GPS Tracking Systems

GPS tracking systems, or global positioning systems (GPS), were first designed for the military by the Department of Defense in 1973. Their purpose was to aid the armed forces and military vehicles, airliners and ships in tracking their global positions with pinpoint precision.

The technology has evolved to such a degree that GPS tracking systems are now used to:

• Assist drivers in navigating their vehicles
• Track the whereabouts, direction and speed of a teenager's car
• Help businesses with vehicle fleets control their costs and improve accountability
• Improve a player's golf game
• Reel in more fish
• Participate in an outdoor treasure hunts called "geocaching"

How GPS Tracking Systems Work

GPS tracking system satellites orbit Earth and transmit signals to receivers on the ground. Data transmitted by the satellites includes location and current time. Based on the distance and time it takes for the signals to reach the GPS unit, the receiver can calculate its ground position. According to the National Air and Space Museum, there are at least 24 GPS satellites in operation at all times.

Basic Navigation with GPS Tracking Systems

For individuals who travel to unfamiliar locations for business or pleasure, have a difficult time deciphering maps or would rather not ask for directions, a standard GPS navigational system for the car is a must-have. Once a destination is keyed into the GPS, the system, depending on its capabilities, can map a route, verbally provide the driver with turn-by-turn directions and display the driving route on the screen. Drivers can ask for the shortest route, the quickest route or toll-free routes. Users can also locate service stations, ATMs, lodging and tourist attractions. More sophisticated GPS units help individuals locate an eating establishment based on their food preferences.

Tracking Teenagers

A newer model of GPS -- the GetiSight -- is becoming popular with parents of teenage children. This tracking system assists parents in knowing the whereabouts of a teenager's car, the direction in which the car is moving and how fast the car is traveling. It also is a way to make young adults mindful of their driving patterns.

The GetiSight comes with a tiny pre-installed device that is monitored in real time (the actual time it takes for an action or process to take place) on the company's homepage. All data gathered by the system is available through a safe, password-protected Internet portal. Once individuals are logged in they are able to follow the vehicle and monitor the GPS. Individualized e-mail and mobile telephone text message alerts can be set up to notify parents if their child's car is no longer within the defined parameters or if they are using excessive speed.

GPS Tracking Systems for Business

According to GPS Technologies, a GPS tracking system can help businesses - especially those with vehicle fleets - improve their bottom line. GPS fleet management and GPS tracking systems are helping companies control their operating costs, improve accountability and increase their productivity, efficiency and profits. These devices generally are most effective when installed in vehicles that are used for service, sales, deliveries and long-distance transportation.

GPS Tracking Systems designed specifically for the transportation industry are equipped with real-time vehicle tracking systems, stolen vehicle recovery software and an all-satellite-based monitoring and communication system for tracking equipment any place at any time. Text reports are generated that provide travel and rest times, locations, speed, routes, driver and vehicle effectiveness, and productivity with both real-time updates and stored data.

GPS Tracking Systems for Fun and Learning

GPS can be used when golfing, fishing, and searching for buried treasure or working out. Golfers who bring their GPS on the links can select which golf club to use for better accuracy. Players must map the fairways by walking the golf course to establish waypoints. Most systems require the user to click on the button that resembles a flag close to each tee box and hole. As the round of golf progresses, the player's location and distance to the hole is displayed. The necessary software can be downloaded (at no cost) and then loaded onto the GPS.

The TomTom GPS and Garmin GPSMap76CSx is a fisherman's delight. This waterproof system-equipped with an electronic compass tells the user what days and times are best for fishing and what fish are in season. It also includes information on premium fishing locations, sunrise and sunset times, lunar phases and tide tables.

Hide-and-seek lovers and adventure enthusiasts enjoy using their GPS to search for buried treasures. Upon downloading the geocache program, individuals have access to a listing of downloadable waypoint markers for riches buried throughout the United States. Successful hunters then share their adventures online.

Many exercise fanatics use their GPS as a personal fitness trainer. Worn on the wrist, these devices record the user's pace, heart rate and even the number of calories burned. Workout data is committed to the system's memory to monitor an athlete's improvement.

Read More

      How to Edit the image at startup and closing in the Tomtom ?


  As usual before handling the TomTom, make imperative a backup!

   To crop and resize we will use the free XnView software. 
    XnView install software and run it. 

    Open your photo or image to crop (File / Open tab)

     Once the image is open, click on the "Edit / Proportion of selection" tab 
      • If you have a Tomtom with a screen of 3.5 inches (Tomtom GO 300/500/700, One v1 / v2 / v4,               Rider & Rider 2) select 4: 3 (1.33) 
      • If you have a Tomtom Screen with 4 or 4.3 (Tomtom One XL, GO 510/710/910, GO 520/720):              Select 16: 9 (1.78)

   

 You will define the image portion to crop: 
   Place the mouse cursor at the starting point of your marquee. 
 While holding the left mouse support, drag the mouse cursor; the marquee will form. 
 Once selected, you can drag (move) this selection by putting your mouse cursor in the middle of the               selection and now pressing the left mouse click.

          

  If ever the trimming frame is not moving as it should (portrait instead of landscape) 
 Click the Edit / Selection tab - Reverse width & height. 

 To crop the image: 
 Click the "Edit / Crop" tab

   

    

We will resize it so that its size matches the screen Tomtom.
      Click the "Image / Resize" tab

 In the window that appears: 

Uncheck "Keep aspect ratio" 

• If you have a Tomtom with 3.5 inch screen (Tomtom GO 300/500/700, One v1 / v2 / v4, Rider & Rider 2), indicate the screen size: width 320 x height 240 pixels 

• If you have a Tomtom Screen with 4 or 4.3 (Tomtom One XL, GO 510/710/910, GO 520/720), indicate the screen size: width 480 x height 272 pixels 

Confirm with "Confirm"


    

Specificity of Tomtom with 3.5 inch screen (Tomtom GO 300/500/700, One v1/v2/v4 et Rider 1 & 2):

 We'll have to rotate the image 90 degrees clockwise before saving: 

  Picture tab / Rotate / Right 90 °

   It remains only to save the file in BMP format: 

   

  Click the Tab "File / Save"

  Import (or) files) images) in the TomTom : 

  Connect your TomTom to the computer; it is recognized as a mass storage device. 

  Copy (or) file that you just created and paste it to the root of Tomtom 

   An alert message will ask you to overwrite existing ones conformation: enter YES.

  Disconnect the Tomtom of the computer; Please care that the Tomtom no longer works! More red  cross on the screen .

 To disconnect: 

 use Tomtom Home  => function "Eject Tomtom" 

 or use the "Remove Hardware Safely" (in the task bar at the bottom right) function.

   The images will be displayed automatically on startup and closing Tomtom; there is nothing to        configure.

Read More

how to install multiple maps on tomtom GPS or garmin 255 2xx 

   here is the procedure for installing multiple cards on the Garmin nuvi 255 gps or TomTom gps :
                                            
                                           

                             
   . Things to know before starting : 

- Garmin or TomTom support memory cards sd 2gb or 4gb sdhc 
- The maps are in *. img .
- The gps recognizes two types of internal memory at the same time and other external 
- The cards should be in a folder name "Garmin" or "TomTom" and the card should be named                      "gmapsupp.img". 
- we can put a card name "gmapsupp.img" in the internal memory of the GPS and another name                        "gmapsupp.img" in the "Garmin" or "TomTom" folder in sd card external gps.

.  In europe or america map, you have to buy a memory card 4GB SDHC and in Africa you have to buy a        memory card 2GB SDHC :

1)  format the card in FAT32 (very important) .
2)  create a folder named "Garmin" or "TomTom"
3)  Download map in *. img for convenience choose unlocked img (free map)
4)  copy the downloaded file in the garmin or tomtom folder (the name of the card must be           "gmapsupp.img")

     And now in the gps go to menu> setting> Map> Mapinfo.
      you will see 2 cards, check it .

Read More

                              Trick to increase the internal memory of TomTom with 2 gb to 4 gb


Installing an slot SD-Card

On some versions of the TomTom ONE V3, it is possible to weld a SD-Card socket on the motherboard TomTom. Up to 2 GB are possible. 
You should only do this if: 
        . Your warranty is exceeded or if you don't care.
         . You really need more memory (for maps, mp3 music etc. ..)
         . you have the tools to welding and some experience in soldering very small and delicate things.

1. Perform a full backup of the contents Tomtom                       

 Do it with TomTom HOME, but also copy really all the TomTom internal memory on your hard disk

2. Open the Tomtom

      You will find the situation as depicted in picture here:

      Before welding: disconnect the battery.

3. Solder the SD card adapter

    Sd Card Interface only necessary images. The images below are correct : 

      Some improvements:
             
           . If you use a 2GB SD card more, install Bootloader 5.5022 or newer.
                . It works best with a micro SD card. So, can save space and install a new memory in the case of                    the TomTom ONE. MicroSD adapter used to support well insulated and narrow. Tested                             SanDisk microSD / TransFlash 2.0GB.

  4. Preparing SD card

      . Copy the entire contents, which you saved in 1. The SD card using a card reader.
      . Insert the Micro - SD card in the Tomtom  .
         . Power amd TomTom system should boot normally .


  .  Now you can copy more music or videos on the TomTom. Another advantage is            the following: If the sdcard is broken, you can just replace them with new very                cheap (I have not tried SD cards over 2GB it may not work .. Check!) 





. 

Read More

                                                       TomTom ONE

     


Tomtom One is the entry level model of society Néerlandaire. 
Much more compact than the TomTom go 300 it replaces, the One gets a 3.5 inch color touch screen. The screen is very bright which is a real advantage on sunny days. The plastic housing is high quality, and the shape is well proportioned. Its compact dimensions make it easy to slip into the pocket. The low battery capacity will not exceed 2 hours of battery life, it is a bit tight for pedestrian use. Tomtom One has Bluetooth Connects and a headphone jack. 
One button is present on the Tomtom One, it serves as on / off button of the device, all the rest is controlled finger on the touch screen. 

Navigation options allow you to pass through a point, to avoid work or a congested road. 

Side technical characteristics, the selected processor is an ARM920T 380 MHz and 32 MB RAM; Ultra Fast The One calculates a route in 16 seconds for a route of 1,300 km; The re-routing is almost immediate: 1-3 seconds. These results put it at the top in performance all combined SEM. 

Chosen by the Tomtom GPS chipset Sirf Star 3. This is a first for Tomtom and for such entry-level device. It is far superior to Tomtom GO 300/500/700 effect (using a chip Sirf Star 2); The computing power of the chip Sirf Star 3 associated with the correct installation of the antenna in the device provides excellent sensitivity: a heat reflective windscreen is without too many problems . Tomtom One has the QuickGPSfix: under provided they have updated the application to version 6.56 (via the free software TomTom Home) and download weekly data GPS 'QuickGPSfix' (always through the free software TomTom Home), your Tomtom One determine your position faster (± 30/40 seconds against 2 to 3 minutes normally). 

For storing the application and mapping, SD card 256 MB is provided. The One supports SD cards up to 2 GB. 

Maps provided: it is a regional map without major European routes; it is provided by TeleAtlas. It dates from January 2005. 

The software part: Tomtom 5 is a continuation of that fitted to the 4 Tomtom GO Classic; Its interface has been redesigned and optimized; New features are, the icons are finer and better designed. The software interface is very simple: a main menu provides access to the most common functions (Navigate, Go through, Map mode ...), a preference menu provides access to advanced features. In a few minutes you have assimilated the basic operation and you can drive to a destination: no tedious learning!

Read More

                                          Using TomTom GO

 TomTom GO starts by displaying the navigation view. The screen will appear in black and white until your TomTom GO locates your current position. Once this is done, the navigation view is shown in full colour. In future, your position will be found much faster, normally within a few seconds. Everything on TomTom GO can be accomplished easily using just your finger on the touch screen. Importantly, you can bring up the main options menu by tapping your finger somewhere in the middle of the screen.

    

How to plan your first route

1. Move outside, if you haven't already done so, so that the GPS hardware can locate your position. This may take some time, and will happen more quickly if you remain stationary. The screen displays your current position on its map, represented in a '3D' navigation view, from a driver's perspective. When you start moving, the navigation view will match the streets outside as you would see them through your windscreen.

2. Bring up the main menu. Use  a few times to browse through all the different things you can do, then choose 'Navigate to...'  to start planning your first route.

3. Choose 'Address' . You'll see a standard keyboard, used for entering place names (e.g. towns, streets and favourite locations). Above the keyboard is a small browser window in which your TomTom system will present locations from its database.

4. The best way to see how your TomTom system works is to use it for real, so think of the address that you want to visit and enter the first few letters of the place. Be as specific as possible. As you type, the letters are compared to the built-in list of possible names and any matches appear in the browser window.

5. When you see the name of the place you want, select it. A new browser window is now shown, this time with the prompt 'Street:' at the top. As before, start entering the road name of your destination.

6. When you see the name of the street you want, select it. A third and final keyboard and browser are shown, this time for you to select a house number. For some roads (such as those that don't have house numbers), you'll be asked to select a particular 'Crossing:' (i.e. an intersection). Select a crossing, or enter the house number and then choose 'Done'.

7. The fastest route from your current position to your destination is then calculated. This should only take a few seconds and its progress is shown on the screen. When done, a summary is shown, on a suitably scaled map.

8. Select 'Done' and you'll find yourself back at the main navigation view, but with the route now clearly coloured in for you. 

Helping with your journey

That's the planning all done, so simply buckle your seat belt and drive. As you approach a specific turn in the calculated route, your chosen voice will tell you what to do. For example, "In 100 metres, turn left", followed by "Turn left", without you having to take your eyes off the road. As you travel, following the voice instructions, you'll notice that the navigation view is updated constantly, always showing coming roads and junctions and presenting the best route to you.

Don't worry if you miss a turn or drive down the wrong road. A new fastest route will be calculated automatically, based on your new position and direction of travel. Wherever you go, it will always give you instructions that will take you to your chosen destination.

Read More

        TomTom MySports: a new app for use with GPS watches

TomTom MySports is a new app given by the GPS manufacturer TomTom. 
TomTom MySports is a mobile application that automatically connects to TomTom Runner and GPS watches TomTom to download performance information, including distance, time, calories, using Bluetooth technology. 
The interest is to be able to easily access information about your activities and access them easily without connecting to a computer. The application can also automatically download data platforms such as online MySports TomTom, RunKeeper and MapMyFitness if you wish. 

TomTom MySports also allows to update the GPS almanac data on TomTom watches for easy reading position .   

Tomtom

Read More