Benefits to having a GPS system

There are countless benefits to having a GPS system installed in your car. So if you are considering buying a new car, I encourage you to look for a car including a GPS tracking system. If you already have a car, you might consider installing a GPS system for the benefits to your current vehicle. With a GPS system installed in your car you can’t go wrong.

Using a GPS tracking system is an excellent way for an individual or small business to keep track of important equipment including vehicles, machinery, and portable electronic devices, such as laptops and cell phones.

If you car or truck were stolen, and it had a GPS vehicle tracking system installed, then you would be able to pinpoint the exact location of the vehicle, and see its exact coordinates on a map. One of the best things about GPS technology is its ability to always find out what road you are on in the event that you get lost. If you ever need to map out a course for traveling, the GPS has course-planning functionality as well.

GPS tracking system vehicle make easy

GPS tracking system vehicle that meets your vehicle tracking needs. This has been created in very an affordable price and this GPS vehicle tracking system that will provide you with cost effective, real-time vehicle location, mapping and reporting.

GPS tracking system vehicle also provides vehicle location information so that you'll know exact where your vehicle is, what it is doing, where it has been, where is it heading now and what is the speed. I can see all these valuable information wherever I am and whenever I want.

gps tracking system vehicle : How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.

By Tracey Simpson

gps tracking system vehicle : How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

By Tracey Simpson

gps tracking system vehicle : What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

By Tracey Simpson

gps tracking system vehicle : How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?
Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?
Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?
How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?
Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
What Price Is Suitable?

By Tracey Simpson

gps tracking system vehicle : What You Need To Know About GPS

The Global Positioning System, commonly called GPS, is a navigational system that uses satellites and computers to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth. This is done by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.

GPS is the only satellite navigation system that is fully functional. It uses a collection of more than twenty-four satellites to send radio signals to electronic GPS receivers. By doing so, the satellites are able to find the correct location of the receivers. They get the exact longitude, latitude and altitude of the receiver. GPS systems work around the clock under any weather conditions.

The GPS system became fully functional in 1985. Today it is used for navigating on land, sea and air. It is also used for mapmaking, land surveying and scientific research.

Over the last fifteen years, the accuracy of the GPS signal has improved steadily. Today, a GPS system can accurately pinpoint the receiver on Earth to almost five meters of its exact location. However, further improvements and developments may increase the accuracy to about 1 cm of the receiver. This can be done using techniques such as differential GPS. A GPS also gives an extremely precise time reference which is useful in some scientific experiments.

The GPS system was devloped by the United States Department of Defense. It was officially named NAVSTAR GPS, which was an abbreviation for Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning Systems. Out of the twenty-four satellites revolving around the Earth, the last one was launched in 1994. New satellites are periodically launched to replace aging ones. With the improvement in technology, GPS devices have become less costly. GPS is available for free use in civilian applications.

By Jason Gluckman

gps tracking system vehicle : Every Car Should Have a GPS

The Global Positioning System, or GPS as it is widely known, is a navigation system originally developed by the US military which continues its’ maintenance today. It is an integrated system of 24 satellites that orbit the earth and through the navigational process of triangulation can pinpoint a position anywhere on earth where a GPS receiver is located. During the 1980’s the government opened up the use of the GPS to the private sector. It is widely expected to become the next personal utility in the same way that cellular phones have over the past couple of decades.

There are many benefits for the automobile owner to have their vehicle equipped with a GPS navigation system including; saving time, fuel economy, safety, and tracking.

Saving Time – With the use of a GPS receiver in your car you will avoid wasting time being lost. Whether you become truly lost and loose valuable time by going way off the direct route to your destination, or whether you are merely just driving around a neighborhood looking for a specific address a GPS will direct you to your end destination via a direct route. This can save you valuable time, disagreements with fellow passengers, and keep you punctual for your appointments.

Fuel Economy – With the GPS directing you to your destination via a direct route you will end up driving fewer miles. In these times of high fuel prices, any reduction in the number of miles driven will have a positive impact on what you are spending at the pump. You will realize additional savings from needing to service your vehicle less frequently due to; fewer oil changes, fewer engine services, and tires lasting longer just to mention a few. With reduced mileage driven during a year you may even qualify to reduce your auto insurance premium.

Safety - By directing you on your route you will not become lost – therefore you should have no need to have to stop and ask for directions. Nearly everyone has had to stop and ask directions in a neighborhood they did not feel totally safe in – whether it is due to the neighborhood itself or the time of day. In this day of car jackings and random crimes this is an important benefit of owning a GPS receiver for your car.

Tracking- Some GPS are equipped with a feature that allows you to track the location of the vehicle that has the GPS in it. This has significant value if you are trying to keep track of a child that has just received their license or another family member.

While these all have significant impact for personal use, the benefits are greatly compounded when you are using the GPS in a delivery or courier vehicle. If you are in charge of a fleet of vehicles, think of the benefits and how quickly and easily you can recoup your initial investment to equip your cars and/or trucks with GPS. I for one would not consider leaving my home without GPS in my car if I am venturing further than the local supermarket.

by Patrick Mackesey

gps tracking system vehicle : Does GPS Vehicle Tracking Equate to 'Big Brother?'

When people ask about my business, I tell them, “My company offers GPS vehicle tracking systems.” Their response lets me know whether they are an employee or a business owner.

The first words out of the mouth of an employee is: “Sounds like ‘Big Brother’ to me.” Oh no, not ‘Big Brother!’ Visions of mind-controlled drones working like slaves come to mind and they quickly walk away.

‘Big Brother?’ What is wrong with a business monitoring their vehicles? Or making sure their employees are doing what they’re being paid to do? Who owns these vehicles, anyway? Does the owner have a right to know how they’re being used?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I believe employees should be trusted and treated as adults. But, if you’ve ever driven a rental vehicle differently than the car you own, then you understand how an employee may mistreat a company vehicle.

Take the speeding employee, for example. Employees who drive too fast waste your gasoline, wear out your vehicle prematurely and sooner or later, drive up your insurance rates.

A GPS vehicle tracking system can alert you when someone exceeds your pre-set speed limit. It’s your vehicle, your fuel and your insurance premium; a tracking system helps you regain control of them.

Who uses your vehicles after hours and on weekends? Is an employee using your vehicle to moonlight? Is he using your gas to move his brother-in-law into a new apartment? You’ll know if you install a GPS vehicle tracking device in your vehicles.

How do you verify overtime claims? Maybe you can verify the work was done, but when? With a GPS tracking system, you can cross-check a vehicle’s location with the time of day it was there.

Have you ever been tempted to take an extended lunch hour? Think your employees might be tempted, especially if they’re out of the boss’s sight? A GPS tracking system records how long each vehicle remains at one location; use it to keep them honest.

Another benefit of GPS vehicle tracking systems: you’ll never make another phone call to find out where your employees are—you can just look on the map displayed on your computer screen. Also, your GPS tracking system will remind you when it's time to rotate tires, change oil or perform other scheduled maintenance. And, many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with GPS tracking systems.

The employee also benefits when their company vehicle is equipped with a GPS vehicle tracking system.


Hand-written driver logs are replaced with data from the tracking system.
Using info from the gps tracking system, each employee’s productivity can be quantified and compared; an employee’s performance can be more objectively measured.
Your dispatcher can look on a computer screen and locate all your vehicles immediately.

Customers also benefit from GPS vehicle tracking systems. Businesses can provide precise arrival or delivery estimates, because the estimate is based upon the actual location of the tracking device-equipped vehicle at the moment they call. If a customer questions when your employee arrived or left --prove it to them using data from your tracking system.

Still think GPS tracking systems are tools of ‘Big Brother?’ I guess it depends upon your point of view.

The concept of ‘Big Brother’ never comes up with business owners. The business owner will say: “How will tracking my vehicles help my business make more money?” They want to know what GPS vehicle tracking can do for them.

By Ken Sink