Tag: GPS

Navigation Systems you can use for Holiday Travel

Nothing is more frustrating that trying to travel for the holidays and not be able to figure out how to get there. Even if you have a plan when you leave home, things can get turned around quickly if you dont have a good sense of direction. Stopping for directions isnt always effective because people dont always have the information you need to get to your destination.

There are plenty of amazing navigation systems you can use to help take the frustration out of holiday travel though. Advances in technology offer us a great way to have these tools at our fingertips. Many people travel with their laptop computers and you can access travel routes either online or with various types of computer software programs.

Even a simple compass in your vehicle can assist you when you least expect it. I was recently driving along when there was a detour due to road construction. I followed everyone else and then came to some signs. It said 5 miles East and then 11 Miles North to get to my destination. The problem was there were no arrows and I didnt know which way I was headed on that road. Luckily my car has a built in compass so I was able to figure it out. If you vehicle doesnt have one then you need to purchase one. It will come in handy as you travel for the holidays.

This information will allow you to find the fastest route as well as the shortest route to get to your holiday destination. You can also find the route that has access to hotels, restaurants, and rest areas. This is great information if you are traveling with children because you will find you have to stop more often in order to keep everyone happy.

Having a laptop can also keep you up to date with the weather conditions during your holiday travel. This is important because if roads are closed or there are delays due to an accident you can easily find yourself an alternate route. Many people have similar types of navigation systems on their cell phones. The most high tech gadget is the very popular iPhone. If offers access to the internet and has a 3 inch monitor for you to view the information on.

Many vehicles feature a Global Positioning System known as GPS. There are some models you can purchase separately and then add them to any model of vehicle that you have. This is a very good tool that you will always have when you are operating your vehicle. Even if you dont know exactly where you are, a satellite system does and it send that information to the GPS system. You can then enter the information for your travel destination and it will give you the directions you need to get there.

Dont spend your time traveling for the holidays caught up in traffic or bad weather. You also dont want to drive for hours and then realize you have been going the wrong direction. The landscaping of the area can change over the years leaving you unfamiliar with the way to get there on your own. These types of navigational tools will definitely help you to get your barrings and to arrive for the holidays on time.

PPPPP

Word Count 559

Top

Where To Find Directions

There are not too many people who would fee comfortable hopping in their car or getting on an airplane to set off for a trip without some sort of directions. Luckily, there are many different types of directions available and very easy to obtain.

The most basic directions can simply be gathered by asking someone how to get from one point to another. A person who is very familiar with a particular route could give basic directions that would be easy to follow, but not always completely reliable, if they can not remember specific details about the route, such as the exit number to take off of a freeway, or which way to turn at an intersection.

Other directions can be found online as a person searches for online maps and types in where he or she is traveling from and where he or she is traveling. The search will come up with very specific and detailed directions, including how long it will take to get from one point to the next along the journey as well as how long the entire trip is supposed to take. Of course, there are variables that must be accounted for. Roads may be closed which the directions could not forecast, it may take longer then expected due to traffic or problems along the way, so a person following these directions must be ready for variables.

Other forms of directions come in maps. Generally speaking, maps are the best source for getting directions since they show most roads available to travel on, which gives the traveler a way to plan his or her own route, and account for unexpected problems along the way. If one road is closed for any reason, all the person would have to do is look at the map to find an alternate route.

Maps come in many varieties. There are online maps, which can also be printed up with directions, giving the person the best of both; easy to follow directions with the added benefit of having a map, which usually highlights the path the directions, will take the person. Along with traditional paper maps, there is also a fairly new form of maps called global positioning systems, or GPS, which are electronic maps connected to a satellite. These forms of maps are a good source of directions since they not only show a person how to get to where they are going, but also tells the person which direction they are headed, perfect for those that can easily get turned around.

Obviously, there are many different forms of directions to choose from, each having their advantages and disadvantages. Each traveler must decide which form of directions will be best for them to follow, keeping in mind that it is generally a good idea to have a couple of different options available while traveling and being familiar with them before the trip. This simple practice could save a person time and stress while traveling to unfamiliar locations, making the entire travel experience more enjoyable.

Top

GPS Systems, Why They Are Handy

Gone are the days where a person had to use a paper travel map in order to find out how to get from one place to another. Now there is new technology called GPS systems, or global positioning systems. These devices, which have been used by the military for many years have recently become popular with the public. 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 cars. These devices, which are controlled by satellite, work by punching in a starting address and the final destination address. Once that information is put into the GPS, the GPS will guide the person step by step, turn by turn until the person has arrived at his or her destination. Some GPS systems will actually talk to you and tell you exactly where to turn and when, others are simply an interactive map that will show you on a display when and where to turn, but will not give verbal directions. Along with showing or telling the person where to turn, it also says where you are at, at which direction you are currently heading.

These global positioning systems, or GPS, are very handy to drivers since the driver does not need to be hassled with a large map while he or she is trying to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road. This is particularly true for those drivers that are driving without someone else to navigate for them. These GPS systems 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.

Not only are GPS systems useful for drivers, but they are also very useful to anyone that is unfamiliar with any location that they are at. Take for instance hikers. With hand held GPS systems, they can make the most of their hike and again, if they get turned around, they can find out how to get back on track if they know which direction they should go in relation to the direction they are currently headed.

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 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 map, just in case.

Whether using an electronic device such as a GPS, or using a traditional map, 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.

Top