Understanding How GPS Works

GPS is very common place today, yet many of us don't even understand how it works. In fact, a lot of people don't even know what GPS stands for, all they know is how to use it. The term GPS refers to a technology that is also known as Global Positioning System. GPS has become more and more refined over the years, providing consumers with the ability to get from point A to point B much more easily than they had in the past. In fact, paper maps are quickly becoming obsolete.
The Way GPS Works
All GPS units work using the same technology. GPS units get all of their data from orbiting satellites and information about time and position is transmitted from these satellites to the GPS unit. These satellites can communicate with units on the land, in the air, and on the sea. These units are able to calculate where they are located at any one time based on the information that they receive from the satellites. Theoretically, GPS systems can work all around the world.
Of course, for the GPS unit to work as accurately as possible the unit must be able to have a direct line of sight to at least three satellites in the sky. Many people have found that if they are camping, hiking, or driving in an area where they are in deep canyons or surrounded by rock that it becomes very difficult to get a signal, and so the GPS unit may not work at all or it may not work as well as one would think. On the flip side, if you are in the line of sight of more than three satellites the GPS unit will be very accurate, often able to place you within 15 to 20 feet of your actual location!
Many people believe that to make the most of the GPS technology they have to buy the most expensive unit on the market, but this is not necessarily true. All of the units use the same technology, the more expensive units usually just have more bells and whistles such as more user friendly interfaces and touch screen displays. You can buy a very basic GPS unit that will get you around town and on your short trips without a hitch, but if you need a GPS unit that will help you with complicated routes you may want to go with something more costly.
Heather suggests getting a versatile waterproof gps. You can even get some great waterproof marine gps systems.

Marine GPS Units: Fishfinder GPS

You Need a FishFinder GPS Before You Go Fishing
Fishing is a great sport that can be enjoyed by both recreational fishers, and by those that want to make it a family event by heading out to the family cottage during the summer or just to the lake. Fishing can be relaxing, and it is always nice if you are actually able to catch a few fish to throw onto the fire. But fish stocks in some areas are questionable, and while you may be going out for the relaxation coming home without even one fish is not fun. So how can you increase your odds of catching fish on your next trip? What will make you the fisherman that is a fully armed fish seeking missile?
While sailors have been using marine GPS for years now, fishermen (and women) are starting to rely on marine GPS units that are specialized for finding fish or Fishfinder (also fish finder) GPS.
Basic marine GPS units are manufactured by several companies - Humminbird (common misspellings are Humming Bird and Hummingbird) Fishfinder GPS, Eagle Fishfinder GPS, Garmin, Lowrance Fishfinder, Eagle Fishfinder, and NorCross HawkEye Fish Finder. As you can see the number of manufacturers for fish finder GPS is very small and the leader, based on the number of products and popularity of products based on user feedback on sites like Amazon is Humminbird (there is no 'g' in their name) and Garmin.
Like most portable GPS units, fishfinders by and large are portable however many do include mounting brackets for your boat. All are also water proof, so if you happen to get water on it (which is possible since you are on the water) you will not damage the delicate electronics inside. It used to be that all fish finder GPS units were black and white, however today you will find some color units. Virtually all units will include a sonar, which is what is needed to find out where the fish are.
Fish finders work using sonar, they send out a signal (or sound wave) and objects that are in its path "bounce back" letting the device know where the fish are. If the signal doesn't bounce back right away it will reach the bottom. Soft bottoms like mud and weeds will absorb the signal while harder bottoms will reflect a stronger signal back to the fisn finder. These differences will let you know whether there are any fish in the area you are in.
In addition to all the normal fishing gear you need to make your trip enjoyable (including the beer - drink responsibly) the marine GPS unit or Fishfinder is a must, especially if you do not want to go back to camp empty handed and become the brunt of jokes.
Whether you are looking for fish finder reviews or information about portable Fishfinders, Mohammed has probably written a well researched and consumer oriented guide to help you find the information you need without all the jargon.

Choosing the Right Marine GPS For You

When you are looking for marine electronics, or accessories to go with your boating experiences, you definitely want to do your research and ensure you access as many resources of discount marine appliances as possible. When it comes to a marine GPS, it can be easy to get lured in by all of the fancy gadgets on the market, but you want to be sure that when you are making a purchase as large as this, that you have researched and examined all types of marine electronics on the market or available at discount marine outlets.
Comparison shopping is the key to a successful marine GPS purchase and doing your research beforehand will ensure you pay the right price, and get the right system. Before you head to marine electronics outlets or discount marine stores, you want to research and read about the different brands on the markets, and know what features are and are not a priority for you.

Marine GPS Features

When it comes to features, your marine electronics system needs to be able to use at least twelve of the available twenty four satellites to calculate your position. Like all technological devices, the higher the number, the better your position is calculated, so twenty four is ideal, but not necessary for the amateur boater.
Screen sizes in marine electronics or in marine GPS systems found at marine discount centers are another key feature in the decision making process. You can get a very nice marine GPS with a screen size up to 7". Many models also have LCD screens as well as touch screens so that you can tell the difference between a rock or a fish if you are looking at the bottom of the ocean or lake.
Alarms are also another important feature when it comes to researching marine electronics or discount marine products. How many alarms are you hoping to have on your marine GPS? You want to consider clock alarms, off course alarms, anchor drag alarm, shallow alarms, deep alarms, low battery alarm, water temperature alarms, and so many more. Alarms are important to the success of your expedition, so depending on what features are the most important to you, will determine what type of marine GPS and how many alarms it comes with.
If you like a little luxury when you are on your boating journeys, you can add some entertainment options to your marine GPS. Some marine electronics or discount marine products come with audio players where you can listen to music, audio books, whatever you like. If you purchase a more advanced model, you may even be able to tune into weather forecasts that will be important information for your fishing or getaway trip.
The product range at marine electronics centers and discount marine stores can be daunting at first, but with a little research and the knowledge you've acquired you can rest assured that you will get exactly what you are looking for.
Want to learn more about top-quality marine electronics? MarineWholesales.com has all the leading brands of discount marine electronics for yachting, boating and fishing.

Marine GPS Systems, Don’t Get Lost At Sea Without One

Gone are the days where a person had to use a paper travel chart in order to navigate from one place to another -now they can use marine GPS systems. GPS systems, or global positioning  systems have  been used by the military for many years have recently become popular with the public for cars and are now making big inroads to the boating market. These are electronic devices that come in different forms, from handheld models to display models that are mounted or even a permanent fixture of some newer vessels.

One of the portable marine GPS systems on the market

These devices, which are controlled by satellite, work by punching in a starting location and the final destination location. Once that information is put into the GPS, marine GPS systems will guide the skipper way point by way point, feature by feature until the person has arrived at his or her destination.

Some marine GPS systems will actually talk to you and tell you exactly where to change course and when, others are simply an interactive chart that will show you on a display when and where to change course, but will not give verbal directions. Along with showing or telling the person where to change course, marine GPS systems also show where you are at, at which direction you are currently heading.

These marine GPS systems are very handy to boaties since the skipper does not need to be hassled with a large chart while he or she is trying to keep their hands on the helm and their eyes on the water. This is particularly true for those boaties that are travelling without someone else to navigate for them. They are also very handy if a person does become lost.

Because the system will tell the person where they are at, they could call for help and be able to tell another person their direction and exactly where they are. Of course, this new technology is very handy and can save a person a lot of hassle, but it is important to understand how to use the particular system, and to understand that not all marine GPS systems work exactly the same way.

It is also important to know that with any technology, they may not always work and it is still a good idea to have a traditional back up travel chart, just in case.

Whether using an electronic devices such as marine GPS systems, or using a traditional chart, it is a good idea to become familiar with it and familiar with your destination before you actually leave for any trip. Maps, whether traditional or electronic are only as good as the person that knows how to use and read them.

And don’t forget the batteries or the charger as these marine GPS systems are notorious for chewing through batteries.

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