GPS devices have become very popular in the last few years. GPS (an acronym for Global Positioning System) uses a network of orbiting satellites that can combine information and then send a signal to a GPS receiver telling it where it is located on the planet. Advanced models have built in mapping information and can translate their position onto a map.  This blog will provide GPS Reviews of various devices.

Navigation while traveling in vehicles (including cars and airplanes) has become one of the main uses of GPS technology.  Often a screen is included that can show your current location on a map.  More expensive GPS systems have a built in voice modulator that will give you vocal instructions while you are driving, tell you how far you are from your destination and how long it will take to get there.

Some even have real-time local traffic data feeds so that the unit can determine a route around accidents or heavy traffic areas. The mapping systems often include the locations of various retail establishments as well as points of interest.

As the technology get smaller and less expensive, GPS tracking becomes available for more and more applications, such as keeping track of children and pets. Most cell phones now come with a built in GPS tracking device.

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In the past, it was difficult for farmers to correlate production techniques and crop yields with land variability. This limited their ability to develop the most effective soil/plant treatment strategies that could have enhanced their production. Today, more precise application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and better control of the dispersion of those chemicals are possible through precision agriculture, thus reducing expenses, producing a higher yield, and creating a more environmentally friendly farm.

Man operating farm equipment Precision agriculture is now changing the way farmers and agribusinesses view the land from which they reap their profits. Precision agriculture is about collecting timely geospatial information on soil-plant-animal requirements and prescribing and applying site-specific treatments to increase agricultural production and protect the environment. Where farmers may have once treated their fields uniformly, they are now seeing benefits from micromanaging their fields. Precision agriculture is gaining in popularity largely due to the introduction of high technology tools into the agricultural community that are more accurate, cost effective, and user friendly. Many of the new innovations rely on the integration of on-board computers, data collection sensors, and GPS time and position reference systems.

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GPS satellites are much simpler than most people think. They cannot track you. They don’t have comprehensive map databases like Google Earth. In fact, they have no knowledge of anything on the ground.

GPS satellites are just beacons, like lighthouses, that tell you where they are in space. They do not tell you where you are. Your navigation device uses the satellites as reference points to determine your coordinates on the Earth in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude.

Of course, raw coordinates are useless without a map. The earliest GPS receivers did not have built-in maps, so users had to plot their coordinates on paper maps to navigate. Only in recent years has the technology existed to include digital mapping features in affordable navigation devices. Even today, many GPS units don’t come with maps — for example, tracking devices used on prisoners and animals.

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The FAA's plan to provide PNT services requires implementation of two GPS augmentation systems, the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS). Both systems improve the accuracy, availability, and integrity needed to support continuous all-weather use of GPS as a primary means of navigation and automated dependent surveillance (ADS-B) within the NAS.

The GNSS Team, along with other FAA organizations and numerous governmental and non-governmental agencies, are all supporting a smooth transition to satellite navigation.

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* Integrity – the ability of a system to provide timely warnings to users when the system should not be used for navigation or other purposes.

* Accuracy – the difference between a GPS-measured position at any given time and the actual or true position.

* Availability – the ability of a system to be used for navigation when and where ever it is needed by the users.

A number of agencies and private firms are implementing augmentation systems that will improve the services available to civilian GPS users. These augmentations cover a wide range of geographical areas, up to continental distances.

Augmentations of GPS to meet user requirements are most commonly accomplished using a technique known as “differential GPS” or DGPS. A DGPS reference station is used to continuously monitor GPS signals in a given area. Since the position of the reference station has been precisely surveyed, any errors in the satellite signals themselves can be calculated and corrections broadcast to users in the area. The user’s DGPS receiver applies the correction message to improve the accuracy of its own position. The DGPS broadcast may also include integrity warnings for any satellite signals that should not be used. Additionally, the DGPS service can broadcast a GPS-like signal to improve the accuracy and availability of GPS services.

Another form of GPS augmentation uses a transmitter on the ground to transmit GPS-like signals. These transmitters act like pseudo-GPS satellite or “pseudolites.” In situations where signals from GPS satellites are blocked or obscured, such as in urban canyons or deep valleys, pseudolites can provide an additional source of GPS signals to improve the availability of GPS service. Pseudolites may be placed in fixed or mobile locations or mobile and transmit on frequencies close to or far from GPS itself depending on local conditions.

Aviation augmentation systems system will support all phases of flight and enable improvements to the safety and efficiency of global air transportation. Maritime and rail transportation will also see improvements in safety and efficiency through the use of GPS augmentation systems. State and local governments are using GPS augmentations in such diverse areas as inventory management, road-condition mapping, land use management, geographic information systems, and traffic databases. Of particular importance are GPS uses by emergency response services such as police, fire, and rescue units.

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A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you’re running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

To help you out, it’s worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?

Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?

How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?

What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav’s, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 ‘AA’ batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav’s, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones’ wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone’s location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

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* The United States Government recognizes that GPS plays a key role around the world as part of the global information infrastructure and takes seriously the responsibility to provide the best possible service to civil and commercial users worldwide. This is as true in times of conflict as it is in times of peace.

* The U.S. Government also maintains the capability to prevent hostile use of GPS and its augmentations while retaining a military advantage in a theater of operations without disrupting or degrading civilian uses outside the theater of operations.

* We believe we can ensure that GPS continues to be available as an invaluable global utility at all times, while at the same time, protecting U.S. and coalition security requirements.

GPS STATUS AND OUTAGE INFORMATION

Information concerning maintenance outages, satellite launches and removals, and notices of changes to GPS operations are posted on this website and are distributed by free subscription to our List Server. This information is generated by the Air Force 2nd Space Operations (2SOPs) as operators of the GPS system.

From our site, you may view or download the latest and archived GPS satellite information such as status messages, precise ephemeris data, and almanacs. Specific, operational GPS information may be obtained from the links below or from the links on blue navigation menu bar at the left.

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GPS is managed by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Executive Committee, supported by the PNT Executive Secretariat (http://www.pnt.gov). The PNT manages GPS and U.S. Government augmentations to GPS, consistent with national policy, to support and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness and productivity while protecting national security and foreign policy interests.

The basic GPS is defined as the constellation of satellites, the navigation payloads which produce the GPS signals, ground stations, data links, and associated command and control facilities which are operated and maintained by the Department of Defense; the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) as the civil and commercial service provided by the basic GPS; and augmentations as those systems based on the GPS that provide real-time accuracy greater than the SPS. GPS permits land, sea, and airborne users to determine their three dimensional position, velocity, and time, 24 hours a day in all weather, anywhere in the world.

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The National Executive Committee is chaired jointly by the Deputy Secretaries of Defense and Transportation. Its membership includes equivalent-level officials from the Departments of State, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Homeland Security, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff and NASA. Components of the Executive Office of the President participate as observers to the National Executive Committee, and the FCC Chairman participates as a liaison.

A National Coordination Office located in Washington, D.C., provides day-to-day staff support to the National Executive Committee. It consists of an interagency staff headed by Director Anthony Russo. The National Coordination Office is a point of contact for inquiries regarding PNT policy.

An Advisory Board provides independent advice to the National Executive Committee through its sponsor agency, NASA.

Several working groups support the National Executive Committee through staff-level, interagency collaboration on specific topics.

The National Executive Committee for Space-Based PNT replaced the Interagency GPS Executive Board (IGEB), which oversaw GPS policy matters from 1996 to 2004.

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Instrumentation is another application that requires precise timing. Distributed networks of instruments that must work together to precisely measure common events require timing sources that can guarantee accuracy at several points. GPS-based timing works exceptionally well for any application in which precise timing is required by devices that are dispersed over wide geographic areas. For example, integration of GPS time into seismic monitoring networks enables researchers to quickly locate the epicenters of earthquakes and other seismic events.

Power lines Power companies and utilities have fundamental requirements for time and frequency to enable efficient power transmission and distribution. Repeated power blackouts have demonstrated to power companies the need for improved time synchronization throughout the power grid. Analyses of these blackouts have led many companies to place GPS-based time synchronization devices in power plants and substations. By analyzing the precise timing of an electrical anomaly as it propagates through a grid, engineers can trace back the exact location of a power line break.

Some users, such as national laboratories, require the time at a higher level of precision than GPS provides. These users routinely use GPS satellites not for direct time acquisition, but for communication of high-precision time over long distances. By simultaneously receiving the same GPS signal in two places and comparing the results, the atomic clock time at one location can be communicated to the other. National laboratories around the world use this “common view” technique to compare their time scales and establish Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). They use the same technique to disseminate their time scales to their own nations.

New applications of GPS timing technology appear every day. Hollywood studios are incorporating GPS in their movie slates, allowing for unparalleled control of audio and video data, as well as multi-camera sequencing. The ultimate applications for GPS, like the time it measures, are limitless.

As GPS becomes modernized, further benefits await users. The addition of the second and third civilian GPS signals will increase the accuracy and reliability of GPS time, which will remain free and available to the entire world.

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