COM-port 4 NMEA instruments can be connected to the PC and software. GPS Map Explorer is a simple, but powerful GPS software program for PC to use with your Garmin GPS receiver. The main focus is on viewing and analyzing track logs in various ways. You can use your own scanned maps (GIF/JPG). GPS information can be imported/exported to/from Map Source, Ozi, Gardown and G7ToWin. The program can control an Auto Pilot for your boat. With this free GPS software program you can run multiple tracks on scanned maps. Touratech QV (TTQV) is GPS software for the PC and Palm PDA (not pocket PC). It displays your own scanned maps or you can select from a large number of ready calibrated map CD-ROMs / DVDs which Touratech QV can open directly. Just by using the mouse you can create waypoints, routes and tracks, which you can upload to your GPS receiver. It has powerful search functions and supports most NMEA equipment for navigation. PathAway is a moving map navigation program for Palm PDAs. It has added support for expandable Hi-res screens for OS5 devices like the Sony NR Series. You can ipmort your own maps using PathAway Tools or Touratech-QV. Maps can be obtained from mapping web sites, CD-ROM, scanned or digitally photographed. The program supports most popular Map Projections and Datums. Your track can be recorded and creating routes is simple by clicking points on the map. Data can be transferred from and to Garmin and Magellan receivers. Support for the Garmin iQue 3600 is now implemented in the program.
On October 4, 2004. MuskokaTech announced the release of the highly anticipated PathAway GPS 3 GPS software on the Windows Mobile (formerly Pocket PC) Handheld platform. This GPS software version offers all of the same power and functionality of the current version on the Palm OS platform.

PathAway Professional Edition contains all of the features of the Standard Edition PathAway GPS 4. In addition, PRO edition GPS software incorporates 2-way Tracking capabilities via Http and SMS (Simple Messaging Service). PathAway sends location information via internal Phone, or external Phone connected via Bluetooth. You can send your location automatically or manually to other PathAway PRO users, or to a tracking server. Use PathAway PRO to monitor positions of multiple users. Great for group travel, search and rescue operations, people tracking, or asset tracking.

MapCruiser is an electronic map viewer for marine and land navigation for PC that easily integrates with a GPS receiver for real-time navigation on digital charts and maps. The GPS software program has advanced chart printing and chart quilting. It is compatible with the following types of charts and maps: NDI (BSB), Maptech (BSB, Topo, RML, Tiff Data), SoftChart (NOS), ETopo (JPR), USGS (DRG) and GeoTiff. QuakeMap is a powerful GPS mapping program for PC that displays aerial and topo maps from Terraserver-USA and relief maps of the world. You can draw your route, print aerial and topo maps and see waypoints (including geocaches) on the map. Routes and waypoints can be loaded to a GPS receiver. Track logs can be loaded from the GPS receiver and analyzed. QuakeMap fetches earthquake information from several public ‘recent’ lists and overlays it on the map. EasyNav is a popular sea navigation GPS software for PC specially designed to be used by yachting enthusiasts anywhere on board, at home, as well as on rented vessels lacking instrument computer connecting capabilities. It enables navigation with or without GPS. Without GPS, it navigates by calculation from data the user enters in the logbook, including compass and mile register errors, leeway and stream. Several databases are included: Vessel configurator, Objects for navigation, Worldwide shorelines and chart imaging. It will be able to display simultaneously up to 100 mixed charts, designing a single image. GPSDash for pocket PC is able to interpret data from receivers that do support the NMEA-0183 protocol and presents the most significant data over a visual appealing dashboard. The GPS software shows your current position on your favorite map in nearly any available raster format. Map calibration is easy with two reference points and it automatically selects the best map, based on your current position. The created NMEA-data logs can be replayed in real time or accelerated. Topo-Fusion is GPS Mapping software for Windows. It downloads maps (Topo and Aerial Photo) automatically from Microsoft’s TerraServer and stores them on the hard drive. Topo and photo maps can be combined, using alpha blending, to visualize both at the same time. Can be used as real-time navigation software for your notebook. We played several hours with the demo-version of the program and it is really fantastic, but as TerraServer has degraded to USAServer a couple of years ago, there is no real use for it outside the USA. Navio GPS software from Tiny Stocks works with any serial or Bluetooth GPS device that supports the standard NMEA-0183 format. For PC and pocket PC, it tracks your position and moving progress on any map, that you have scanned in and geo-referenced, using two reference points. It lets you calculate the distance between any two points on the map and you can keep track of an unlimited number of waypoints. You can plot the course from waypoint to waypoint on the map. All GPS movement data can be saved and you can replay them later or see the entire route on the map. This program is great for traveling, hiking, geocaching, golfing and much more. VITO SmartMap from VITO Technology is a GPS software program for working with high resolution color maps for the pocket PC, that is compatible with CF and serial GPS receivers. The GPS software detects automatically the GPS receiver and supports vector and raster maps. The recorded track can be exported to a standard ESRI Shape file. The software package includes the free MapManager program for a desktop PC. MapManager GPS software allows a user to make a digital map from various data sources: ESRI Shape File format, scanned maps in the JPEG format and the tracks, recorded by SmartMap. MapManager converts maps to the VTM format to accelerate the working on a pocket PC.

The Eye4Software GPS Mapping software can be used for realtime navigation or positioning, route planning and to manage your maps, waypoints, tracks and GPS routes. The software supports different types of map formats like including: GeoTIFF, AutoCad DXF/DGN files, ESRI Shapefiles, BSB nautical charts and image files like GIF, BMP, JPG, TIF and PNG files, which can be calibrated using different map projections.

Waypoint, track and route information can be uploaded and downloaded to or from a GPS receiver supporting NMEA0183 or Garmin PVT (USB), or can be exported or imported to different file formats like Garmin PCX, GPS Exchange and OziExplorer files.

Applications of this software includes (home use): Hiking, cycling, running, boating and geocaching and (professional use): Research, track and trace, survey etc.

RoseLine is a high tech peak finder program for the PC that will create interactive maps and show you all the peaks visible from any viewpoint in Oregon or Washington.

The program helps you create maps that show what peaks are visible from a given viewpoint. copyright © GPS-practice-and-fun.com All Rights Reserved

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