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Gone are the days of needing to carry a separate dedicated device you help you navigate; GPS apps for smartphones are on the rise. Emily maps the landscape of GPS apps and steers you towards some of the unique features of each.
Garmin road maps can be downloaded onto Garmin GPS devices and Garmin Nuvifones, which are Android-based smartphones. If your Garmin device will not sync, you may be using out-of-date USB drivers, or Windows Media Player may need to be updated. It’s also possible that you don’t have Garmin Communicator installed on your computer or sync has not been enabled on the Garmin device.
Once a year, Garmin releases a new map for its global positioning systems. The current map is an expansion of the one that came before it, highlighting new points of interest, showing new buildings and correcting last year's errors. The 2011 Garmin map features several changes and improvements over the 2010 map.
A Garmin handheld GPS unit and Google Maps are separate products, but you can use them in conjunction in interesting ways. Whether you are executing a trip you planned online, locating geocaching waypoints or sharing your impromptu journeys, using a Garmin GPS unit with Google Maps lets you link your online life to the great outdoors.
U.S. government-owned Global Positioning System satellites make it possible for your car to tell you how to get from home to just about anywhere. Handheld devices such as phones and tablets can also help you find specific locations if those devices have GPS capabilities. You will also find them useful when hiking, boating or exploring new locations. After reading the GPS coordinates that your handheld device provides, you can go to Google maps, feed that information into it and view your current location on a map.
The crisp, large displays of modern tablet computers and their quick access to Wi-Fi or cellular data connections make reading maps a breeze. However, many low-priced tablets lack the necessary antennae to receive GPS satellite fixes. The solution is to pair your handheld GPS unit with the tablet's superior map-display capability to bring your navigation plotting to a higher level of precision. Mixing the two devices brings out the best of each while eliminating the worst of both.
Few things ruin a trip like unintentionally getting lost. A handheld GPS device can help you get from point A to point B safely and on time – but your smartphone also has this capability when it's equipped with the necessary software. Although both types of devices help you navigate, smartphones and handheld GPS units differ in certain respects, primarily in terms of durability and mapping features.
A handheld Global Positioning Systems unit runs anywhere from under $100 to over $600, depending on the quality, the screen size and the number of services it provides. However, no matter what you spend, there's the possibility the data will be out of date when you need it: The TomTom GPS company states roads change an average of 18 percent every year as businesses move, street names change, speed limits go up or down, and new roads open. Update your GPS device's maps on a regular basis in order to have exact, current information.
Garmin’s line of satellite navigation devices offers options to suit every user. One customization feature enables you to choose from a variety of different map packages, depending on the particular device. While most units come pre-loaded with standard maps for your region, you may have a few options to choose from when ordering.
A waypoint coordinate is any of a set of numbers that define the location of a point on the surface of the Earth in terms of its latitude, longitude and, often, its altitude. Users of the Global Positioning System -- a satellite-based navigation system -- can create waypoints by entering waypoint coordinates into a GPS receiver, or by saving the receiver’s current position as a waypoint.
The touchscreen on a Garmin nuvi GPS usually loses sensitivity or stops responding if it's lost calibration. This usually happens after prolonged usage. Touchscreen problems are also caused by dirt, smudges and improper care. If your Garmin nuvi's screen isn't performing as expected, Garmin provides solutions and tips to not only improve the device's performance, but prevent premature wear and tear.
The Garmin nuvi 260W relies on computers for system updates and transferring updated maps. However, even though the GPS is compatible with Windows Vista operating systems, the computer won't recognize it as a removal hard disk if the USB connection is faulty or if the device isn't performing as expected. Garmin provides solutions to solving USB connection problems to maximize the nuvi 260W's performance with Windows Vista for high-speed USB data transfers.
Garmin's MapGPS 72 and MapGPS 76 are no longer in production, although as of the time of publication, both are still readily available. The biggest single difference between the two GPS receivers is that one provides a street map or harbor display, while the other merely points the shortest route to a destination.
The .at5 file extension is associated with mapping and global positioning systems programs produced by Lowrance, a software and electronics manufacturer for anglers, recreational boaters and other sports enthusiasts. AT5 files work primarily with Lowrance MapCreate and NauticPath programs, but can be opened using other applications from the same manufacturer. These files are meant to work with the company's proprietary GPS and fish finder systems, and are not compatible with ordinary computers.
The Garmin Nuvi 255W GPS unit supports computer connectivity through a miniature USB cable. Garmin does not supply the mini-USB cable with the device. Many electronic devices with computer connectivity support USB connections via mini-USB. Some of the cables supplied with those electronic devices are compatible with the Garmin Nuvi 255W.
Jailbroken iPhones have been unlocked from iTunes and can install software from the independent Cydia app store. This software isn't required to pass through Apple's approvals process, so often contains functions and operations that are otherwise prohibited on the App Store. This includes emulators, such as the GPS Phone app -- officially written as "gpSPhone" -- which mimic the hardware of older gaming systems. GpSPhone is a Game Boy Advance emulator, mimicking the handheld Nintendo console on your iOS device.
The Global Positioning System, called GPS, allows drivers to find any location in the world with little effort. Since the GPS is primarily used in automobiles, devices that support the technology must be mounted to the dashboard. While GPS mounts are manufactured and sold anywhere the GPS is available, they often require mounting modifications that can damage the dashboard. Save money and use a few simple fabrication techniques to make a GPS mount that won't damage your dashboard.
The MapSource software lets you create and store your own maps for addresses and directions. The software imports any IMG file format so that you can edit maps from other programs such as Garmin IMG file format. After the IMG file imports into the MapSource software, you can edit the map or convert it to a new file format for your programs.
Windows Phone devices feature built-in GPS that is used for a variety of phone applications such as maps, camera and search to provide location-related search results. Windows Phone developers can use the location-related information on the .NET framework. For testing your Windows Phone applications, you don’t have to actually drive along the path to debug your applications, thanks to the Windows Phone GPS Emulator. The GPS emulator enables you to debug your applications on the emulator or on a real device at home. You can make the GPS emulator work, for example, on your iPhone.
Your Garmin Nuvi 780 comes with a lithium-ion battery that charges when connected to a car adapter or computer via USB cable. If you leave the Nuvi attached to the USB charger, the battery lasts indefinitely. Once you take the Nuvi off the charger, you need to charge it again within a few hours. Changing a few settings on the Nuvi results in longer battery life, so you do not need to charge it as often.
Alongside its collection of handheld geocaching devices, two-ray radios and flight decks, automotive global positioning systems form the bread and butter of Garmin's product lineup. Though users of the Garmin Nuvi 255W, an entry-level GPS since replaced with upgraded Nuvi models, cannot download Google Maps to the unit, the device does interact with personal computers in other ways. More recent Garmin Nuvi GPS units offer limited forms with Google Maps compatibility.
As surveyors and geographers establish elevation for development purposes, spatial appraisal or cartographic record, a hiker often wants his own assessment while on the trail or in the bush. Technology that accurately ascertains elevation is increasingly in the hands of the layperson, while old-fashioned gauges are still useful for plotting a day’s trek or choosing a secure campsite.
Some older models of the Garmin Nuvi, such as the Garmin Nuvi 200W, lack the option to set the keyboard to QWERTY. This makes typing address information difficult, if not annoying. Fortunately, you have a way around this issue. To enable the QWERTY keyboard on your Nuvi, you can manually edit a language file. You need a computer with a text editor installed.
The Raytheon GPS's sensor, antenna and receiver's location directly affects its strength. The cable that connects the receiver and sensor must also be installed correctly for the equipment to operate with the least amount of interference. Check these things before going to sea and you will confidently sail with a more reliable signal reception.
Like a radar detector, your handheld global positioning system includes a mounting bracket that attaches to your vehicle’s windshield or dashboard. The bracket contains a swiveling component that attaches to the back of your GPS. When you twist the component to the “Lock” position, your GPS unit will not shift or fall off of the bracket. When you need or want to remove your GPS from the bracket, twist the swiveling component to the “Unlock” position.
The Garmin Nuvi 265T is a portable GPS navigation unit that features a color quarter video graphics array and thin film transistor back-lit display, rechargeable battery, preloaded maps, real-time traffic monitoring and several programmable features. When considering mounting options for the GPS unit, it is important to abide by local and state laws that may prohibit installation on the windshield due to safety issues. Mounting the unit on a vehicle's dashboard may help reduce visibility issues while driving and allow for better routing of accessory cables or components connected to the device.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X is a computer application that puts you in the cockpit of an airplane and lets you maneuver through real-world flying situations. The application includes an actual three-dimensional cockpit and the ability to take off, land and communicate with virtual air traffic controllers. Microsoft FSX also lets you fly in a variety of weather conditions and review your flying performance at the end of your flight.
A GPS locator map is a map that is displayed by a Global Positioning System to provide a visual guide in addition to the audio directions generally provided by such systems. The level of detail can vary from device to device, as can the size and design of the display.
The Garmin Communicator plug-in allows you to convert maps from Google Maps to files compatible with the MapSource. The MapSource software is used to manage your Garmin maps, tracks and point-of-interest files. It is also the application used to sync map data to your Garmin GPS device.
Unlock the maps located on the myGarmin website for the Garmin Nuvi 250 by transferring the unlock codes to the Garmin GPS unit. The Garmin Nuvi 250 communicates with the myGarmin website via the Garmin Communicator Plugin. You must set up a myGarmin account and install the Garmin Communicator Plugin before accessing the unlock codes. After the codes have been transferred to the Garmin unit, the extra maps are unlocked and available for download.
Global positioning system (GPS) receivers come in a wide variety of formats, from those that are mounted and integrated into cars and phones to dedicated handheld devices. A problem faced by every variety of GPS receiver, however, is reception problems due to interference from radio signals operating around the same frequency as the L1 and L2 GPS frequencies in a user's particular vicinity. Fortunately, there are special antennas that are manufactured for the purpose of filtering out radio frequencies, and installing them is a fairly straightforward process.
Garmin GPS fitness devices help you keep track of your workouts using a combination of GPS maps and the Training Center computer program. Even though Garmin’s Training Center uses the maps already available on your Garmin GPS device, you must install the program on your computer and install the workouts on your device to view the Training Center workouts on a map. All of this can be done from your Internet-enabled computer using the USB data cable that came with your Garmin device.
One of the main user-friendly features of the Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS is its voice navigation system. When you enter a destination into the GPS, the device's voice will work in conjunction with the map on the screen to help you reach your destination. If you do not like the sound of the Nuvi 350's default voice, you can change it.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76 is a handheld GPS unit with a proprietary data port. Its cable is configured to connect to a serial port on a PC, but serial ports are relatively rare on computers as of publication in 2011. You can get around this limitation using a serial-to-USB adapter cable. Once you have connected the GPS to the computer, enable serial mode through the menus to update maps and transfer files.
The picture you see when you turn on your Garmin GPS is called the splash screen. The regular splash screen shows the Garmin logo, but you can change it to a custom image using a computer and the USB cable that came with the device. Once you have uploaded the image to your Garmin, change the boot picture through the settings on the device.
The App Store has several family tracking apps that use the iPhone GPS to tell a family member where you are at a given moment. The GPS can drain the battery quickly, or you may be in a situation where you do not want to be tracked. Through the iPhone's Settings menu, you can disable the Location Service entirely, or you can disable it for selected apps.
The Garmin Nuvi 265 is a global positioning system device, or GPS, that has comes with pre-loaded maps installed at the factory. The 265 is part of the Nuvi 205 GPS series. Individual maps can be disabled by adjusting the customization settings. Any of the pre-installed maps that came with the unit can be re-activated by using the settings and configuration menus.
The 250W and 255W are portable automobile global positioning system devices developed by Garmin. Both devices are part of the company's Nuvi 200 series of entry-level GPS products. Garmin released both devices in 2008. Though the 250W and 255W are similar in terms of design and application, they differ somewhat in terms of specifications.
Launched in 2009, Foursquare is a location-based mobile application accessed by more than 10 million smartphone users, at the date of publication. Members use Foursquare to "check in" to restaurants, movie theaters, airports and just about any other place that can be read by their phone's GPS. According to Foursquare, 3 million check ins were occurring every day as of April 2011. For both users and businesses, Foursquare has several advantages that make it an addictive application.
Released in 2010, the Sanyo Zio, also known as the Kyocera Zio M6000, was met with mixed reviews when it first hit the market. CNET Reviews praised the smartphone for its design and call quality, but was unimpressed with its operating system and speakerphone quality. In spite of its shortcomings, the Zio comes with an assortment of features that are advantageous to the user.
Garmin GPS units come with maps pre-installed on the SD card, but you can add more maps to this card using the Garmin MapSource software. The maps are loaded on to the SD card through this software, and you can insert the card into a compatible Garmin GPS to use the new maps.
Finding satellite coordinates is a technical way of discussing latitude and longitude. The Global Positioning System and hand held GPS devices enabled by global satellites have made the long form of mapping all but obsolete for most travelers. According to the National Academy of Scienes, "On June 26, 1993...the U.S. Air Force launched the 24th Navstar satellite into orbit, completing a network of 24 satellites known as" GPS. Still, you can easily calculate your location for mapping purposes using a land survey. Points with or without an address can be determined using maps, GPS or several free geocoding websites.
The popular navigation website MapQuest allows you to plan the route for a trip using the many features on the site and then download the information to your Garmin global positioning system unit. You can then use the Garmin GPS to follow the route and locate points of interest along the way. Before you can download the route information, install a browser plugin that allows the MapQuest website to interface with the GPS device.
The Garmin StreetPilot c550 is a handheld mobile GPS with features including preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, an extensive database detailing various points of interest (POIs); the ability to make hands-free calls when connected to a compatible Bluetooth wireless device, and a traffic receiver to alert you to possible delays. Another basic function of the c550 is the ability to create a route to get you from your current location to either your home or another chosen destination. This is done by utilizing the options available with the touchscreen display menus.
The Angry Birds game by Rovio is a popular game on mobile devices. Most versions of Angry Birds support small ads that allow the game to continue to be free. There are a couple of ways these ads can be removed.
Garmin, known more for its production of GPS devices than mobile phones, released the Garmin-Asus nuvifone A50 on June 9, 2010, exclusively for T-Mobile. CNET Australia praised the smartphone for its GPS application and overall performance, but criticized it for its appearance and user interface. Taking a closer look at these and other aspects of the phone's features will give you the information you need to decide if the phone is a worthwhile purchase.
The LG Ally smartphone includes several features that are designed to make your experience with the phone easier and more enjoyable. Among the features is the ability to pair with another Bluetooth-enabled device and connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth feature allows you to pair with another device for data transferring. The Wi-Fi feature can help you avoid using your phone's cellular data. Adding bookmarks allows you to quickly access a favorite site at any time.
"Angry Birds" is an application that originally was released on the Apple iPhone in 2009. Since then it has become available on Andriod phones and other devices. You help a group of flightless birds destroy evil green pigs that have stolen the bird's eggs in the game. Users playing the free version of "Angry Birds" have to deal with advertisements that get displayed across the top of the screen, which can interfere with gameplay. Thankfully, there is a way for users to keep these ads off their screen.
A TomTom is a portable Global Positioning System, or GPS, navigational unit that helps people travel from one destination to another destination. Most TomToms come with an itinerary feature that helps you set up planned routes. This feature is a great time-saver when you're traveling and making multiple stops along a planned route. Once a route's imported, the TomTom assists to keep you on route regardless of how many times you leave the route.
"Angry Birds" is a popular application for mobile phones. The physics game involves using a slingshot to shoot birds at pigs stationed on various structures. Depending on your cell phone provider, the free application often includes different forms of advertisements. When playing "Angry Birds," an ad appears on and off along the top of your playing screen. The game also pauses at times to play a video advertisement. Several different options exist so that you can disable the ads on "Angry Birds."
