The GPS Mapping And Gps Database Of The GPS Receiver Will Give You Your Exact Global Positioning

More and more people are beginning to use GPS mapping as the primary way they plan, map, and track their trips for both business and for pleasure. With GPS maps, you can route trips to any destination, whether you are driving in your car with a vehicle GPS navigation system installed or hiking or biking through the wilderness with a handheld GPS mapping device. The GPS unit will connect with numerous satellites, receiving data and information about its location. The GPS tracking software will then use GPS mapping technology to create a GPS map that you can view and interact with. You can then plan routes and organize trips on your GPS receiver, as well as several other useful features. The various abilities and functions of the GPS database system is a primary factor of the cost of a GPS device.

Mapmakers and GPS manufacturers all have their own system of creating maps, but most maps begin with the placement of governmental sites, like fire and police stations, schools, and similar community landmarks. Aerial images and satellite photos are then layered into the basic map, along with any important additions that may be needed, to display the GPS map seen on the device. Some GPS mapping devices can produce immediate graphics of your location and surroundings, making it possible to view a real-time map that changes as your location changes. This type of GPS map is great in emergency situations.The features of GPS maps vary. Most software includes maps of cities, along with the major highways. These maps may also include city level streets, rivers and waterways, and even less traveled side roads. Many GPS mapping systems include features that make it possible to obtain maps from your computer, making it easy and convenient to travel to any area.

How to Read a GPS Mapping System

The most common way for a GPS receiver to display your global location is with a plot screen, using a series of waypoints in the area. So that you can track your position logically, you should always set the plot screen directions so that north is up, or towards the top of your device so it reads like a map. The device will allow you to navigate through the GPS map, zooming in and out or even shifting the map's location. The GPS database will allow you to save various waypoints, typically at least one hundred, and label them with brief descriptions. Your waypoints and their names can help plan routes quickly in the future.GPS devices come with a map datum already installed. This is a basic representation of the land formations in the country or area where the unit was designed. GPS units manufactured in the United States are installed with North American map datum, so it is necessary to install additional software if the unit will be used outside the country.

The GPS Database

Most of the more costly GPS units come with an integrated GPS database program. The GPS database contains permanent waypoints that help the system recognize your location and guide your travels. A GPS system used during flights, for example, would usually have a GPS database with various airports and other navigational tools that aid in tracking their position. With these waypoints already programmed into the database, you can simply choose your destination and map your route without additional typing or searching. Most GPS mapping devices include a basic GPS database with cities and towns, major streets, and some side roads. Some GPS units have an empty database that the user must create. Global positioning systems first came into use during the 1960's and there are currently at least 24 GPS satellites in orbit. These advancements in GPS technology led to GPS mapping, making it easy to map practically any location. GIC GPS mapping software allows instant access to images of practically any location. Sometimes the resolution and clarity of the satellite image is so good, you can see cars and trees in the image.

GPS Mapping Terms

· Location fix refers to signals sent out from the satellites to the GPS unit to relate your location with an accuracy of 20 to 40 feet.

· Track is the dark, dotted pattern that is displayed on the plot screen to represent your route.

· Waypoints are individual reference points that aid in trip planning and route plotting.

· The course is your complete trip, from the start point to the ending destination.

· Bearing refers to your location in relation to your route and your surroundings.

· Heading is your destination, or ending point, and is displayed in either letters or degrees.

The Future of GPS Tracking Systems

We are already aware of the differences GPS mapping technology has made in modern day life. We can now access a variety of information within minutes, and GPS maps are only the beginning. The future of global positioning systems and GPS devices is uncertain, but it is sure to be positive. GPS technology is capable of creating endless uses as more advancements are introduced for global positioning are made, and it is quite likely that GPS receiver units will become an even larger part of our society.

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to GPSSearchAndFind.com a informative GPS website that gathers information on all GPS topics so that consumers can better understand global positioning technology.

Increase Sales Twenty Percent By Mapping Your Prospect List

If you cover a territory, and your livelihood requires finding new customers - then prospecting from a list is most likely an extremely important part of your work tasks. Unless of course you've got an efficient corporate office support center dedicated to delivering you top quality leads that keep you in front of the best prospects all the time... I didn't think so.

Alright - then let's agree that as a salesrep - you make your money in front of prospects selling - instead of behind a windshield driving (or on a plane flying or a train sitting...you get the picture). What if you could look at your territory and instantly know where your best prospects are located? What if you could efficiently prospect your territory, planning trips that maximized time in front of prospects selling - instead of wasting time and money on unnecessary travel?

Well of course - you can (or this would be a very short article). The new productivity increasing tools available to the mobile sales rep are simply the stuff of 'The Jetsons'. No we don't have flying cars yet - but man we got some really cool technology out here that we as sales people need to make sure we are taking advantage of. One powerful tool you need in your arsenal is mapping software.

Free internet mapping services have been around for a long time - at least for the computer world - with MapQuest launching their online service in February 1996. There are several other options to choose from today including Yahoo Maps, Google Maps, Microsoft Virtual Earth and more. These services have been a great help for sales people in finding directions to the client or the best restaurant.

Consumer GPS receivers have really come on strong in the last few years too. 'GPS' stands for 'Global Positioning System'. Operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, it's a network of 24 satellites circling the earth that transmits data to earthbound receivers. With this information, receivers can calculate location, speed and even elevation. These devices are great for showing you where you're at and how to get to your destination. The civilian market has exploded with demand for these systems.

While online mapping services and GPS devices are great for helping people get to where they're going - it's more important to those of us in Sales to know where we need to go in the first place! And while we're at it -it would be nice to know if we're contacting the best opportunity in the area - and shoot - since we're already there - is there anybody else we should be talking to close by?

This is where the mapping software packages come in. Running on the laptop you already have, they combine the ease of electronic mapping with the convenience of optional turn-by-turn voice guided GPS directions. But the real power in mapping software is its ability to marry up your ever important suspect list with location on the ground.

Key 'Prospect Value Indicators (PVI's)' let you know the value of your prospect. If you sell pharmaceuticals, it might be the number of doctors in the practice. Sell managed HR services? Then maybe the number of employees is your PVI. Whatever it is, you can acquire a list that includes this target information. Then you can sort your list into value ranges that makes sense to you, import it into your map and choose specific pushpins that quickly identify the prospect's value.

Once you've mapped your prospect list - trust me - you'll never look at your territory the same way again. Now you can efficiently plan your sales travels, geographically grouping your best prospects so you maximize your time where you make your money -in front of the prospect selling.

Sometimes - getting to your prospect's address is only half the battle. If they're located at a huge complex, you can waste valuable time deciding where to park, and which entrance to go through to get to their office. Some mapping packages offer a link to detailed aerial photos with astounding clarity. When setting up the meeting, you can really impress your prospect when you ask them which door to walk through on their building when you arrive for the sales call. With your trip planned, you can choose to add a GPS receiver to your laptop, and follow turn-by-turn voice guided directions right to your meetings.

Because your map stays with you, you can add all kinds of points that make your life easier on the road. Want to find free Wi Fi locations in your territory - type in 'Free WiFi hotspots' on the internet and get a free list from several sources and import it to your map. Want to make sure you know where all your favorite restaurant and coffee chains are? Go to their website - download their locations - and add them to your map. See a great beach you want to take your family to on your next vacation - mark it on your map!

Mapping software tools are a valuable resource for sales professionals seeking to maximize their productivity and increase their sales. They can also make business travel less stressful, more convenient and cost effective. There are several mapping software products available on the market today including Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 (this is the one I train on), DeLorme's Street Atlas 2008 and ESRI's BusinessMAP 4.5. Check them out and increase your sales now!

About the Author:
Keith O'Brien is the President and founder of My Point...Exactly, LLC. He has over 15 years of Sales and Marketing experience selling technology products across the U.S. He currently trains sales organizations how to use mapping and GPS to more efficiently prospect and travel their territory. His training helps sales people reduce travel costs, maximize time in front of prospects and increase sales. Learn more about using mapping and GPS to increase sales at http://www.mypointsales.com/