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Global Positioning System is a radio-navigation system that can pinpoint your position anywhere on the globe, usually, within few yards or meters.
It was developed in the 1970s for military use by the US Department of Defense (DOD), but they soon realized that there would be many civilian applications as well.
For that reason, DOD created two transmission codes...
However, once in operation, GPS receivers using C/A code, proved to be more accurate than intended so DOD created a system for randomly degrading the accuracy level to being within 100 meters or less.
It's called Selective Availavility (S/A).
S/A is now turned "off", so readings are much more accurate.
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The system uses a constellation of 24 NAVSTAR satellites and five ground stations to keep them in precise orbit.
Each satellite was placed at an altitude of 10,900 miles and orbits the earth in about 12 hours.
The satellites transmit data via high frequency radio waves back to earth and, by locking onto those signals, a GPS receiver can process this data to triangulate its precise location on the globe.
It is basically a technique for measuring distance with time.
By locking onto the signals, from a minimun of three different satellites, a GPS receiver can calculate a two-dimensional positional fix consisting of your latitude and longitude.
By locking onto a fourth satellite, it can compute a tree-dimensional reading that gives your altitude as well.
An average GPS receiver has twelve channels, and the remaining eight track all other visible satellites, providing an accurate and enhanced reading even in adverse conditions such as valleys and heavy foliage (dense woods).
Please check the following sources to get you started on the road of high-tech adventure traveller...
Because GPS operates 24 hours a day, in all weather conditions, we can use it worldwide for precise navigation on land, water or air.
In addition, receivers had been miniaturized and became affordable money ways.
Our adventure travel South America will be enhanced and more accurate whichever our travel needs are...
Please Note:
Never rely solely on a GPS receiver
Do you need Cartographic Maps of Argentina and Chile?
Together with your South America GPS maps they come pretty handy for your climbing, mountaineering and travelling needs in general.
You can order them online by clicking here.
Also check the JLM-map series and these links to help you plan your next expedition to South America.
Another interesting resource is www.meucat.com (in Portuguese).
It has combined Google Maps with lots of info for travellers, mainly for Brazil, but some places in Paraguay and Argentina as well (i.e. Iguazu falls).
TrackMaker is one of the most complete free programs for GPS devices.
Please downloaded it here at no cost.
There is also the PRO version, but most likely you won't need it. You can always buy it later if the situation arises.
TrackMaker® has many interesting features and supports a huge number of models and brands such as Garmin, Maguellan, Lowrance, etc.
Learn how to use the program by downloading the complete help file in English, and also how to connect a device to a PC.
GPS maps are map images, waypoints coordinates, route and/or track data for receivers.
Please note that not all of those maps are compatible with all GPS's manufacturer's receivers.
Find out specifically about your receiver before buying it.
TrackMaker®#13.0 supports different brands and models.
A good source for Argentina GPS Maps is Mapear, web site mainly in Spanish that provides free electronic maps for Garmin receivers.
In order to use them, you will need to subscribe to their site and to have Mapsource software from Garmin.
Please check their tutorial for registration, download and instalation of maps.
For Venezuela GPS Maps visit Gpsyv.net (free maps, website in Spanish).
Have a wonderful experience with South America GPS Maps!...
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