GPS Resource Library

A GPS navigation device is any device that receives Global Positioning System (GPS) signals for the purpose of determining the present location. These devices are used in military, aviation, marine and consumer product applications.

Consumer applications

Consumer GPS navigation devices include:

• Dedicated GPS navigation devices
• GPS modules that need to be connected to a computer to be used
• GPS loggers that record trip information for download. Such GPS tracking is useful for trailblazing, mapping by hikers and cyclists, and the production of geocoded photographs.
• Converged devices, including GPS Phones and GPS cameras, in which GPS is a feature rather than the main purpose of the device. Those devices may be assisted GPS or standalone (not network dependent) or both.

Dedicated GPS navigation devices

Dedicated devices have various degrees of mobility. Hand-held, outdoor, or sport receivers have replaceable batteries that can run them for several hours, making them suitable for hiking, bicycle touring and other activities far from an electric power source. Their screens are small, and some do not show color, in part to save power. Cases are rugged and some are water resistant.

Other receivers, often called mobile are intended primarily for use in a car, but have a small rechargeable internal battery that can power them for an hour or two away from the car. Special purpose devices for use in a car may be permanently installed and depend entirely on the automotive electrical system.

The pre-installed embedded software of early receivers did not display maps; 21st century ones commonly show interactive street maps (of certain regions) that may also show points of interest, route information and step-by-step routing directions, often in spoken form with a feature called "text to speech.

Manufacturers include:

Acer e300 series

Clarion

EB street director

Garmin

Gizmondo

Hertz Neverlost

iGo (software)

Kenwood DNX-5120

Magellan Navigation

Master Navigator Software (Sapper Oy)

Mio Technology

Navigon

Navmii

NDrive

Navman iCN series

Ovi Maps

Pioneer

TomTom

VDO Dayton

Wayfinder Navigator

Sygic Mobile Maps/Tele Atlas

Mireo