Types of GPS

GPS, or Global Positioning System, has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide. It is a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce and scientific uses. GPS devices communicate with a constellation of satellites managed by the US Air Force orbiting over the earth to establish the exact coordinates of the device via triangulation calculations. GPS units are typically accurate to within a few meters if they are in range of good satellite reception. When coupled with complementary technologies modern day GPS units can serve a wide range of functions like automobiles, motorcycles and even used for finding fish. Many are specially designed to serve different needs and purposes. Here are the various major types and functions of GPS units:

Automobile Portable GPS

Portable GPS units are small enough to be moved around the house and the car but not small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. They typically weigh about 10 Oz and are about 4" to 6" in width and height. They range in price from $200 for a basic unit to over $600 for one full of the latest features, like playing music and viewing photos to text-to-speech capabilities. The biggest brand by far is Garmin which makes the StreetPilot Series of portable GPS unit, followed closely by Magellan and Tom Tom.

Automobile Pocket GPS

Pocket GPS units weigh around 5 Oz and are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and also a shirt or trouser pocket. They typically have a 3.5" screen size and cost more than the Portable types because of the small form factor. They start at around $450 and can cost over $650 for a full featured unit. The biggest brand by far is Garmin with the Nuvi series of GPS units.

Automobile In Dash GPS

An automobile In Dash unit is built into the dash of the car and so it is not portable. Higher end new cars nowadays offer In Dash GPS as an option. Compared to portable units they are usually expensive for what you get in terms of features and functionality. The advantage is that they are integrated into the dash instead of mounted on top of the dash and they less likely to be stolen or lost like a portable device. Pioneer is now the leading brand for In-Dash GPS unit.

Motorcycle GPS

GPS units made for motorcycles are very functionally similar to those designed for cars except that they are made to be waterproof, vibration resistant and designed to fit on a motorcycle console. Motorcycle GPS units usually have bluetooth hands free features built-in.

Fish Finder GPS

Fish Finder GPS units typically have a dual function of sonar detection and chart plotting. Sonar technology is used to accurately locating fish and the chart plotting is used for outlining shorelines, roads, and surface features. Most Fishfinder GPS units feature integrated sensors for water temperature readings. The most popular brand of fish finder GPS units are by Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance.

Marine GPS

Marine GPS units generally have chart plotting functionality. They are loaded with a special marine database including marine navigational aids like buoys, sound signals, day beacons and tide data. Lowrance and Garmin offer a wide range of Marine GPS.

Outdoor Fitness and Cycling GPS

Outdoor GPS devices are used for walking, jogging, running and cycling. They are made to fit on your wrist like a watch and can track speed, distance, pace and calories burned. Cycling GPS units often fit on the stem or handlebars of a bike.

Camping and Hiking GPS

These GPS units are designed to be lightweight and rugged for outdoor use for hiking, camping, and geocaching. Some of the more expensive units are also waterproof. They usually come preloaded with some maps but you will often have to load additional maps to the device if you are heading 'off road'.