Lockheed Martin has received a $50 million contract to continue development of the next step in the U.S. Air Force Global Positioning System satellite program.

The contract announced Thursday by officials with Lockheed’s Navigation Systems unit in Denver will fund the System Design Review phase of the GPS Block III satellite that will be used by both military and civilian customers.

The review will be carried out next March, leading up to the awarding of a multi-billion dollar development contract later in the year.

“With a successful requirements review accomplished, we have quickly turned our focus to meeting the design requirements under this important contract,” said Lockheed Vice President Don DeGryse. “Our team continues to work diligently to provide a low-risk, high- confidence GPS III block approach.”

Block III is the next generation in the U.S. GPS system and builds on the technology in the Block IIR and Block IIR-M series. The latest Block IIR-M was launched in November with another in that particular series slated to go up next year if requested by the Air Force.

The Block III spacecraft will include advanced anti-jamming capabilities and enhanced security features as well as improvements in accuracy.

GPS has become a mainstay technology for the U.S. military. It is used for navigational purposes as well as to guide precision bombs and missiles to their targets.

nuvi 660 GPS Navigator and Travel Assistant, only $729.99

Source: United Press International

The Garmin’s nüvi™ 310 is one of th most versatile GPS around. This pocket-sized Personal Travel Assistant now comes with hands-free Bluetooth® wireless technology in addition to the popular features offered in the nüvi 300 — making it the go-anywhere travel companion.

Place hands-free calls with Bluetooth wireless technology
The nüvi 310 along with its counterpart the nüvi 360 integrate wireless technology with a microphone and speaker that lets you make hands-free mobile phone calls. Simply dial numbers with the nüvi’s touch screen keypad to make a call on a compatible Bluetooth phone. To answer calls, just tap nüvi’s screen and speak directly into its built in microphone.

In addition, easily look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or from your phone’s call history log. Don’t know the phone number for your destination? Simply find and dial it from nüvi’s extensive points of interest database — including hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions.

Navigate with Ease
The nüvi 310 comes preprogrammed with regional European map data, and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and a fingertip touch screen interface — making navigation easy. It also supports configurable vehicle icons — fun, customized car-shaped icons in a variety of colors that show your position on the map.

The nüvi accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras. It even provides traffic alerts (in select cities) when used with a compatible traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver to your nüvi 310, you can avoid traffic tie-ups by simply pushing a button to calculate a new route.

Enjoy Travel Kit full of entertainment and useful tools
Navigation is just the beginning. The nüvi includes many “must have” entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, travel alarm, currency converters, and more. In addition, optional software packages such as the Language Guide™ and Travel Guides™ can be added for language and content support.

Customize with Optional Software
Optional software available on plug-in SD cards, lets you instantly add new features to your nüvi — without connecting to your computer.

Full Specifications
Receiver: high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; bright, TFT display, 64K colors, with white backlight and touch screen
Unit dimensions: 3.87″ W x 2.91″ H x 0.87″ D (98.3 mm x 73.9 mm x 22.1 mm)
Weight: 5.1 ounces (144.6 grams)
Battery: built-in lithium ion battery — between 4-8 hours of battery life depending on use
Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling
Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
Supports FM TMC traffic alerting
Preloaded maps for one European region
Fingertip touch-screen interface
Look up addresses and points of interest
Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams
Built in Travel Kit includes MP3 player with sample MPs, audio books, picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, calculator and more
SD memory card expansion slot
USB interface for loading data

The TomTom Rider is the first GPS that can be used for bikes as well as a car. The great thing about the TomTom Rider is it is rugged, water resistant, fits both motorbikes and scooters and provides you even with clear spoken instructions in your helmet using the wireless Bluetooth connection. It’s so easy to use that even with gloves on you can still use the touch screen. Just plug in, switch on & RIDE: no installation or activation necessary.

EASY
Just plug in, switch on & RIDE
Simple touch screen operation: Drive mode tailored for use with gloves on
Clear and accurate: turn-by-turn spoken instructions
Crystal-clear 3D and 2D graphics
Compact and portable design
Door-to-door planning in your region
View route: review and test the calculated route before you actually start driving
Dynamic status bar: improve readability by customizing status bar
Tip feature: discover everything RIDER has to offer through useful onscreen tips
Extensive guided tour: pick up the features even quicker and get the maximum out of your TomTom RIDER

SMART
Water resistant and rugged
Fits both bikes and scooters: with a mounting kit of four pieces to adapt to your 2wheels.
In helmet spoken instructions: Bluetooth TM headset included
Bike speed linked volume: volume of voice instructions will increase/decrease depending on speed of your bike
Anti-glare screen: always an optimal view, even in direct sunlight
A choice of routes: quickest, shortest or avoiding toll roads
Itinerary planning: plan your trip by defining multiple waypoints and destinations
Integrated GPS antenna
You can use RIDER also in a car: Just fit the optional car mounting kit on the windscreen of the car, switch on and you’re on your way.
RIDER recognizes if you are in a car or on a motorbike: There’s no need to adjust RIDER for use in the car – it automatically switches from glove-friendly to in-car mode for driving, and it allows you to make and take calls any time on the move too.
Multi lingual: speaks more than 30 languages in over 50 voices
User interface: now including 18 languages
Thousands of points of interest available
Call a POI: directly call a point of interest through the RIDER
Make it your own: save personal favorite addresses for quick route planning
Compass mode available: displays compass on screen to have even more orientation while driving
Get free scenic routes: offered by TomTom PLUS

CONNECTED
Ready for TomTom PLUS Services: get scenic routes for free and try out traffic service for free for a month
USB 2.0: for faster data transfers
Hands-Free Calling via Bluetooth™: connection with a compatible* mobile phone
(For safety reasons it blocks outgoing calls while the bike is moving, but if you choose to accept an incoming call it is automatically routed to your helmet. When the bike isn’t moving or you have stopped for a break you can make and receive calls normally.)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Integrated GPS receiver based on SiRF Star III with 20 Channel All-in-view tracking
CPU: 380 MHz
32 MB RAM
3.5 inch, 320 x 240 TFT colour LCD touchscreen
115mm x 92mm x 58mm, 310 grams
Internal rechargeable Li-Ion giving approx. 5hours
Operating temperature: - 10 to + 55 °C
Water resistant and protected against any wet weather conditions
(test: TomTom RIDER was subjected to a sustained jet of water at high pressure from all directions and suffered no harmful effects)
Bluetooth headset battery Talktime: 10 Hours
Bluetooth headset battery Standby: 250 Hours
Memory card (SD card) with software and maps
USB port and cable for PC connection
Bluetooth headset included for clear wireless spoken instructions
Alternative power source: 12V motorbike battery
Mounting kit (4 pieces) to fit most bikes and scooters

Source

GPS navigation systems are essential for any driver travelling some distance, and can save both time and money. Many people will think “I don’t need one of them, I never get lost”, nevertheless at the price that you or I could pick one of these up for these days, it’s common sense to purchase one for even the occasional drive to a new location.

The GPS systems that are available today offer a lot more than just the map info that many people assume. Since GPS systems have arrived, the technological advancements have added such benefits as locating hotels and restaurants, and notifying the driver of speed cameras nearby. Furthermore, they constantly update with a detailed map of the area, with details of nearby facilities like hospitals; which is a feature that can be highly advantageous in an emergency situation.

The majority of vehicle manufacturers are capable of providing the car buyer with a built-in GPS system. These systems are able to advise the necessary authority of the vehicle location in scenarios where the vehicles’ airbag is deployed, and also when the car has been reported by the owner as stolen.

The detail that many GPS systems can provide in terms of road maps and directions is incredible. Even when abroad, the relevant software is available for you to be able to use your GPS there. The software is regularly available via the internet for the GPS user to download instantly, and to benefit from in almost, if not all countries.

So let’s take a look at some of the most useful and “must-have” options with a GPS device:
- A good viewing screen is vital as it obviously displays all of the data that you will need to see. Make sure it will be clearly visible and easy to understand whilst driving, and all information is displayed in a simple easy-to-follow manner.
- Consider selecting a GPS product that is easy to use, so that you do not need to fiddle around with the setup whilst in the car, but instead can set up what you need in a few seconds.
- Purchase a device that has good mapping software, which will display detailed streets and information on facilities. Ensure that it can also be updated online so all information can remain current.
- A voice enabled system is highly important, as it allows the driver to find their destination without taking their eyes off the road to constantly check their position on the GPS.

For those that do not have a GPS device, you may still decline the need for such a product; however for those that own one, i’m certain that they will never again be without one. They are practical to keep in your vehicle and provide good-quality information when required. They can save you time when travelling to a location and vehicle costs such as petrol whilst doing so. Take a look around at the GPS devices available to find out more detailed information, and to browse the deals that can be found. With the range of equipment available, finding one to meet your requirements should be relatively effortless.

Source: Justin Brown - Article Alley

Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk where you can find satellite navigation equipment and also sell any used cars in the UK

Click Here To Shop For GPS at Vanns.com!

A new use of GPS is to protect your car or wireless device from being ripped off.

A handheld system out of New Zealand operates using both GPS and GSM and can be programmed to send an alert when it is moving without your permission. The device is the TrimTrac GPS Locator, and it works in conjunction with Web-based software from the manufacturer Mr. Hawk.

You can program it to send you an SMS alert once it is in motion. Presumably, this is a signal that someone has stolen your vehicle. The device is made with the auto owner in mind, but it can also work to protect and track other devices, such as laptops.

It is small enough to hide in the glove box or under a seat, so would-be thieves don’t even know that you are tracking them. With a little ingenuity, you can also attach it to your laptop or other mobile device as a deterrent to “borrowing.”

Source: Mobile Magazine

The Lowrance iFinder GPS is an affordable GPS navigator that includes all the features you need to get around. Due to its portability, it is a good choice for hikers, cyclists, and road trippers. It’s so simple, just plot a route via the easy-to-use keypad, and the iFinder Go follows the path precisely, with intuitive navigating that keeps you from veering off course.

The navigator is so reliable that its 16 parallel channel GPS and WAAS receiver is accurate to within several meters, making it a great fit for scavenger hunts as well as hikes. Each trip is completely customizable, with the ability to create new routes, waypoints, trails, and more. You can also easily recalculate your trip route should you get distracted and lose your way, and thanks to the 32 MB of built-in memory, you can save and retrace up to 100 of your favorite plot trails, with up to 10,000 points in each path.

The device holds more than just previous routes, however. It also comes preloaded with a background map of the continental U.S. and Hawaii, with such features as coastal nav aids, wrecks, and obstructions. In addition, the device supports up to 1,000 waypoints, 1,000 event markers, and 100 routes. Users with a zest for detail will appreciate the 40 map zoom ranges (from 0.02 to 4,000 miles) and the 42 graphic icons used to mark special spots.

To top it off, the iFinder Go’s bright yellow housing is waterproof, so you can use it in the rain or safely store it in your pack when rafting. Additional features include a 2-inch white LED backlit screen with 200 x 140 resolution, internal backup memory for storing your GPS data and settings, and a wrist-strap accessory. The pocket-sized unit measures 2.12 by 5.15 by 1.24 inches (W by H by D) and runs for up to 48 hours on two AA batteries (not included). It also includes a one-year warranty.

iFinder GPS Go Waterproof 16 iFinder GPS Go Waterproof 16, Now you can enjoy the biggest, easy-to-use, 16-channel compact GPS handheld performance — with built-in mapping detail — for the smallest price ever

GPS Navigation for Palm OS

Have you ever taken a GPS reading of your current, stationary position to get your coordinates? Chances are, if you stayed in that spot for a while you would see the numbers change ever so slightly. Also the unit might tell you that you are moving with speed and direction changing all the time. To try it, take a hand held unit outdoors, pick up the satellite signals and watch the readout. Why the apparent movement? Isn’t GPS the wonder locater that can tell us exactly and precisely where we are? Isn’t this the technology that is built into our car navigation systems? Isn’t this the technology that can guide a Smart Bomb through a knot hole?

The answer is yes to all the above but there are some limitations. To understand why, we need to understand a little about how the GPS system works.

The GPS systems consists of a constellation of 24 satellites circling the earth at an altitude of about 12,000 miles. Each satellite will orbit the earth twice a day, orbiting approximately the same position on each second orbit. This is important because it makes it possible to create a calendar of appearances for any given spot on earth. Then you turn your GPS unit off it remembers where it was and the calendar for that spot. When it starts up again it begins looking for the specific satellites that will be visible at that location and time. In GPS speak it is called the Satellite Almanac. A minimum of 4 satellites is in view of every point on earth except the North and South polar regions. Each satellite broadcasts its position and the orbital data (almanac) for all the satellites in orbit. In addition, each satellite is equipped with an atomic clock that is very accurate. Ground control stations continuously monitor the satellites, synchronize their clocks and update their position reports every few hours.

The ground receiver compares the time signal from the satellites it is monitoring with it’s own clock and the tracking information it has received. By using this data it is able to compute its position on the earth to within 30 to 50 feet. In order to do this it must know exactly where the satellite is and how long it took for the signals to arrive to within a few billionths of a second (at the speed of light, the radio signal will travel approximately one foot every billionth of a second). By comparing the distance from at least three satellites the precise location on earth can be quickly computed.

There are several flies in the ointment that keep the calculation changing just a little bit. The atmosphere is dynamic and will affect the time it takes to reach the receiver. The satellite is moving at 7,000 miles per hour, changing the path the signal travels. If there are buildings or surface features in the area, the signal may bounce and therefore travel a longer distance. The satellites being used for measurement will change as they move beyond the horizon. The clock in the receiver is not as stable as the satellite clocks, introducing a slight variation. Lastly, the orbital information of the satellites may be several hours old and not totally accurate. In fact, for the most demanding precision bombing in Iraq, the GPS satellite clocks and orbital data needed to be updated immediately before the attack took place.

It is amazing that with all the possible sources of error it is still possible to pinpoint ones location to within a few feet using signals sent from thousands of miles up in space.

Using more advanced equipment it is now possible to reduce the error to a few inches instead of feet. This capability is beginning too change the way commercial aircraft are navigating making much of the current FAA control system obsolete.

So, if your hand held GPS unit takes a short walk, just reflect on the miracle that it is the only thing that is stationary while everything it depends upon is moving many thousands of miles into space at thousands of miles per hour.

Source: Brian Utley - Technology Evangelist

Drivers in the UK have taken trust of their navigation units to the extreme. Twice in the space of the last two weeks, there are reports of British drivers taking serious risks because they trust the info displayed on the small screen more than what they see through their windshield. In the most recent case, drivers passing through the village of Luckington have found themselves landing in the River Avon, by following a GPS-recommended route that pointed to a bridge that has been closed for a week. Despite warning signs on both sides of the road, and nothing but water straight ahead, local villagers have found themselves pulling an average of two cars a day out of the river for the past week. “When you ask what happened, they say, ‘My sat-nav told me it was this way,’” one resident told The Times. Meanwhile, the village of Crackpot has had to deal with drivers whose navigation systems have directed them to the edge of a cliff with a hundred-foot drop. So far, there have been no serious injuries, but drivers have found themselves stranded on a rocky path. “It’s only a matter of time before something happens,” said one resident.

Source: Marc Perton - Engadget

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