Not much is known about how the first compass was invented. But it seems like someone in China noticed that a loadstone, if suspended so that it could turn freely, always pointed in the same direction. It looks like this phenomenon was known already back in the fourth century B.C. Later on the Chinese realized that an iron needle which had been magnetized behaved in the same way. The first compasses were probably not used for navigation, instead they seemed to have been used in Feng Shui to build a harmonized environment. Later on the compass was used for navigation on Chinese ships.

Most likely, the Arabs and Europeans learnt about the compass from Chinese merchants that were using compasses for navigating their ships. But it is worth pointing out that some people question this theory.

The needle on a magnetic compass points to the Magnetic North Pole. Note that the Magnetic North Pole and the North Pole are not the same thing. The Magnetic North Pole is fair bit away from the North Pole, it is located in northern Canada. The Magnetic North Pole is not static, it is moving about 55 kilometers (34 miles) per year. In the southern hemisphere, there is a Magnetic South Pole. Note that the two magnetic poles are not antipodal, this is because the magnetic field of the earth is not symmetrical.

The dry compass as we know it today, was developed in Italy in the 14th century. The liquid compass was an attempt to develop a compass more suitable for ships. The liquid compass uses liquid to absorb shocks and vibrations, putting less strain on the needle. But apart from the liquid it works in the same way as the dry compass.

The gyrocompass is non-magnetic compass. Since gyrocompasses don’t use the earth’s magnetic fields, they point to true north, instead of the Magnetic North Pole as magnetic compasses do. While it is easy to understand how a magnetic compass works, gyro compasses are much difficult to understand. To keep things simple, let’s just say they determine the true north from the earth’s rotation. Gyrocompasses have been popular on ships because unlike magnetic compasses, they are not affected by the steel hull of the ship, which changes the magnetic fields.

Nowadays most smartphones include a magnetometer, also known as solid state compass. They use magnetic fields sensors which pass on their data to the processor which determines the direction of the Magnetic North Pole and true north.

Obviously, Google Maps works for smartphones running Google’s Andriod but is also available for BlackBerrys, iPhones/iPad and Windows. That said, only Andriod supports all features. If your Smartphone is running something else than Andriod, you lose some of the features, such as 3D Maps and Indoor maps.

GPS has been used outdoors for quite some time but indoors GPS has not worked. GPS devices must be able to communicate with the GPS satellites, otherwise they can’t determine your location. In order to use GPS indoors, you also need a map of the building you are in. In this case, a smartphone has an advantage over a dedicated GPS device. The smartphone can download the map of the building you are entering from the network. As mentioned, GPS navigation will not work indoors but by selecting the map for the floor you are on you can see what is available. It will take time to crate maps for all larger buildings. Google has started with maps of larger shopping malls and airports.

Google Maps 6.0 was released in November 2011, it included a number of new features. Indoor maps has already been mentioned, note that it was a beta version. The Navigation feature is also a beta version. It is very useful, giving directions for driving, walking and public transports. Unfortunately, at the moment both of these features are only available for Android smartphones.

One big problem with GPS on smartphones is that if you don’t have any network connectivity, GPS is not available. Google Maps has a feature called Offline Reliability which lets you interact with the map even if you temporarily lose connectivity. This is not as good as a dedicated GPS device but it is a beginning. Note that the smartphone is supposed to download the whole route when you start navigating to your destination so no streaming occurs during the time you are travelling to your destination. This is very good, especially if your plan doesn’t allow much to be downloaded.

If you are using your smartphone in your car, Google Maps has real-time traffic information. This helps you finding the fastest route to your destination. You also get Google Street View on your smartphone, it is supported on all platforms.

But GPS will not be the only satellite based navigation system for long. A number of projects are under way to become less dependent on GPS. For many countries, being dependent on US technology means a loss of prestige.

The Russian GLONASS navigation system was fully restored in October 2011, it has 24 satellites in orbit. It had 24 operational satellites already back in December 1995 but due to financial difficulties in Russia, funding was cut and no more satellites were launched for several years. Vladimir Putin seems to have made GLONASS one of his priorities and made sure that the project had enough money to make the system operational once again.

GLONASS was primarily meant for the military but in 2007 Putin made sure that civilians got access to the same accuracy as the military. This means that GLONASS users have a precision of 10 meters. GLONASS has not been a commercial success, GPS devices are much smaller and cheaper. But the Russian government is using both carrots and sticks to promote GLONASS usage. In 2010, the Russian government announced a 25% import duty on all GPS-capable devices that did not also support GLONASS.

The first two satellites in the European Galileo Navigation system become operational in April 2012. Two more Galileo navigation satellites are supposed to be launched later this year. Four satellites is the minimal number needed for three dimensional location calculations. These four satellites will be used to evaluate the technique. Towards the end of the decade, EU has planned to have 30 Galileo satellites in operation.

EU wants to have its own satellite navigation system, being dependent on the US does not look good for European bureaucrats and politicians. The Galileo navigation systems include some features that are not available in GPS but despite that, the commercial viability of the system is questionable. This has forced EU to reallocate money from other funds, that is taxpayers’ money, to the Galileo project.

The tremendous economic success of China has meant that the country has a lot of money to pour into research. One of the Chinese projects is the Beidou-2 satellite navigation system. It is still under construction but became operational with limited coverage in December 2011. The system is supposed to be fully operational in 2020.

India is also developing its own satellite navigation system but at the moment it is only supposed to cover India, not the whole globe.

GPS has become very popular, so have smartphones. All kinds of applications are being developed for smartphones. GPS applications are no exception. The sales of dedicated GPS navigators is declining while GPS software for smartphones is selling like hot cakes.

One of the more interesting projects is a German attempt at using GPS indoors. The German researchers are trying to develop a very small sensor that tracks your movements. It is similar to a pedometer but much more sophisticated. Their device registers how fast and how far a person is walking, like a standard pedometer. But the device also tries to keep track of the direction. Another sensor tracks acceleration, making it possible to estimate the current location. And the sensors are much more accurate than a pedometer. One drawback is that each user has to enter his or her personal data, such as height and length of stride. This complicates things if more than one person is supposed to use the device. But the researchers have also managed to let the device work out the current length of stride.

Another problem is that indoor GPS will only be useful if the smartphone knows the interior of the building. The solution for this is simple, create maps of large buildings and let the smartphone download the map when you are approaching the building. Another possibility is that the building could have a QR code at the entrance, so the smartphone could be used to scan code.

The small module that contains the sensors needs to be inserted in the smartphone. The module also includes a microprocessor, so the processor of the smartphone will not have to keep on computing your movements.

But there is still a lot of work to do before the product is ready to be released. Due to all the estimations the module has to make, something can easily go wrong. Getting rid of the problems is difficult but the German researchers are ready to demonstrate their device. Who knows, in the near future it may be as common using GPS indoors as it is using GPS outdoors.

The early GPS devices were large and very expensive. But after a couple of year dedicated GPS devices had become smaller and cheaper. They become very popular, no need to trying to read maps anymore. GPS navigators are easy to use and they generally work flawlessly.

But dedicated GPS devices are no longer the only product you can use to find your destination. A smartphone with GPS software can nowadays replace a dedicated GPS device. Obviously, a smartphone can be used for much more than guiding you to your destination. It can replace a number of other devices. But does that mean that you should always buy a smartphone and add GPS software and forget about dedicated GPS Devices?

It is far from easy to answer that question and a lot of people like to discuss the topic. It very much depends on what you are going to use your smartphone for. If you all you need is GPS navigation, then a dedicated GPS will be clearly cheaper. But as mentioned, a smartphone can be used for much more than GPS navigation. You can use it as a phone, but additionally for example as mp3 player, camera, personal organizer and to surf the Internet.

Needless to say, smartphones are much more expensive than most dedicated GPS devices. But you also get much more for your money. The question is how many of the smartphone features are you going to use. Needless to say, it is much easier to carry around just a smartphone, rather than half a dozen of dedicated devices.

It is worth noting that you often need to buy, fairly expensive, map updates to dedicated GPS devices. Smartphones on the other hand require that you pay a monthly subscription fee (to the mobile provider, GPS does not cost extra) plus the purchase of GPS software. Although in some cases, you may get the GPS software for free. Generally, you don’t need to pay anything for new maps.

Another thing worth noting is that dedicated GPS navigators are easier to read from distance. In most cases, you mount the GPS navigator using a windshield or dashboard mounting kit, making it easy to see both the road and the navigator. You can find a few mounting kits for smartphones but it is still a problem securing your smartphone in a location that allows you to both see the traffic and the map.

There is one important difference between smartphone GPS and dedicated GPS in regards to the maps. Dedicated GPS navigators store the maps internally. Smartphones on the other hand download the relevant maps from the network when needed. This means that you always have up to date maps on the smartphone but also that you are dependent on network connectivity. If you are in a place with no network connectivity, the smartphone can not guide you. A dedicated GPS will not have this problem, but its maps may need to be updated.

The success of the smartphone has meant that a lot of applications have been developed. This includes a lot of GPS applications as well. Some of them are not very useful but a couple of them are really interesting and can save you both time and money. Now you can even save money on gas with the help of GPS.

With ever increasing gas prices, the GasBuddy application looks like a must have application for your smartphone. GasBuddy can be installed on all the main smartphone platforms, Android, Blackberry, iPhone and Windows Phone. Best of all, it is free. GasBuddy covers the US and Canada.

GasBuddy is very easy to use. You enter your zip code or city and GasBuddy shows you the current prices of the gas stations in the neighborhood. You can get the result in list form or get a map with the gas stations and prices displayed. The gas stations are displayed with their company logos making it easy to find the best gas station for you. The results are returned very fast, but the list form is quicker than the map. The list form allows you to sort the list by distance or price.

GasBuddy lists prices for regular, mid-grade, premium and diesel. It also shows when the prices were last updated.

Not only is the GasBuddy application free but you can also win prizes if you report the current gas prices in your neighborhood.

Of course, GasBuddy being a free application, the company needs to get money somehow and the solution in this case is pop-up ads. The ads are only displayed occasionally and are unobtrusive but that can vary depending on your location.

On the whole, if you are interested in finding the cheapest gas stations near you, GasBuddy is a very good solution. Since it is a free download, it is well worth testing. Of course, if you live outside urban areas you may find that the gas prices are updated very infrequently. But in most cities, the gas prices seem to be up to date.

Paper maps are still being printed but electronic maps, or more exactly digital maps, are taking over. Digital maps are made up of zeroes and ones. The numbers represent mapping information which can be interpreted by mapping software. The first digital maps were like the paper maps, but they included more information. And it was much easier to update a digital map than maps printed on paper. But after a while mapping software got bot more sophisticated and cheaper. With the introduction of GPS, digital maps have moved far further than just being an improved version of a paper map.

Maps printed on papers may be old-fashioned but they are lightweight and can be folded into a small flat bundle. Also digital maps are often printed, it is much easier to walk around carrying a sheet of paper than a PC. Digital maps have a number of advantages compared with maps printed on paper. Digital maps can be made much more accurate than paper maps. They can be distributed much cheaper and faster. In urban areas, roads can change frequently. If you have an auto-atlas, you would have to buy a new version in order to have up to date maps. With digital maps, you just download the latest updates, and your maps are up to date.

Of course, digital maps by themselves are not useful, you need software which transforms the digital data into a useful format. Both mapping software and hardware used to be expensive but with the success of GPS, prices have fallen drastically.

Digital maps can be divided into two groups, static maps and smart maps. Static maps are not much different from paper maps, except for that they are electronic. You can view view or print them. Smart maps contain not just the map but also additional information. This information can be used by software, generating reports in moments that earlier could have taken days.

If you have been looking for a new GPS navigator you have probably seen the TomTom brand. TomTom has said they believe navigation should be easy as possible, and safe. They have worked hard to develop smart technology, that gives you straightforward solutions to your navigation problems. The TomTom XXL 540TM is one of their wide screen portable GPS systems that includes lifetime traffic and maps.

The TomTom XXL 540TM comes preloaded with maps of three countries. They are the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These units are also preloaded with over seven million points of interest, in over 60 destination categories. Some of these include gas stations, hotels, restaurants, etc. This is a great feature if you are traveling in an unknown area, and wonder where the best restaurants are!

Features of the TomTom XXL 540TM
• lifetime traffic and maps
• large 5 inch display
• one year warranty
• over 7 million points of interest preloaded
• IQ routing that calculates the fastest route, based on the time of day
• advanced lane guidance to indicate which lane you should use.

You get the following with the TomTom XXL 540TM
• The TomTom XXL 540TM GPS Navigator
• EasyPort mount
• USB cable
• Adhesive disk
• Car charger with integrated traffic
• User guide
• Lifetime maps voucher

One great selling point we found for the TomTom XXL 540TM is that TomTom owns their own mapping company. They say that roads change up to 40% per year in some places, and they believe they have the skills and means to keep their maps more fresh and accurate.

Driving with a GPS makes traveling a lot less stressful, so maybe it’s time you heard what others are saying about theTomTom XXL 540TM.

What Customer Say About The TomTom XXL 540TM

• “I was skeptical about buying a new product with no reviews but after using it a few times I think I did the right thing. It worked right out of the box and although it would not accept my map update code it did it anyway so I guess the code is not needed if you have the lifetime update model. It comes with a car charger and a USB cable to connect to a PC and also uses the USB’s 5 volt power to charge, so you don’t need to buy the home charger if you want to do it this way.

When connecting to USB you have the option to make a computer connection or just charge. Today I used it to go to a place that I have been before and it directed me to a way I didn’t know about that was a few less miles than my usual route. The spoken directions are clear and easy to understand. On major roads it knows the speed limit and shows both your actual speed and the limit, you can choose to be notified with a tone that you select if you get a little heavy with your right foot.”

• “I have owned several GPS units, including models from Garmin and Navman. I upgraded to this model from the TomTom 140S. This model has twice the screen size. The screen is brighter, and the sound is louder and fuller. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Routing is excellent. The Points of Interest database is huge. Advanced lane guidance is very helpful. The large screen makes data input easier. Like all TomToms, you can configure it to your liking.”

Here you can read more TomTom XXL 540TM reviews

TomTom XXL 540TM GPS Navigator Review Summary

The TomTom XXL 540TM has thousands of reviews by customers, and we are pleased to say that most of them are favorable. One thing customers love is the fold and go EasyPort Mount. It folds easily into the back of the device, and both are small enough to fit into your pocket. You never have to be without your GPS with this portability feature.

The complaints that we did find about the TomTom XXL 540TM were concerning the maps. It seems that some people had trouble downloading the updates, or they wanted maps from a country that was not listing on the sales page.

Also one person said that he wanted his lifetime maps for Europe and that TomTom said that was not included. The customer has said that Europe was mentioned on their box, but we were unable to verify this.

In our opinion, since the TomTom XXL 540TM has so many satisfied customers, we feel this unit is a great buy for a navigation system.

You can save 50% if you purchase the TomTom XXL 540TM from Amazon, so if you are tired of getting lost when traveling, try the TomTom XXL 540TM. Click here to go to Amazon.com

The Garmin nuvi 50 is a simple but very good GPS navigator. It does not have all the latest and greatest features but it has two of the most important, Lane Assist and Junction View. The Garmin nuvi 50 is easy to use and it will take you to your destination. The large screen is really good for Lane Assist. The Garmin nuvi 50 displays the current speed limit, a nice feature. You get good value for your money.

Note that the Garmin nuvi 50LM is the same device as the nuvi 50 but the 50LM includes free lifetime map updates. If map updates are important to you, it will be much cheaper to buy the nuvi 50LM. You can buy map updates to the Garmin nuvi 50 but that will be more expensive. Here you can buy the Garmin 50 LM. The nuvi 40 includes the same features as the Garmin nuvi 50 but instead of a 5-inch screen it has a 4.3 inch screen. If you are happy with a 4.3 screen, you save some money buying the nuvi 40.

You get the following with the Garmin nuvi 50:
– Garmin nüvi 50 5-inch Portable GPS Navigator(US)
– City Navigator (preloaded street maps)
– Vehicle suction cup mount
– Vehicle power cable
– Quick start manual

Garmin nuvi 50 Specifications

Pros
– Excellent screen
– Easy to use
– Good value for the money

Cons
– Only US maps (lower 48 states plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico) included


Garmin nuvi 50 Owner Review
The Nüvi 50 is a basic GPS, and worked fine. Easy to use, big and readable screen, I did almost 2000 miles with it and I didn’t got lost once. The operation is straightforward and Points of Interest worked fine and are really comprehensive.
At first I wasn’t very happy on how the lane assist feature works, but after some time with it I got the hold of it. In fact, I drive better with that disabled, while in some circumstances it can be really helpful in other it adds too much distraction.
IMHO, an ideal GPS for people looking for a simple GPS that does the job.
You can read more Garmin nuvi 50 reviews here

Garmin nuvi 50 GPS Navigator Review Summary

The Garmin nuvi 50 is a simple but good GPS navigator. It has the two most important features, Lane Assist and Junction View. The Garmin nuvi 50 is easy to use and the 5-inch display is excellent. You get good value for the money. If you want a 5-inch screen and don’t need map updates, then the Garmin nuvi 50 is the right GPS navigator for you.

You can buy the Garmin nuvi 50 5-inch Portable GPS Navigator(US) at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s cheap prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com

Average Customer Rating: 4.02 out of 5

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

The Garmin nuvi 40 is a simple but good GPS Navigator. It is the same as the Garmin nuvi 40LM but without the free lifetime maps upgrades. If free map upgrades are not of any interest to you, then the Garmin nuvi 40 gives you excellent value for the money. It is a simple GPS navigator, lacking many of the additional features you get when you buy a more expensive GPS navigators. But the Garmin nuvi 40 has all you need to get to your destination.

The Garmin nuvi 40 is easy to use. To some extent, not having many additional features makes it easier to use. The number of menu options to choose from is much smaller compared to the high-end models. The 4.3-inch display is excellent. For most people, 4.3 inch is the optimal size. The smaller 3.5 inch display are difficult to read while the5-inch displays are larger and heavier without being much easier to read.

Note that if you want map updates, it is better to buy the Garmin nuvi 40LM, it is the same device but you get free lifetime map updates. You can upgrade the maps on the Garmin nuvi 40 but it will be more expensive than if you had bought the nuvi 40LM. Click here to have a look at the Garmin nuvi 40LM

All Garmin nüvi GPS navigators come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.


Garmin nuvi 40 Specifications

You get the following with the Garmin nuvi 40:
– Garmin nüvi 40
– City Navigator NT
– Vehicle suction cup mount
– Vehicle power cable
– Quick start manual

Pros
– Excellent value for the money
– Lane assist and Junction view included
– Easy to use

Cons
– Only US maps (lower 48 states plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico) included


Garmin nuvi 40 Owner Review
The two features I absolutely require are the speed limit on the screen and the lane guidance. This GPS has both. This is my first Garmin out of three that goes into a split screen mode and shows the interstate signage as you come upon an exit you will be taking on your route. Great feature!
The audio is crisp and clear. It has plenty of volume capacity.
When needed, this unit will recalculate the directions quickly. I should also mention that it is very quick to acquire the satellites.
The one thing that this GPS does not have is traffic. My last four GPS’s have had traffic and I have found it to be of limited usefulness. More than 50% of the time, the traffic has cleared out and you are still being alerted. The alternate routes around the traffic jams tend to be somewhat dubious.
Finally, what a great price!!! Just a year ago, you would have paid double the price for a GPS with all of the features you get with the Garmin 40. It is an excellent buy! You can read more Garmin nuvi 40 review here

Garmin nuvi 40 Review Summary

The Garmin nuvi 40 GPS navigator is a simple but good GPS navigator. You get the two most useful features, Lane assist and Junction view. The Garmin nuvi 40 is easy to use and it will get you to your destination. If don’t need map updates the Garmin nuvi 40 gives you excellent value for your money.

As mentioned earlier, if you need map updates, it will be cheaper to buy the Garmin nuvi 40LM. You can buy map upgrades for the Garmin nuvi 40 but that will be more expensive.

You can buy the Garmin nuvi 40 at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com