This week in GPS is a weekly link roundup of (mostly) GPS related odds and ends, from GPS Tracklog and other places around the Web. This week’s featured image is Garmin’s new RV centric GPS unit. Read about it and other GPS news below: read more
New Cycling Navigation Device, Beeline, Launches
January 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment
With the prevalence of GPS technology, sometimes it seems like we have lost the ability to really enjoy the journey and explore. With a mechanical voice constantly telling you to turn hear or there, rides suddenly can become stressful and even dangerous. However, a new GPS device, Beeline, is bringing some of the adventure and spontaneity back to finding your way around.
Originally launched via a successful Kickstarter campaign, this unique device works with your phone to provide directions in an unusual way: via an arrow literally pointing in the direction you need to go. The device was created in the UK by developers looking for a way to help cyclists take more control of their rides. The device, which pairs with an app on your phone, allows cyclists to choose their own path, bike safely with fewer distractions, and actually helps users build mental maps over time. read more
GPS Safety App Offers Alternative to Tracker
January 24, 2017 By 1 Comment
There are tons of GPS trackers on the market designed to help keep loved ones safe whenever they are out on their travels. Most of these involve actually clipping something to a bag or carrying something in a pocket. But, if you’re anything like me, those things are easy to lose or forget about the moment that you take it out to charge it. However, a new company has aimed to solve this problem.
Virtual Halo is an app designed for iPhone and Apple Watch users, and it takes advantage of the device’s GPS functions to help users feel just a little bit safer. Unlike some other apps, this particular app does not broadcast your location continuously but rather sends a snapshot to selected contacts, which adds a little more privacy than a traditional tracker. read more
Australia to Test SBAS Positioning Technology
January 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment
The Australian government announced last week that it intends to invest around $12 million in a two-year program to help improve global satellite positioning in the country. The funding will go towards testing the use of satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) in the country. These systems are designed to provide instant, accurate positioning when combined with navigational satellite constellations.
We wrote previously about how Australia has historically had some minor accuracy issues with GPS, and even had to issue a correction late last year to account for inaccurate coordinates due to drifting. This project represents Australia’s first foray into the satellite positioning sector, and it has the potential to provide quite a few benefits to the country, and will be available for civilians as well as military and commercial organizations.
Garmin Debuts New Dedicated RV Device
January 22, 2017 By 1 Comment
RVs can be a lot of fun, but if you’ve ever taken a road trip in one, then you know that RV drivers have completely different needs than your average driver or even a trucker. So, of course, Garmin is here to the rescue with its own line of RV-specific GPS devices, the most recent of which was announced last week.
The device, RV 770 LMT-S was built specifically with RV lovers and camping enthusiasts in mind. In addition to the normal navigation and routing options, it offers a host of features that RV owners need while on the road. And, much like the new Garmin Drive line, this device features free live services to go along with Garmin’s award-winning navigation. read more
Couple Uses GPS To Announce Pregnancy
January 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Here at GPS Tracklog, we write about a lot of hard news like product releases and technical information about the state of GPS in the country and world. It can be easy to forget that GPS is way more than Garmin’s latest navigation device, or that cool new Kickstarter program, or even geocaching tips. But, GPS can be used for a variety of more fun things, including hiding art, jogging for marriage proposals and everything in between. Today, I wanted to pause in all the technical stuff to write about an adorable human interest article I stumbled across at Little Things.
Recently, a couple posted a video online of a pregnancy announcement made in a very unusual way: through the device’s GPS voice navigation. There aren’t a lot of details on exactly how it was done, but watching the video, it looks like the woman may have used Siri from Apple Maps for the announcement. The reactions of the mother were pretty priceless.
You can watch the video below:
read more
This Week in GPS — January 20, 2017
January 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
This week in GPS is a weekly link roundup of (mostly) GPS related odds and ends, from GPS Tracklog and other places around the Web. This week’s featured image is the new Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker, which was announced recently. Read about it and other GPS news below: read more
What All is GPS Used For?
January 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment
It might seem like something of a trick question, as everyone knows that GPS is used to help provide location and navigation information. Whether you’re driving across country or hiking back to base camp, we’ve probably all used GPS at least once. But, what most people don’t realize is that GPS actually does way more than just providing directions. In fact, it’s absolutely critical to our national infrastructure and the economy.
Below, you’ll find a list of the different industries and uses for GPS, and nearly all of them either provide safety or efficiency in some way. From helping tractors drive in straight lines to delivering aid to disaster victims and even providing entertainment value, GPS is one of the most fascinating technologies out there today. And, as if that wasn’t enough, new innovations and uses are constantly being explored.
Check it out: read more
6 Tips for Creating the Best Geocache
January 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment
While hunting down wild geocaches is fun, at some point you may want to create and hide your own geocache. It’s a whole different ballgame, with lots of things to consider, including making sure you have accurate coordinates, most people don’t want to just hide a cache—they want to create a memorable cache that will be enjoyed for years to come. But it isn’t as hard as you think. Here are six tips for making your geocache really shine:
1. Be original
Anyone can hide a piece of Tupperware or an ammo case in the woods. If you really want your cache to be memorable, then making it something original is key. Use an unusual (but waterproof) container, make it themed, or add a puzzle element. There are tons of options; so be creative! read more
Do You Need a GPS Watch?
January 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
GPS watches have been around for quite a while, but with the recent explosion of smartwatches, they have become more and more prevalent. It seems like you can’t turn around without seeing someone jogging along, staring down at their wrist, or hearing about the latest and greatest running watch that you simply must have to measure everything under the sun. There’s almost a pressure to track yourself when you jog. But, do you really need a GPS watch?
The short, easy answer is no. You don’t really need a GPS watch to run or do any sport. The long answer is that it really depends on what you’re doing and what your reasons for that activity are. Depending on your motivation, a GPS sport watch can actually be invaluable. If you are deciding if you need a GPS watch, then there are a couple things you should consider. read more
