Choosing a GPS

This small electronic box tells you, quickly and accurately, your position, altitude, speed, time, in any time and any place. GPS today cater to both pedestrians/hikers and motorists/motorcyclists. Real-time traffic information, voice recognition, mapping, screen...

A - What is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System or Car Navigation System) is a satellite positioning system capable of giving you your exact position anywhere on the globe. By selecting your destination, it can calculate the best route to reach these coordinates.

A portable GPS can be useful if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially if you go in rather inaccessible places. GPS turn out to be also useful during walks in the woods so as not to get lost, but if you have the right software.

B - The different characteristics of GPS

Each GPS model offers different features and options:

The Infotraffic: This function allows you to know the traffic conditions in real time on major roads and motorways. Some GPS units are equipped with the premium TMC option to obtain information about the traffic situation in some cities.

Voice Recognition: As its name suggests, it is a speech recognition system that lets you control your GPS with your voice. You can perform all the functions of your GPS safely when you are driving.

Bluetooth: bluetooth gives you the possibility to connect your mobile phone to your GPS. You can, via your GPS, check your messages or your address BOOK.

It also switches the GPS mode to the phone mode automatically when you receive a call.

Tom Tom and IQ routes: The system developed by Tom Tom tells you depending on your speed, traffic and the chosen route, the time at which you will be in your point of arrival. Useful to prevent any delays.

The PNA (Personal Navigation Assistant): This function is really useful if you are a big hiker or adventurer. PNA is an independent GPS equipment with different functions such as the indicator of atmospheric pressure, compass, altimeter...

C - The GPS price

Be aware that cheap GPS do not have comprehensive mapping. Most distributors deliver their systems with integrated maps but they turn out poor abroad and indicate the path only on major roads and highways. It is therefore important if you travel abroad a lot, to pay attention before buying.

D - The GPS brands

Faced with the enormous success of GPS in recent years, many manufacturers have embarked on the adventure. The best known remains the dutch manufacturer TomTom but is closely followed by other companies such as Garmin, NavMan or Mappy that also offer performance products.