GPS Glossary

If you're confused about some of the terms you've seen when reading about GPS receivers, here's a quick glossary that might

GPS

The Global Positioning System is a network of satellites that allow individuals to pinpoint their exact location on Earth. For more detail on how the GPS system works and how it was developed, please consult our "Important Facts About GPS" article.

Waypoint

A waypoint is simply a location that you use as a point of reference, and can be a starting point, destination, or point-of-interest along your route. Waypoints may be saved to the memory of a GPS Receiver so you can access them whenever you need to.

Channel

When GPS receivers talk about the number of channels they use, they are referring to the number of satellites they can simultaneously acquire information from. The more channels a receiver has, the more satellites the receiver can talk to when trying to determine your position, and thus, the more accurate its positioning will be.

Text-to-speech

Text-to-speech is a feature found on many GPS receivers that provides vocalized pronunciations of local street names, making turn-by-turn directions more helpful. Instead of just saying "Turn Left," you will hear "Turn Left at Maple St." The receiver will have read the name of the street from the map and articulated it using software. This is an extra bit of navigational information that will make you extra ready for what lies ahead, and will keep your eyes on the road, instead of on the GPS screen in search of a street name.

SD Card / SD Slot

Most GPS Receivers use Secure Digital (SD) memory cards to store maps and other information pertinent to your navigational experience. These small, thin memory cards come in a variety of capacities and can be removed from the device's SD card slot and accessed directly using a computer equipped with a card reader. They can be used to update maps or the receiver's firmware. Please note that SD cards are distinct from Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) cards, and that while SDHC-enabled devices can read original SD cards, older devices that were designed to read SD cards may not be capable of reading SDHC cards.

USB

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and is the most common connector for computer peripherals and accessories. Most GPS receivers use a USB cable to connect to your personal computer for updates like downloading additional maps or software. When connected, the GPS receiver's memory card can also be accessed via the computer, in essence turning the GPS receiver into a card reader as well.

Smart Detour

Smart Detour is a feature found on Magellan GPS Receivers, meant to assist drivers in avoiding traffic jams and finding less congested routes. Unlike some other traffic assist features found on GPS devices, Smart Detour does not use real-time traffic information, instead relying on context clues. It compares your present speed with the speed limit of the road you are on. If you are moving significantly slower than you should be, the receiver will assume you are in traffic and provide you with an alternate route.

Traffic Message Channel (TMC)

The Traffic Message Channel is a service that broadcasts information about local traffic incidents over the air over the FM radio band in certain cities and metropolises. It provides real-time, accurate descriptions of the local traffic situation, and can be used by GPS receivers to avoid congestion. Several GPS manufacturers have integrated TMC capabilities into their GPS receivers, but this is not a free service. The average cost of TMC service is about $60 per year, though some manufacturers provide free trials ranging from a few months to a full year upon purchase of a receiver.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol that works over short distances. Typically used in portable devices like cellular phones, many GPS receivers have begun to include Bluetooth so they may communicate with your personal devices. Many GPS receivers use Bluetooth to act as a "hands free" cellular phone receiver, letting you take phone calls over the GPS receiver's speakers so you do not have to fuss with your phone.

Lane Assist

Lane Assist is a feature found on GPS receivers which provides drivers an accurate head-on depiction of the road or intersection ahead so they can position themselves correctly to better take turns or reach exit ramps. The image displayed is an illustrated version of the actual point in question, and allows drivers to anticipate their next move and be ready for potentially confusing road layouts.

Firmware

Firmware refers to the program code that a GPS receiver uses to go about its business. All the instructions on how to properly provide navigational information and execute other features is stored in the firmware. Most GPS receivers allow for firmware updates, which are provided by the manufacturer and can be loaded onto the receiver via a USB connection or on a memory card. These updates will improve existing features, fix bugs or glitches, patch potential problems, or provide entirely new features.

Voice-Activated/Speech-Recognition

GPS receivers that feature 'Voice Activated' commands or 'Speech Recognition' technology let drivers verbalize their desires, be it a destination, route change, or other instruction that would normally be access via the touchscreen. The GPS receiver can hear and interpret vocal commands and execute them effectively, so you never have to take your hands off the wheel to modify settings or directions.

Wide screen

GPS receivers that have screen sizes of 4.3-inches utilize widescreen displays, which provide a little more room for viewing maps and menus. A widescreen display makes for more comfortable viewing, but isn't a significant advantage over standard screens.

Standard screen

GPS receivers that have screen sizes of 3.5-inches are not widescreen, but use a standard, square aspect ratio. These screens are slightly smaller than widescreen displays, and while they offer less room for viewing information, they can be more portable and less distracting while on the road.

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