GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide a consistent, accurate method of simplifying navigation. It was originally designed for the military, however, it provides both commercial and recreational users 24 hour, worldwide navigation coverage with a possible accuracy to 15 meters (49 feet). Like any other method of navigation, you should not rely solely on your GPS. You should use every method of navigation available and compare the results to make sure that you are where you think you are.
For centuries, mariners have been searching for an accurate method of traveling the world's waterways. From celestial navigation to lorans and SatNav, each system has had its problems with weather, range and reliability.
GPS takes navigation to a higher level by providing accurate position and course information, anywhere in the world, regardless of the weather or your proximity to land. The accuracy and coverage of GPS navigation can help make your boating safer, smarter and more efficient wherever you may travel.
For centuries, mariners have been searching for an accurate method of traveling the world's waterways. From celestial navigation to lorans and SatNav, each system has had its problems with weather, range and reliability.
GPS takes navigation to a higher level by providing accurate position and course information, anywhere in the world, regardless of the weather or your proximity to land. The accuracy and coverage of GPS navigation can help make your boating safer, smarter and more efficient wherever you may travel.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
What is GPS Navigation?
GPS Navigation uses orbiting satellite signals to determine your position. These satellites continually send out radio signals containing precise position and time information back to earth. By knowing the position of 3, 4 or more of these satellites and calculating various time differences between the transmitted signals, your GPS receiver can determine its present position anywhere on earth. Once underway, your GPS continually updates your position and provides speed and track information.
Various manufacturers make GPS's and some have more features than others but all give basically the same information. Almost all of them have graphic displays and some even have a cartographic feature which allows you to see your location on an electronic chart. If you are going for a fixed mounted GPS rather than a handheld portable, I would vote for a model that does support electronic charts. This provides yet another way of checking your position, especially if you are in site of land or an object on the chart.
Various manufacturers make GPS's and some have more features than others but all give basically the same information. Almost all of them have graphic displays and some even have a cartographic feature which allows you to see your location on an electronic chart. If you are going for a fixed mounted GPS rather than a handheld portable, I would vote for a model that does support electronic charts. This provides yet another way of checking your position, especially if you are in site of land or an object on the chart.
