GPS Handheld Maps

One of the coolest feature of most GPS vehicle tracking devices is the mapping display that is built into the units. The maps will show your position on the map in real time. They can also show you the path you have taken and the path it wants you to take to get between where you are at and where you are going.

There are also additional maps that you can buy and install on your GPS handheld unit. This is particularly useful if you are traveling to a new area and don't already have a map installed on your gs unit. On some systems you can also download you data to your computer to do additional mapping there.

GPS handheld - how it works - the GPS receivers

In our last article we covered the function of the gps satellites. What they do is send a signal out for you to receive. In this article we will cover the gps receiver.

You GPS handheld unit is a receiver in the GPS system. It is listening for a signal from the satellites. When it receives the signal it is processed to determine how long it took to get to the receiver, and then how far away the receiver is from the satellite.

Once the receiver know how far it is from 4 or more satellites it can calculate the exact position of the receiver. It will know longitude and latitude AND elevation.

There are MANY types of GPS receivers. Some examples include automobile GPSs, GPS pedometers, navigation GPSs, Golf cart gps units, GPS watches, GPS add-ons for laptops, and on and on.