subject: Choosing Gps Navigation Software [print this page] GPS systems are becoming more and more popular these days because of the features they offer as well as how efficient they are for drivers on the roads today. A GPS system, if you have chosen the correct one, can help you navigate cities you have never driven in before and get from one state to another on roads that do not have a lot of landmarks to reference during the trip. Road trip enthusiasts who take their trips using an RV or recreational vehicle commonly use GPS systems. They are doing so much driving that they do not want to use a paper map. It is still in your best interest to learn how to read a paper map in the event that your GPS system malfunctions during your trip.
When choosing your GPS navigation software, you should make sure the navigation system comes with a feature that detects traffic and helps you avoid it altogether. Knowing ahead of time that there is a traffic incident on your route, or on a route you are about to travel, helps you avoid the delay and keep to your schedule. For the most part, coverage is limited to only major cities and major roadways, such as Interstates, but some GPS systems provide this service for almost all roads of the country.
Other GPS features you should look for when choosing a new system include a detour feature, the ability to mount the system, voice recognition, spoken directions and screen size. If you approach an area of your route with an accident, an active construction zone, or a major traffic delay and your GPS has a detour feature this will help you get around the problem. Most GPS systems have a detour button, which once it is pushed, will reroute your trip around the problem so that you are not stuck in a jam.
Screen size is another important feature of an excellent GPS system. If the screen is too small to see you will have trouble reading directions, viewing the map, or plugging in your travel route. Do not struggle with viewing the screen on your GPS because if you do you could give yourself a headache. Spoken directions are a very important feature that not all GPS systems come with these days. It is easier to have the directions spoken aloud to you while you are driving then to look continually at the screen of the system to read them or view the map. The GPS voice will tell you exactly where to turn and what landmarks are coming up so you know ahead of time what to do next.
Make sure the GPS system you choose can be mounted to your dashboard or your windshield so you do not have to hold it in your hand while driving. A mounted GPS system, in the proper spot, will allow you to see the screen perfectly from the driver's seat. Voice recognition is another amazing feature of GPS systems because you can speak to the GPS system, telling it what you want it to do.
