subject: Gps Navigation Systems: The Ultimate In Location Technology [print this page] Ever since the dawn of time, man has been finding ways in which to make his travel in the world easier and safer. Dependable methods have to be created to make travel as comfortable and as simple as possible. Thus, over the years, one can see the development of navigation systems, from the use of radio signals to what it is today, a satellite based system known as GPS navigation systems.
Having been made available just a few years ago, the system allows for people to accurately tell where they are in the world. For those who are keen to know how the system was created, below is its history and how it changed the world of traveling and location as people know it.
The roots of the GPS navigation Systems began when scientists tried to find ways to tell time as accurately as possible. The creation of atomic clocks heralded the birth of GPS because the clocks, which were placed all over the world, showed that there were discrepancies in global time. Scientists would soon use their information in creating the GPS system.
In the 1950s, the Russians launched Sputnik into space and they sound found out that it could be used to find locations on the ground. This was done by beaming a signal to the satellite which was reflected back to Earth. The travel of the signal showed the location of the satellite relative to a specific point on the planet. The US Navy then realized the potential of this method in their military tactics. So, the US Government launched their own satellites to orbit.
Later on, it was realized that more satellites strategically placed all around the globe can create a clear view of the planet. It was in 1993 that the whole GPS system was born when the 24th of the 24 satellites was launched. All of the 24 satellites are positioned to ensure that anyone anywhere in the world can find out his or her location using a GPS navigation device.
For those in the market for a GPS navigation System, the choices can be confusing since there are so many companies producing them right now. However, many experts in the device believe that there are just a couple of companies that produce the best GPS machines. The list includes the companies named Navigon, Mio, Magellan, Garmin, and Tom Tom. Mio's C520 is so sleek many use it as a video player while still packing all the punches a great GPS system should have. Navigon's 7200T has voice address entry, 3d Landmark renderings, Bluetooth, and an amazing text to speech function.
Those who want to give other companies a try should read reviews about the products first so as to make sure that the gadgets work well.
