The Incredible Value of GPS Units

Traveling, finding your way around the city, all can be taxing if you are trying to drive and read a map at the same time. And then new roads are built, detours are here and there, traffic jams occur - so what does one do? Thanks to Global Positioning Systems or GPS, one can easily take the stress out of driving. Plug in your destination within your system and allow it to give you directions along the way. No more glancing down at the map while driving and trying to figure out alternative routes.

GPS has become one of the most rapidly purchased system used both commercially and non-commercially. The main systems are managed by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Executive Committee, supported by the PNT Executive Secretariat The basic GPS is defined as the constellation of satellites, the navigation payloads which produce the GPS signals, ground stations, data links, and associated command and control facilities which are operated and maintained by the Department of Defense. GPS permits land, sea, and airborne users to determine their three dimensional position, velocity, and time, 24 hours a day in all weather, anywhere in the world.

Having a GPS unit in your vehicle not only increases the value of your car but also can help you save gas and prevent many a headache. For instance, with a GPS unit, you can ask it to help you navigate to your destination via the shortest route, which means it will figure out how to get from Point A to Point B with fewer miles. If you aren't interested in cutting miles off your trip but time, there is also the Fastest Route. Now, for instance, if the road you are traveling on is under construction or is blocked due to an accident, your GPS unit will automatically reconfigure an alternative route for you - meaning, no more driving around aimlessly looking for a way around the roadblock. This saves time, gas and money.

Many GPS units come with traffic information, others require you to purchase it in addition to your unit. Having traffic details will help you automatically determine where there is congestion or traffic build up, before you approach it and give you alternative routes. This is a godsend for those who have to work in the city and must get to their jobs on time.

Traveling to a new area that you have never been to and want to know where the rest stops are, gas stations, coffee shops or hotels are? Amazingly enough, GPS units can provide you with these as well. This is great when driving long distances and trying to make the best of your time. Knowing exactly where the next gas station is, how far, how long it will take to get to it, is amazing. If it is dark outside, no worries, your lit GPS unit will inform you of everything you will need on your route.

GPS units also are a safety feature as drivers are no longer gazing down at maps but reliably listening to their navigation guide on their GPS unit.

While GPS devices are common among luxury cars, no worries. There are many portable devices on the market that can be purchased and temporarily attached to your windshield or dash. These units can be installed and removed in seconds.

Some GPS units are directly hooked into a 911 emergency response system. The unit will automatically call in to 911 when you are in an accident. The unit itself serves as a marker for where you are located, which is helpful should you be unconscious from the accident.

Yes, GPS units are becoming almost a necessary standard feature needed for most vehicles. When purchasing your next vehicle, ask if it comes with a GPS unit. If not, look into purchasing a portable unit - it will well be worth its investment.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.