GPS or global positioning system devices are electronic versions of traditional paper maps that have made arriving to any destination by vehicle much more convenient and trouble free.
GPS devices use satellites to determine where a vehicle currently is locally and continues to update and track its location as it moves along. GPS devices can be told to find a specific address and will map out directions on how to get there.
GPS devices assist drivers visually by displaying on its screen a continuingly updating route. Some GPS devices such as the Garmin nuvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech provide spoken turn-by-turn directions including freeway exit changes and street names.
GPS devices are either installed by the vehicle manufacturer or can be purchased separately as a portable unit such as the Garmin nuvi 650 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator used in any vehicle. GPS devices have a battery but an adapter is usually plugged into the vehicle cigarette lighter for power.
Software installed on GPS can also search the nearby points of interest such as ATM machines, gas stations and restaurant. Bluetooth supported GPS devices like the TomTom ONE XL 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Maps of the U.S. and Canada allow users to call restaurants on their cell phones to get hours or to make reservations.
Some GPS devices have the ability to download music in MP3 file format and play them. Subscription-based service gives weather information or suggests alternate routes if traffic conditions of the main route is heavy or stalled due to rush hour or accident.
Although GPS devices almost seem like a miracle, they aren’t 100% accurate. Databases of GPS devices need to be updated periodically. Blindly following spoken turn-by-turn direction should be avoided… Common sense and experience will have to take control when a GPS device direction is obviously wrong.