Using Electronic Maps In Marine Navigation
What are electronic maps and how do they help in marine navigation? Marine navigation has been using a lot of different ways and means, including the sextants and celestial navigations of the olden times, as well as the more secure yet dangerous ones like dead reckoning and piloting. The old maps used in vessels before were often very complicated and sometimes made navigation more difficult instead of meeting the purpose of easier navigation. But with the discovery of radio frequencies and electronic equipment came the invention and development of more secure and accurate navigation systems. All the more with the invention of satellites, marine navigation has never been the same.
There are basically three types of electronic map navigation systems that are being used: Radio navigation, radar navigation, and satellite navigation. Radio navigation uses radio frequencies to tell direction and location. This is an old method and was commonly used during the 1930s and 1940s, but some ships still use this today. It uses a directional antenna that rotates and listens for radio signals from designated radio beacons. These beacons emit very strong radio signals and are often the model by which modern telecommunications systems work.
Another type of electronic map that marine navigation uses is the radar. This device is installed to the vessel, and looks like a circle with a rotating line, usually color green. It uses radar waves and the data collected appears on the circle screen as either blips or dots on a surface map. This type of navigating system was developed after the radio navigation and was created when radar waves were discovered. It uses many techniques, but their main goal is to allow the user to take distances and angular bearings to establish position on an electronic chart. The radar fix can be set to include different ranges depending on the vessel’s needs and technology.
The most modern type of electronic mapping used in marine vessels today is satellite navigation. For global coverage, vessels usually utilize what is known as GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite System for very accurate data on their position and location – down to the very last longitude, latitude, and altitude. Satellite receivers on the vessel send electronic signals to satellites and these signal are then returned to the receivers to provide the data needed. Computers on board then interpret these signals and show the vessels the exact location, allowing the user to predestine its intended course to the destination. These data can then be saved to microchips on the vessel and can be set to activate for the succeeding trips, allowing the vessel to travel on “auto-pilotâ€.
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An Honest Review of the Samsung Galaxy SII
The samsung galaxy SII is the Korean telecommunication giant’s latest high-level entry in the smartphone arena, boasting a powerful 1.2 GHz processor and ultralight mechanism within a super-slim chassis.
Nearly everything is likeable on the Galaxy SII as many features have been raised up a notch. The capacitive Plus Super AMOLED touchscreen with its enhanced subpixel density is definitely a welcome feature.The powerful mobile processor allows for very quick reaction time, leaving the high-level competition like the LG Optimus 2X and Motorola Atrix gasping on the dust.
The built-in apps like the Polaris Office Suite and task manager, as well as its wide range of connectivity makes it a completely functional smartphone right out of the box. The touchscreen with its TouchWiz user interface which supports Multi-touch input is protected by a durable Gorilla glass.
Other amazing features and functions included in the samsung galaxy SII are the Accelerometer sensor, Proximity sensor, Gyroscope sensor, 1GB of RAM, 16 to 32 GB storage capacity, and microSD slot for additional memory. The device also comes with an 8 MP camera, LED flash, image stabilizer, autofocus, and hi-res video capability.
Except for its plastic construction and quirky keyboard, nothing much can be said against the Galaxy SII. It is safe to say that it can easily outrun the best of competition.
read moreHow Did I Survive Before I Owned A GPS?
These days, driving, even on an unfamiliar road, is quite easy. This all thanks to the emergence of GPS navigation systems. I am actually wondering how I was able to survive the road before I finally decided to own a GPS.
My old car did not come with a pre-installed GPS and it took me a lot of convincing before I gave in and bought myself a GPS. At first, I thought that installing a GPS system in my car is an unnecessary expense so I completely shun the idea of owning one. But when my friend bought a new car that came with a built-in GPS navigation system, I had a change of heart. After seeing what a GPS system can offer a driver, like me, I am finally persuaded to buy one for myself and so I did. This is perhaps one of the smartest decisions I have ever made and now I cannot imagine how I was able to endure all those years driving without a reliable GPS system on-board.
For those of you who own a car without a built-in GPS system, you should seriously consider having one installed. Installing a GPS car system is one of the best things that happened to me, and maybe you will feel the same too. You would not know until you give it a try.
What is A GPS System?
A GPS, also known as Global Positioning System, is now a staple in modern cars. New cars that are manufactured these days usually come equipped with a built-in GPS navigation system. And with the birth of Android mobile devices and iPhones, GPS technology is now finding its way even on mobile phones.
The principle used in GPS technology is fairly simple. It works by providing coordinates of a specific place or location on Earth. It receive signals from orbiting satellites which will sent back geographical location information.
Why Should You Consider Buying A GPS Device
A GPS navi system is pre-loaded with detailed maps and can offer exact street and even pedestrian directions. It can also determine your exact whereabouts at any given time. The GPS device is not only capable of providing you the exact name of the street where you are travelling on but it can also show you its actual latitude and longitude coordinates.
GPS systems also come in handy when you are driving in a road or street that you have never been before. All you need to do is to type in your destination and the navi system will show you road directions on how to get there. Some car GPS systems also offer traffic information allowing drivers to steer clear of traffic jams.
GPS devices are also capable of providing you the quickest route to your chosen destination. If you have a GPS installed in your car, you can get to your destination faster. In addition to that, you will be able to avoid getting caught in traffic since the GPS will automatically adjust your travel route and keep you away from jammed routes.
With all these benefits, buying a GPS system or any device with built-in GPS technology is without a doubt a sound and smart investment.
read moreA Beginner’s Guide to Using Google Maps
Due to the advent of technology and the internet, an adventurous trailblazer can now give in to his or her desire to explore and travel the globe without having to worry too much about being lost. One of the most common applications that people use in finding reliable directions is Google Maps, a free web-mapping service provided by internet search giant Google. A versatile application, Google Maps provides street maps, a route-planner which includes a traffic monitor, and a business locator. It also provides a satellite view of a specific area or locale; however, it is important to note that Google Maps satellite images may be months or even years old. Using google map is as easy as comparing the policies offered by Sovereign Insurance. You don’t have to be an expert or tech-savvy in order to navigate through it.
Using Google Maps is very straight forward, especially if one is already computer-literate. One can simply drag-and-drop your mouse into the particular area that you wish to see. At the top of the Google Maps window are also several buttons (Map, Satellite, Terrain, Traffic and Street View) that will help the user customize the look and nature of the map that he wishes to see. For example, the “Map†button shows a typical street map, while the “Satellite†button will provide the user with an idea of how the location looks like if viewed from above. On the other hand, the “Terrain†button is most useful if the user is planning to go hiking or camping, as it indicates whether the locale is flat or mountainous. A very useful tool for driving, the “Traffic†button enables users to ascertain the traffic conditions of a particular road or street.
Apart from drag-and-drop, Google Maps also has a navigation menu featuring four (Up, Down, Left, Right) arrows, which the user can click depending on the direction that he/she wishes to go. For those more comfortable in using the keyboard, Google Maps can also be controlled using the up, down, left and right arrow keys. Zooming in and out is also possible through the use of the plus and minus keys, respectively. If Google Maps just do not work for you, you can check out other map apps available today. Choices for map applications may not be as many as the number of health insurance policies being offered today but know that Google Maps is not the only option out there.
read moreMap Apps For Your Mobile Device
Even if you don’t have a navigation system installed in your car, with the growing number of map apps made for mobile devices, getting lost is becoming less likely these days. There are now a wide range of map and gps applications that mobile users can easily download to their phones. Some are offered for free, while others can be obtained for a small fee.
With the availability of reliable map apps on mobile devices, navigating around an unfamiliar city or town should never be problem. Who would have thought that a hand-held GPS can be crammed into our mobile devices? Thanks to the brilliance of mobile app developers, finding your way, wherever you may be, has been made easier. Some of the best Map Apps for Mobile Devices include the following:
Google Map Mobile
This popular map app offers the bird’s eye view of the world. Wherever you are in the planet, you are sure to find reliable directions using Google Map Mobile. This app also comes with extra-added features like business listings, street-view, and street directions for pedestrians. Google Map Mobile is designed to work in various mobile platforms – Blackberry, Android, Nokia, iPhone and Windows. Google Map is mainly designed for cars rather than for walkers.
OviMaps
This clever map app is offered for free for Nokia Users. Just like the Google Map Mobile, it is loaded with extra features including pedestrian navigation. So, if you like walking, your phone can now show you the best walking routes. Because you have a map on hand wherever you go, getting to your destination would be faster, easier and hassle free like visiting phlebotomy training schools. GPS enabled Nokia Smartphones come with the new version of built-in OviMaps. The app also comes pre-loaded with Michelin and Lonely Planet travel guides, as well as drive and high-end walk navigation. It also features local map data covering over one-hundred eighty countries. Maps are also offered in forty-six languages. Traffic information is available in more than ten countries.
Stuck
This free app is developed by Swiftcover which combines GPS technology and micro-blogging in one convenient map app called Stuck. The app has a ‘Near Me’ function designed to enable users to identify people who are close-by their location. The app utilizes geo-location technology allowing users to be able to post twitter-like messages indicating their locations. Recently, a group of hikers got separated in the mountain of Sweden because of the snow but thankfully found their way back to their group by blogging their whereabouts via the Stuck app.