by Thomas Buff

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 20, 2009

Automotive Navigation Systems

Have you ever been lost in the middle of nowhere, the only thing between you and your destination in a screaming spouse who insists you should have looked at the map or asked for directions? I am sure that has happened to you at least once (or twice) while enjoying a pleasant drive in the county. Well, those days are over thanks to the newest craze in automotive gadgetry, the Automotive Navigation System.

GPS, or global positioning systems, utilize satellites in space to determine, with a high degree of accuracy, the position of a special GPS receiver here on Earth. Pilots and the military have used this knowledge for many years to navigate around the world. When installed in an automobile, the system is normally called an Automotive Navigation System.

Automotive Navigation Systems have been around for some time. In fact, Alpine developed one of the first systems in 1981. Magellan, a GPS navigation system manufacturer, created a GPS based vehicle system in 1995. Oldsmobile introduced the first GPS system available in a production car called Guide Star the same year. But it was not until the year 2000 that the U.S. made a more accurate navigation signal available via satellites for non military use. Thus began the navigation craze.

Most of the early hand-held GPS units were not that useful for drivers because they simply provided latitude and longitude coordinates that could be plotted on a map. Today's GPS systems have the ability to determine your exact position. Once a destination is entered, a synthesized voice guides you through step by step directions to get to the selected site. If you bypass the location entered, the GPS will tell you how to get back on track.

There are three types of in-car GPS systems available currently on the market today:

In-dash, or factory installed systems

Many automakers are currently offering these systems and they are commonly integrated into the radio system.

Dash-Mounted

These units are self contained and are easily installed on the dashboard, or windshield. There are many types of dash-mounted systems available. They range in price from under a hundred dollars, to five hundred dollars. They can be moved to different vehicles in minutes. These are the most popular type of GPS in use today.

Portable or handheld

This type of navigation system is popular among hunters and campers. They are rechargeable and contain their own power source.

The most important factor to consider on deciding whether to buy a GPS system is to consider the safety factors. These systems are of great help when driving at night for better road awareness, and for use on crowded interstates. The system will tell you when a lane change is necessary.

The GPS system can help you avoid the distractions involved with reading a road map, or looking for road signs. In this case, a voice will tell you where to turn as you come upon a change of direction. It can even prevent the arguments assorted with backseat drivers. We know who you are.

So do some research on these nifty little gadgets. Try a friend's GPS system. You will be amazed how easy and fun driving through congested areas can be with the help of your navigation system. Happy Motoring

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