GPS Systems : hottest emerging technology
Global Positioning system (GPS) is used to locate a specific geographic location. GPS provides specially coded satellite signals that can be processed in a GPS device, enabling the receiver to compute position, velocity and time. Major applications of a GPS system include locating cars, aircrafts, trucks etc. It can be used in tracking devices, surveying and to locate regions with drastic climatic conditions. But sometimes these navigation devices are proved to be a flop. Overcoming ChallengesThere can be many factors for the failure of a navigation system like Signal multipath, Number of satellites visible, Receiver clock errors, Intentional degradation of the satellite signal, Satellite geometry etc.
To overcome with the above said difficulties, you need to keep some points in mind. As you know firmware is a combination of software and hardware. These are actually computer chips that have data or programs recorded on them. Our GPS is embedded with firmware. It is very important to update your firmware with time because it will append new features to your GRS. These updates are typically rolled out once a year or it can be half yearly. Make it more frequent. It will add new locations to the previous locations.
During the use of GPS system, you will get directory information which helps to find out locations. The directory information can be seen if the satellite is unlocked. So, in order to make a GPS system faster, unlock the satellite and expose your GPS under an open sky for 20 minutes. As a result you can fasten the working speed of a satellite.
These navigation systems basically run after the geographical maps. You need to update these maps more frequently in a rapidly developing area because new locations are supposed to be there. Some companies provide free updating facility of maps. Navigon owners, the company in providing free map upgrade facility.
Generally we get location information on through a MP3 player or a cell phone or on a display screen provided with the GPS system. Using car speakers is a good choice rather than a small phone. This will lead to more clarity.
GPS units are some of the hottest gadgets around, which are really expensive. These type of gadgets are more prone to theft, so as a precautionary step you should take off your system with you if you are going to leave your vehicle for a long time at an isolated place or you can remove the suction cup mount from the windshield to avoid stealing of the system.
GPS systems would soon be at an arms length for each one of us and would prove to be an integral part of our daily world.
Shalini Ale/ITvoir Network