All about GPS Systems

GPS Systems


A portable GPS is an electronic satellite navigation system designed for use in cars, emergency service units, courier trucks and aircraft. Developed by the Department of Defense, the satellite system uses Global Positioning System to acquire positional data to locate the user on a specific road in the unit's map-filled database, by using satellites positioned in fixed orbits. Utilization of the database means the unit can give focused directional instructions of how to reach locations along other roads that are also stored in the database. Cobra NAV ONE Traffic Ready Portable Mobile Navigation System is one such device and is available from Midwest Merchandise at: http://www.midwest-merchandise.com.

Specifically, the GPS system measures the distance or range between satellites and the receiver, whether the receiver is mobile or stationary. The satellites provide data concerning their position in orbit by broadcasting data to the receiver. If the exact distance from the satellite in space is known, the radius of the position is equal to the distance of the satellite radius. The receiver processes the satellite range measurements and produces a read out of its position on the receiver monitor.

GPS navigation systems are used by U.S. military forces. Soldiers have performed maneuvers at night, given frequent desert sandstorms in geographical areas such as Iraq. During Operation Desert Storm GPS units were carried by soldiers on the ground and were attached to helicopters, vehicles and aircraft instrument panels.
GPS is helping to save lives, and it enabled rescuers to locate
and free trapped miners in Pennsylvania. Many emergency medical service units, police and fire departments use GPS receivers to determine which of their units is nearest to an emergency. GPS can also assist fire supervisors in quickly plotting the perimeter of a forest fire and can also produce updated data and maps before sending firemen into hot spots.
Vehicle tracking is currently a fast-growing use of the GPS application. Delivery trucks and couriers services use portable receivers, such as the Cobra NAV One Traffic Ready Portable Navigation System, to monitor their location at all times. This provides them with safety and efficiency.
GPS-equipped balloons monitor holes in the ozone layer and test air quality throughout the nation. Archaeologists, explorers and biologists use GPS to locate ancient ruins, migrating and endangered species.

Many rental car companies have installed GPS systems into vehicles so their customers receive the added value and security of not getting lost while on vacation or on a time-sensitive business trip. Not all car rental companies offer the GPS system, with the goal of keeping down cost. This makes purchasing a portable unit more appealing to the individual user, because it can be used anywhere, any day.

The Cobra NAV One Traffic Ready Portable Navigation System includes:

· 5" touch screen high-res ultra-bright color display
· iA.S.S.P technology for fast satellite acquisitions and uninterrupted signal reception
· Pre-loaded with North America street level detailed maps
· SD memory card expansion slot
· Automatic route navigation
· Includes 12V cigarette lighter plug, 120V AC adapter, windshield suction-cup mounting bracket and dash mount kit.