Learn Your System
One of the first mistakes people make when using a GPS system is taking it out of the box as they begin their journey. If you do this, you may find that there is a learning curve to most GPS systems. They each work in slightly different ways. While new technology often excites us to the point that we just want to go, it is important to slow down and read the manual. At least give it a quick flip through so that you understand the functions of the system. After you understand the basic functions of the system, you will want to explore how it actually works. Take a road trip as a passenger. Set up a route that you travel routinely and pay attention to how the system actually functions in real life.

Experiment with setting benchmarks, orientating yourself and what happens if you need to re-route. If you plan on using the GPS for walking around cities or exploring nature areas, place yourself in those situations on a small scale. Walk around your home town with the device. Take a small hike. Actually using the GPS in a real situation will prevent stress when in an unfamiliar place. You will know exactly how to read and use your device when you need it the most.

Prepare your GPS
Download the maps for your travel with plenty of time to review them and ensure that they give you the necessary information for the area you are exploring. Compare the generated routes to physical maps to ensure that they are routing properly. Take a test run at finding specific addresses, locations and POI’s.

Remember the Power
Power can be a problem when traversing rural areas by GPS. Be prepared by making sure that you have more power than necessary – in case you become lost or change your travel plans. Make sure you have extra battery power, universal adapters, solar chargers or other power systems. If you are relying on a GPS, you don’t want to have it run out of power just when you need it most.

Considerations for GPS Travel
Be smart when traveling with a GPS. Avoid leaving the device exposed in your vehicle. It could easily be stolen, taking your route with you. Carry a physical map with you, just in case. While it may not be as detailed or updated as your GPS maps, it could help you navigate in an emergency. Keep in mind that wondering around a city while blatantly using a GPS can target you immediately as a tourist or lost. Many GPS devices allow you to use ear buds to listen to directions, allowing you to keep the device in your pocket. This can also free up your hands.
Taking the time to understand your GPS and prepare the device helps prevent the stress that often comes from travel situations, leaving you able to enjoy every minute of your adventure.
Source: MemNav.com

Kish Island GPS Map

There are different types of maps; the traditional paper map, an internet generated map and a GPS map. Amongst all these, a GPS map is perhaps the most versatile and updated one. A GPS device is as good as the mapping information it holds. Thus GPS navigators come with basemaps and several points of interests that indicate the locations of gas stations or hotels. A GPS receiver comes preloaded with the detailed and most updated map information of a specific region or country. In case you need any additional data, you can always download it to your device. A few advantages a GPS map has over the others is stated below :

Advantage I: Most Up-to-Date

Unlike the traditional paper maps or an internet generated one, the GPS map is the most up-to-date one. This is because although, the device comes with preloaded maps of certain region, you can definitely download the latest version of the maps directly into your unit from the mapping website. Also the sat nav manufacturers ensure to have the most recent versions of maps on their site, wherein you get the detailed mapping data absolutely free of cost.

Advantage II: It provides the facility to personalise the map
Paper map and internet generated maps can also be customized to suit your needs. However you will need a marker to mark the locations of gas stations or trace your best hiking route. Once you use a marker or highlighter on the map, it is permanent and next time you want to mark something, you either need a new map or a different colour marker. Eventually you might have either spent a great deal on buying a new map everytime you visit a new place or there would be so many markings on your map that it would appear shabby and unreadable.

This is where GPS maps are useful. All you need to do is create a separate folder and save the data in the specific folder after every trip. You can later even make alterations or changes to it, as per your convenience and choice. The maps are in no way rendered unreadable. Saves you loads or time and money as well.

Advantage III: Easy to Trace Back
With a GPS map you can easily trace back your steps. This is because the device has the capability to track your progress, thus by just selecting the right buttons, you can easily get a complete history of the route taken, makes it simple to re-trace your steps. Although, this can also be done by using the paper maps, it is a little tedious and cumbersome procedure.

The above stated points are some of the reasons why users might prefer a GPS map from a traditional paper map. If you too need to reap the benefits of GPS maps, then just go and grab a satellite navigational unit that has the latest and updated GPS maps and plan your travel to unknown and unfamiliar cities.

1. In Your Car Sales of aftermarket in-car GPS devices have more than doubled over the past two years, and automotive is the fastest-growing segment of the GPS market. Why? Better and brighter color screens, improved accuracy and usability of maps and directions, added features such as traffic alerts, the ability to wirelessly link a mobile phone to an in-car unit to get hands-free mobile speaker-phone use; all of these reasons and more.

2. On the Trail Handheld GPS units have dramatically changed outdoors travel, replacing map and compass with moving digital maps, and precise location, elevation, topographic and other data. These handhelds let you enter “waypoints” — precise locations — for a favorite fishing spot, safe passage across a stream, a campsite; anything of importance to the user. Handhelds can enhance outdoor safety, as well, making getting lost much less likely, and providing precise position information that can be relayed to rescuers in case of an emergency.

3. Sports & Fitness Some manufacturers offer GPS products specifically for cycling or running. In cycling, for example, a GPS unit can replace a conventional cycle computer, and add another layer of features, such as route mapping, and trip, heart rate, and cadence data that is uploadable to a computerized training log or to a Web site. Specialized golf GPS receivers provide precise yardage and other useful information and can be preloaded with your favorite courses.

4. On the Water GPS has been a boon to recreational and commercial boaters. Moving-map displays and navigation overlays are incredibly convenient, easy to use, and dramatically enhance all-weather, all-light-condition safety. The ability to provide precise position information in case of an emergency is another key safety feature. Built-to-purpose, portable chartplotters often come loaded with detailed coastal maps, and many additional maps for the earth’s oceans and lakes are available.

5. In the Air Portable aviation units offer intuitive, moving-map views with navigation overlays, providing a great supplement to a plane’s instrumentation. Aviation features include: map page, terrain page, route page, position data page, “direct-to” navigation, airport information, and more.

GPS receiver is a petite appliance that transfers and receives signals from satellites that lies within its range. This devices makes sure that users get accurate location details, which actually is provided in the form of pair of co ordinates.

Making use of this information and data you feed GPS, most of the GPS receivers can take users to the destination using a compass like arrow. Development in the technology has enhanced the way users are directed to the destinations. Voice commands are used to inform user well before in time to reduce last minute tensions. The newer technology is making user operation more simpler and users more lazier!

Once you feed the GPS device with your home address, it can take you back home from the place where you are currently in. The GPS receiver has now become a very common appliance that is been fitted to security system on sat, mobile phones and more. Digital cameras now come equipped with GPS so that users know where exactly the photo was taken.

On the other hand, Sat nav (Satellite Navigation) is a special software that makes use of GPS signals. It takes help from the GPS device by getting the co ordinates to combine with that of a complete map. When users input a destination, it is this sat nav software that computes route, distance, estimated time to reach and even suggestions of taking better route and so.

The software keeps updating the GPS signal most frequently to provide user step by step instruction stating where you are and the place to need to make a turn.

We conclude that sat nav and GPS have different meaning and do not mean the same.

The good news is that there are easy ways to protect your privacy and prevent GPS location data from being revealed in your photos. Yes, there are several ways to do this. Here are a handful of easy ways that aren’t too complicated and don’t take require you to have expensive software.

How to Remove GPS Location Data From Your Photos:
If you’re not sure if your photo has location metadata, there are two easy ways to check. First, try right-clicking on your image file. Then choose Properties, then Details. Scroll down to GPS and check for coordinates.
Or, go to stolencamerafinder.com and drag your photo onto the box. Don’t worry if it says “fail” – you can still click the link to view the exif data. Scroll down and look for the GPS data.

If there is GPS data recorded in your photos, follow these steps to remove it:
1. Open your photo in any program. Display it on the screen so that it looks exactly how you would like.

2. Press the PRINT SCREEN button on your keyboard, which is often in the upper right-hand corner. The print screen button may simply say “prt sc” or something similar. After you hit the button, nothing appears to have happened, but chances are it worked. Continue on to Step 3.

3. Next, open up Windows Paint or Microsoft PowerPoint and then paste by pressing CTRL-V. Your screenshot should appear.

Make sure you paste a screen shot of the image and do NOT simply open the photo in Windows Paint and then resave it, or your GPS location data may be preserved.

4. Use the Save As feature, then choose “other formats” such as .JPG.

How to Prevent GPS Location Data From Being Recorded in Your Photos:
iPhone – Go to Settings, General, Location Services. Here you can set which applications can access your GPS coordinates, or disable the feature entirely. If you use your GPS tracking your children’s whereabouts or to find local restaurants and services on the go – then don’t disable the features entirely.

BlackBerry – Click the camera icon, press the Menu button and choose “Options”. Set the “Geotagging” setting to “Disabled”. Save the updated settings.

Android – Open the Camera application, select “Store Location” and set it to “Off”.

Facebook – removes geotags from uploaded photos, however other social networking sites do not. Look into your privacy settings and turn off location sharing.

Now there’s a new revolution in hand, the sophistication GPS on smartphones. Here are reasons why a dedicated Car GPS System is Safer than a GPS on your Smartphone:

1- Eyes Forward – Read With Your Ears: One of the principal dangers of electronic devices in the car is the fact that they draw your eyes away from the road ahead. Virtually all dedicated in-car GPS navigation systems include spoken turn-by-turn directions (“in one mile, turn left”). The best units also include text-to-speech capability, i.e., they read the street names aloud (“in one mile, turn left on Main Street”). Mobile phone apps don’t always include these features and the speaker volume and sound quality is usually much better on dedicated GPS units, which have larger speakers.

2- Screen Size: Even with spoken directions, there are times when the driver must refer to the GPS unit’s visual map display. While the quality of mobile screen displays continue to improve, their size remains small, significantly smaller than that of a dedicated GPS unit. This makes it more difficult to discern detail and has the potential to keep your eyes off the road longer.

3- Size of Controls: Touchscreens can be tricky to operate even when you’re not driving. Since mobile phones are smaller than dedicated GPS units, the soft buttons you press to control the unit are also smaller, requiring more effort, finesse, and time to operate. Again, this has the potential to keep your eyes off the road.

4- Heads Up: Dedicated GPS units can be mounted to the windshield or dashboard such that they don’t require the driver to move his or her head to read the display; simply moving the eyes can provide a sufficient view. Unless a mobile phone is mounted in a similar fashion, rather than set on the passenger seat, in the cup holder or ash tray as is commonly the case, the driver must not only avert eyes and head to view the display, but also may need to remove a hand from the wheel in order to hold the phone so it can be more easily viewed, another distraction.

5- Power: While dedicated GPS units typically plug into the car’s power, we’re accustomed to the convenience of using our mobile phones without plugging them in. When running on battery power, the mobile phone’s screen saver may activate, requiring you to reactivate it (by touching the screen, for example), another distraction and requirement to remove a hand from the wheel.

6- It’s For You: Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your smartphone is, well, a phone. An ill-timed phone call could interfere with your ability to navigate.

7- Precision: Receiving a GPS signal from space requires an antenna and sensitive GPS chip. A dedicated GPS unit has a larger antenna and typically a very sensitive GPS chipset which ensures you can receive GPS signals even among tall buildings and under a forest canopy. Your mobile phone handset can’t offer the same level of sensitivity and therefore won’t be able to calculate your location as precisely. Why is this a safety concern? Without a good fix on your location, your GPS may route you incorrectly or provide directions too late for you to make a turn safely.

There’s no doubt that smartphone technology will continue to improve and address a number of these safety concerns, but for now there remain strong safety benefits for using a dedicated in-car GPS unit while using your mobile phone as a backup or when riding shotgun. Today’s dedicated GPS systems, such as Garmin’s nuvi series, are portable and lightweight, easily carried in your purse or briefcase. If you must use your mobile phone to navigate, take the following steps to maximize safety:

* Make sure your phone is mounted to your windshield or dashboard in a “heads-up” position
* Plug your phone in to your car’s power supply
* Make sure the speaker volume of your phone is adequate; use your car’s speakers by plugging your car’s speaker jack (if available) into your phone; alternatively, use the phone’s wired or wireless earpiece to ensure that you are able to hear spoken directions well.
* Plan and review your route before you head out and while stopped
* Stay off the phone until you’re stopped or driving in an area where you don’t need immediate GPS assistance

Source: Rated4Stars

According to TomTom, the map licensing contract signed with NDrive does not entitle the Portuguese company to sub license the map data to a third party. Navv was until recently offering under its own brand the white label navigation software of NDrive with TomTom map data (Tele Atlas) on the Apple App store at €4.99. Now the company is using NAVTEQ maps and the software sells at €19.99 per country.

NDrive provided GPS Business News with a public statement reading that “there are no basis for Tele Atlas allegations. Based on the contract with Tele Atlas, NDrive is entitled to independently determine its’ pricing strategy. NDrive believes in market price elasticity and is committed to democratize GPS navigation solutions.”

Garmin Nuvi 1490T Sat Nav

Garmin Nuvi 1490T satellite navigator continues to stand on top not only in 2009 but also in 2010 sat nav market. Garmin has designed the model for the modern generation with clearest and easiest to understand menu options. A clear hierarchy between features most used and called less frequently sets its way to the top. The 5 inch display, Text to speech facility, Bluetooth, Advanced route planning, Subscription free traffic alerts, Speed camera warning and Advanced lane assistance lets it compete with the tough competitors.

Garmin Nuvi 265WT Sat Nav

Garmin Nuvi 265WT is a simple, safety minded continental navigator. This personal travel assistant features smart traffic avoidance, safe blue-tooth hands-free phone calling, drive safety system, Google Panoramio, turn by turn direction, travel and language guides and advanced speed camera warning system. Loaded with millions of maps for Europe and Point of interest(POI). Garmin nuvi 265WT ensures safe journey on the road.

Garmin Nuvi 1300T Sat Nav

Garmin Nuvi 1300T is an ultra-thin, pocket design, yet widescreen sat-nav featuring Premium, subscription-free traffic alerts, Lane Assist to show you to the correct lane for upcoming junctions, Public Transport and Pedestrian mode with optional cityXplorer download, Garmin’s unique Cyclops speed camera warnings, Street-level mapping for the UK and Ireland, Optional AA City Guides for restaurant listings, attractions and more.

Garmin nuvi 1690 Sat Nav

Garmin nuvi 1690 is an online social navigator rendering real time information on the go. Features include 4.3-inch wide touchscreen display, sleek, ultra-slim design, Street-level mapping for the UK, Ireland, Western and Eastern Europe, Lane Assist/Junction View, Turn-by-turn guidance with voice prompts, Text to speech, 8-digit postcode, Auto re-route, Choice of route setup, Route avoidance, Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling through your Garmin sat-nav, Custom POIs, World travel clock, currency and measurement converter.

Navigon 4310 Max Plus Sat Nav

The Navigon 4310 Max Plus – a featured filled sat nav with easy to read 4.3 inch touch screen and good resolution. Options like SiRF InstantFixII, NAVIGON MyRoutes, Clever Parking, NAVIGON MyReport, Speed Camera warnings, speed limit warning, 2D / 3D map perspective, custom POIs, preinstalled POIs, automatic routing, PIN code protection, automatic day/night mode, Emergency Help makes it most distinctive among the rest of the navigation systems.

Navman S505D Sat Nav

The Navman S505D satellite navigator elevates sat nav to higher level as it features the latest option on earth. The high tech yet simple to use navigator equips about 4.7 inch wide screen with dramatic 3D graphics. Features include Local search via Navdesk and Bluetooth, Stylish intelligent design, Safe, easy to use menu, Brilliant, sharp 4.3 inch high quality touch screen, Real-time traffic information, Route Traffic Overview, Integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling, Preloaded Safety Camera Data – Free trial, Secure PIN code lock, Report changes to roads with Navman’s iUpData and NavPix: Navigate to pictures.

NdriveTouch Sat Nav

Ndrive Touch sat nav is an in-car all-in-one navigation solution with memory card containing map data. The sat nav is 40% thinner and lighter than models of its range. This super slim model features Light sensor, with automatic brightness control, Navigation with NDrive maps, European Maps, and detailed description on more than 1.400.000 places of interest, Main buildings database 3D Landmarks, New searching system 60% faster, Route recalculation 2x faster, Gestures recognition, Import and Export favorites with Google maps and supports up to 32GB SDHC.

TomTom XL Classic V2 Sat Nav

TomTom XL Classic V2 satellite navigator takes the stress out of driving and trip planning, making the trip fun and safe. The brilliant 4.3 inch wide screen provides clear view on the road with route highlighted in red. Includes pre loaded UK maps, hefty 1GB memory , highly sensitive external antenna for pinpoint accuracy and widest coverage, built in bluetooth, traffic and weather updates, in built USB connection that eliminates the need to carry an extra charger, clear spoken directions and quick best route recalculation.

TomTom XXL IQ Sat Nav

TomTom XXL IQ Satellite navigator adds a roomy 5-inch screen with TomTom’s usual impressive navigation features like Sensible routes from TomTom’s IQ Routes, Generous database of 7 million POIs, multisegment routing to plan your trip with multiple intermediate way points, live traffic receiver, pronounced street names, two screens of option including Navigate to, Help me, Change Preferences, Map Corrections, and route/itinerary planning.

Navman F45 Sat Nav

Navman F45 Sat navigation get you more for little. The 2D map view, 3D moving map, Spoken motorway exit instructions, Compact, stylish design, Easy to use, Crisp clear map display on 4.3″ touch screen, GPS fix 5 times faster with SiRFInstantFixII, Preloaded safety camera data, Intelligent day/night display and Latest map data makes navigation more comfortable.