| Navigation Systems are a lot like DVRs (better | | | | Global Positioning Satellite navigation systems can |
| known as TiVo). People who don't own them fail | | | | replace all the maps in your glove compartment |
| to understand why they're such a big deal, and | | | | and ensure that you arrive at your destination on |
| those who have them can't live without them. | | | | time. GPS navigation systems are equipped with |
| GPS technology actually consists of three | | | | mapping software and can give you driving |
| separate components all working together. The | | | | directions, show you alternate routes if you're |
| three parts are the satellite constellation, the | | | | stuck in a traffic jam, and can help you negotiate |
| ground control network and the user equipment. | | | | a new city. While you're on the road, a navigation |
| By satellite constellation, we mean the satellites in | | | | system can also guide you to the nearest gas |
| low earth orbit which provide the signals and | | | | stations, restaurants, and other points of interest. |
| navigational data to the user's equipment. The | | | | GPS technology actually breaks down into two |
| ground control network continually monitors the | | | | distinct categories – a Standard Positioning |
| health of the various satellites and the integrity of | | | | Service (SPS) which is used for general civilian |
| the signals received. The user equipment is | | | | uses, and a Precise Positioning Service (PPS) which |
| designed to receive signals from the satellite | | | | is used primarily by the Department of Defense |
| constellation and computer. | | | | and U.S. allies. Of course this precise military |
| Today's cars, SUV's and pick-up trucks come with | | | | positioning will eventually filter down to the general |
| a variety of extras, from passenger side air bags | | | | public, just as GPS technology did originally. |
| to the ubiquitous car alarms. Entertainment options | | | | There are many accessories available for GPS |
| range from high-end speakers and CD players to | | | | navigation systems. You can, for example, buy |
| multiple DVD players. The GPS navigation system, | | | | software, holders to mount your system to your |
| however, forms the bridge between safety and | | | | dashboard or windshield, memory cards, cigarette |
| entertainment features. While they're definitely | | | | lighter adapters, antennas, and Bluetooth. |
| entertaining, they can also become a must-have | | | | Pick-Up Truck GPS navigation is a special form of |
| safety net in your travels. | | | | navigation, as it is not you who navigates, but |
| GPS is used to calculate and display the position | | | | computer-software that tells you how to travel |
| and speed of the user and determine where they | | | | to your destination. And frankly spoken, it does |
| are and how fast they are moving at any time. | | | | the job much better than you ever could. |
| This makes GPS technology particularly valuable in | | | | Systems with voice output are a great help as |
| automobiles, and rental car companies have been | | | | they do not create the slightest distraction for |
| using GPS technology for many years now. | | | | the driver. Everybody could use one and |
| Navigation in the commercial automobile fleet is | | | | everybody can use one, because you really do |
| newer, but it is steadily gaining popularity. GPS | | | | not need any special skill to operate these car |
| technology is particularly valuable in the event of | | | | GPS systems. |
| an emergency like a car crash or breakdown, as | | | | MagellanÂ(R) is the consumer brand of |
| it provides valuable assistance to emergency | | | | Thales Navigation, one of the world's leading |
| personnel responding to an accident and to tow | | | | innovators of navigation and positioning solutions |
| trucks responding to a disabled vehicle. Refer to | | | | with operations worldwide. Magellan was the brand |
| our navigation menu to find more information on | | | | that introduced the first consumer handheld GPS |
| truck GPS from our site. | | | | solution in 1989, and it has maintained its place as |
| The Global Positioning System is a navigation | | | | a leading global GPS brand for consumers. |
| system originally developed by the US military | | | | With product lines in auto navigation and |
| which continues its' maintenance today. It is an | | | | recreational handheld, Magellan's current product |
| integrated system of 24 satellites that orbit the | | | | line up include Magellan RoadMate portable auto |
| earth and through the navigational process of | | | | navigation solutions, eXplorist handhelds, and |
| triangulation can pinpoint a position anywhere on | | | | MapSend mapping and software products. |
| earth where a receiver is located. During the | | | | There are many benefits for the automobile |
| 1980's the government opened up the use of the | | | | owner to have their vehicle equipped with a |
| GPS to the private sector. It is widely expected | | | | navigation system including saving time, fuel |
| to become the next personal utility in the same | | | | economy, safety, and tracking. Enjoy these |
| way that cellular phones have over the past | | | | benefits for your Ford F150 with an easy to install |
| couple of decades. | | | | Magellan in-dash system. |