Navigation Systems For Cars

In the last couple of years, the GPS Navigation Systems for cars have come a long way since it was first presented in the automotive marketplace. GPS or Global Positioning System was first utilized by the Military (Department of Defense) and utilizes a 12 or more artificial satellites revolving the earth to find the location of a specialize receiver known as the GPS unit. During President Reagan's term, he released the GPS satellites function to the public and this is where GPS companies commenced manufacturing receiver units for populace use. The most efficient use of this technology was focused on the automotive industry where this type of technology could really be put in use for giving and showing directions to drivers.

Luxury Automobile makers started manufacturing GPS navigation systems for cars on their high end models and making it as a luxury upgrade. Most people are buying in and eventually lead to the thinking of most people that GPS is only for rich people that can afford luxury cars. In the last several years, manufacturers started making portable units that can be used with any cars (old or new) and even can be used while bicycle riding and hiking. These portable units have the identical or even have more features that their expensive counterparts and the greatest part is that it just costs around $100 and more. During the Holiday season, you can even buy portable units for 60-75 dollars.

The advent of portable units have changed the GPS for cars stigma that people have known them for and now they are affordable for the masses. Most homes have one or more units in their cars nowadays and in the near future, they will be integrated on every car just like the car stereo and will not be a luxury accessory.

There are a plenty of various uses for GPS but the most useful and is widely used for is finding directions when you are driving. There are 2 types of automobile navigation systems - In dash and the portable units.
In dash units are usually built in to aftermarket stereo/DVD players and needs you to convert your OEM stereo unit. It requires a little bit of tech knowledge about the electrical scheme in your car or if you are not a DIY, then to have it professionally set up. The disadvantage of an in dash GPS units for cars is that it is more pricey upgrade and essentially it can only be used on the car it was installed.