Portable GPS Glossary: 15+ Functions You Need to Know

Just imagine harnessing the power of more than 24 satellites circling the globe to provide you with accurate positioning and navigational information with your portable GPS navigational device.

A GPS or a Global Positioning System device in a portable package is a valuable tool packed with a wide variety of functions that could get you to your intended destination by road of feet using the best and safest routes available.

The technology behind GPS systems is more than ten years but it has never waned in popularity. In fact, more and more users are getting a taste of what this system can give them with more affordable portable GPS units. As more and more features are being developed and added to portable GPS units available in the market, you can get more functionality in your unit that goes beyond its core function as a navigational device – and they keep on adding more!   

** Portable GPS Functions You Need to Know **

Whether you’re a portable GPS device user or an entrepreneur planning to do business reselling these navigational devices, it would be to your added advantage if you familiarize yourself with the various functions and features available.

Knowing these functions can help you decide which GPS unit to buy for your own use, or boost your market viability by highlighting the best of what your portable GPS units can do.

* Waypoint

Waypoints can be considered as landmarks set by the GPS navigation software. You can also mark certain spots along a route to help you remember a specific location such as a fork in the road, a building, a camp site, or any other location which you find useful for future visits to the place. You can name these waypoints according to your preference and add it to existing point already stored in your GPS unit.  

* Junction Imaging

Some commercial portable GPS software offering junction imaging functions wherein a picture or image is used to represent a turnoff and help you decide whether to take the turn or not.

* Lane Assist

Similar to junction imaging, lane assists features offer image or graphical representation to assist drivers in deciding which lane to take. 

* Point of Interest

Commercial and proprietary GPS software can have digitally recorded items called Point of Interest that drivers or travelers may find interesting. These locations can also indicate areas that can be useful while traveling such as gas stations, toilets, hospitals, malls and tourist attractions.

* Route

One of the most basic navigational functions of most if not all GPS software is the route, which tells you the fastest, shortest and safest route to get to your intended destination. These route points are either pre-programmed into the GPS software, or assigned by the user itself.
 
* Intelligent Route Planning

More advanced commercial GPS software and devices offer intelligent route planning features that can help you plan the best route from your starting point and multiple intended destinations. This feature considers sites that you’ll pass by, turnoffs, runarounds, and actual road conditions along your route.

* Voice Guidance

Voice guidance is like your GPS unit literally talking to you and tell you where you are right at that very moment. The human-like voice can tell you important waypoints or points of interest according to your route plan to get you to your destination as fast and accurate as possible – without the need for you to glance at your GPS screen while driving.

* 3D Views

Advanced GPS software make use of at least four visible satellites to give you a three-dimensional view of your GPS position fix. Information that you’ll receive not only includes your coordinates but your elevation as well.

* Bluetooth Connectivity

Some GPS devices offer wireless connectivity using Bluetooth technology to enable you to make hands-free phone calls on enabled GPS units.

* Wi-Fi Connectivity

Portable GPS devices can help you connect and get online access through its wi-fi connectivity features.

* eBook Reader

Your GPS reader can go beyond its core function as a navigational device by doubling as an eBook reader, allowing you to read books and documents stored in pdf format.

* Media Player

Bored while driving or hiking? Your portable GPS device can help you pass the time through its media player function that allows you to play, view and listen to multimedia files stored in various formats such as MP4, WMA or AVI to name a few.

* ActiveSynch

Windows-based GPS software can have mobile data synchronization between your portable GPS device and your pc, allowing you to keep your tasks, calendars, emails and other data in sync.

* Trackback

Garmin GPS devices have a proprietary feature called Trackback that converts your track log into a route which you can use to go back to your starting position with accuracy.

* GoTo Function

The GoTo function in portable GPS units tells your unit to show you how to get to another location aside from where you are right now. It can instruct the unit to show you directions on how to get somewhere which you have gone before by indicating a particular time or a particular landmark. This can be activated by pushing a single key or pointing at a touchscreen icon. 

* Rearview Camera Inputs

Some portable GPS units have video inputs where an external camera can be installed. With accompanying software that allows the GPS display to switch from its GPS user interface and instead display the camera’s output feeds, you can use this as a rearview camera while driving. It’s like having a third eye behind your back, giving you added safety on the road as you try to locate your intended destination. 

There are a whole lot more of features offered with new and upcoming portable GPS navigation systems in the market. If you’re planning to purchase a new one, or planning to get your entrepreneurial juices running in this industry, then it would be a wise move to learn all the ropes and be familiarized with these GPS functions and features.