For any of us who have been lost while driving, the road map has been our guiding light, identifying roadways and landmarks to help us find our way. But gone are the days of tri-folded paper maps that require the use of illumination and attention taken from the road. The modern Global Positioning System – or GPS – has transformed the process by which we find our way. But, contrary to popular belief, GPS navigation is not a new invention designed for strictly consumer use.

The Global Positioning System marked its beginnings in the 1970s but seeds of its existence were sown prior to that. We first saw the possibilities of satellite navigation with the launching of Sputnik in 1957. Russian scientists who were monitoring the progress of Sputnik found that they could track its movement based on radio waves; this set the foundation for GPS. The U.S. Navy used an elementary form of GPS in the 1960s when they used six satellites to help their submarines pinpoint their location. But GPS as we know it was designed and implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1978 when they launched the first operational satellite.

Today, 24 satellites circle the earth and provide an enormous amount of information in terms of plotting location. A derivative of this technology in modern times has been GPS navigation – a system that allows drivers to map their routes. GPS navigation comes in a portable unit that can be removed and transferred from vehicle to vehicle when needed. But because of the growing popularity associated with this system, GPS navigation units are now mounted as standard equipment in newer cars. Of course, GPS navigation is also essential to water navigation as used by boats and ships.

But GPS navigation is not solely for the use of vehicles. Outdoor enthusiasts – with an eye towards safety – will often carry a hand-held GPS navigation device; the modern equivalent of a compass.

GPS navigation has allowed us to explore new terrain as we venture forth with confidence, knowing that, no matter what, we will find our way.

In today’s world, no high end automotive is without its GPS to helps us travel from destination A to destination B. We can buy optional GPS systems as part of a new car buy or select models that are installed later. However, whether to buy one straight off or select one later that may be of better quality is a tough choice. Here are some considerations to think about when considering buying the GPS option that comes with a new car or having another GPS system installed.

Almost all the newest GPS system have a few things in common: Full-color Street maps, easy touch-screen controls, traffic alerts and rerouting options. It is the other features, cost and your integration options that make the difference.

First off let’s consider cost. Built-in GPS systems offered on new vehicles are often much more expensive. In-dash add-on navigational GPS systems are often only moderately expensive but need to be installed by professionals which can add to your expenses. Portable automotive GPS navigation systems are usually the most economical and easily ported from one vehicle to the next.

Secondly, consider integration with other automotive systems. Built-in GPS’s LCD display are shared with other car systems like climate control, antenna, power attachments, the radio, and hands-free cell phone. In-dash add-on GPS systems usually replace a vehicle’s radio/CD player, require an additional antenna and are not is only partially “integrated” into the car’s systems. Portable GPS systems have the least integration but often do not require external antennae.

New-car built-in GPS systems offered larger LCD screens are usually larger which gives better visibility, but the drawback is that they are usually a step behind in new features and map updates. In-dash GPS also usually include large LCD displays, AM/FM sterol and sometimes CD/DVD players with LCDs that fold away when not in use. While the portable automotive GPS device is usually much smaller, it has the usually provides quickest available update as it can be easily removed and updated through your PC.

Your final consideration is the size of the screen and features. The largest LCD screens are found in the new-car built-in GPS systems which increase visibility to the driver. The drawback to these systems is they are usually slower in feature and map updates. The good news is that in-dash GPS usually provide comparable size LCD displays. They can also provide integrated AM/FM stereo and sometimes CD/DVD players with LCDs that fold away. However, for quickest and easiest updates, it is the portable automotive GPS device that a consumer wants. The drawback is that these devices generally have smaller displays.

With all the GPS navigators on the market, you’ll soon improve your driving experience by learning which features are available, to help you with all your travel needs.

GPS navigation systems are becoming a really nice tool to have when traveling. Without one, you drive into new areas and have no idea where to find anything. Too much traffic and it can get very stressful! I remember getting lost in Tijuana a few years ago after driving down the coast of Baja. Not a pretty experience especially since I don’t speak Spanish. Because of that vacation, I came home very tired and a nervous wreck! Not just because of getting lost, but trying to drive there through the Southern California traffic! I’m just not used to it, being from a less populated area.

Today, travel is easy with the new GPS navigators. There are quite a few different models to choose from. Voice recognition help keep your hands on the wheel even more while you get verbal easy-to-understand driving directions. With options of different languages or accents, GPS navigators will tell you specific street names with speed limits that are shown on the screen when driving major roadways. Ask it “Where am I?” and it will provide the nearest intersection so you stay on track. Some GPS systems are equipped with Bluetooth® for hands-free calling…very helpful when you are busy eating pretzels and car snacks!

Video games can be played with some GPS models and then your passengers will have something to do on long trips to help ease the boredom. Or use the MP3 player feature and watch and listen with a photo viewer.
Your navigator will inform you about the gas prices at certain destinations, so you can have more money for the fun stuff! When traveling across the borders, the currency converter will keep you informed of today’s rates.

There’s no need to get caught in a blizzard in the winter time either! Your GPS will give you the weather report, and keep you and your family safe.

There is one option I couldn’t find on GPS systems at first, which was radar detection or a fuzz buster feature. Then I discovered that you can import custom points of interest on some GPS models that other people have compiled. They include police camera locations and speed traps. Just simply load that information into your GPS and you’ll be alerted before you head into a trap. Of course I really don’t need that feature, because I drive the speed limit, well most of the time. Okay, I may need it because of not knowing a particular area and the speed limits!

In the world of these advanced GPS navigators, the roads should be a lot more safe and calm. Because having a GPS system would enable everyone to easily navigate to their destinations, and create much less stress.

Road rage will become a thing of the past! Yes, and there are unclaimed fortunes in Nigerian banks too…