Marine GPS Systems Applications

Current gps (global positioning system) technologies can be adapted to specialize as marine gps for navigation on water. These marine gps systems can be used for sightseeing activities, navigating a ship in bad weather, or just for plotting or steering a course and can be utilized with a variety of marine applications. Although gps had already realized and overcome limitations of previous navigation systems and has been in existence since 1973 as a United States Department of Defense (DOD) project, only in the last decade and a half has this technology become accessible to average consumers. It provides reliable location and time information at any time and in all kinds of weather, anywhere on or near the Earth’s surface, making this space-based global navigation satellite system the most popular means of obtaining this kind of data. Unobstructed line of sight to at least four of the orbiting gps satellites is required for a navigator equipped with marine gps systems to take advantage of digitally precise orientation and velocity measurements. Your budget will largely decide how many built-in features will come with your navigation system. Purchase only the functionality that you need and remember your needs as a navigator. These systems are available in a variety of sized, from small handheld units to larger systems that are mounted on top of navigation stations, and come in different platforms that can be built into cellular phones that improve the phone’s functionality, systems that are paired or linked with desktop or laptop computers, as well as stand-alone systems or a Marine Gps Handheld that you would expect casual fishermen to use. {When selecting a navigation system that is best for you, the first consideration aside from your budget, should always be your boating style.Your first consideration, aside from your budget, should always be your style of boating when it comes to selecting a navigation system that is best for you.} If you are a casual fisherman or a hobbyist that kayaks on area rivers, a handheld device should suffice. On the other hand if you prefer to cruise on larger boats from port to port or perhaps choose to fish a little further offshore, then a gps system with a larger screen mounted to your ship’s navigation station will better suit your needs. You can typically expect to shell out around $200 for entry-level handhelds, but it should be noted that not all portable gps systems are waterproof or ideal for marine conditions. Chartplotters, or fixed-mount gps systems generally come with larger and more readable screens and more functionality and will start costing you around $900. Multi-function units that have gps built into other marine electronics such as radar and fishfinders can cost upwards of $4000. Remember to shop around brands and try the unit out before you decide to make a final purchase.

Raymarine A-Series – Chartplotter – Multifunctional Displays

LOWRANCE ELITE-5 DSI FISHFINDER/CHARTPLOTTER MARK-5x DSI $20.95 LOWRANCE ELITE-5 DSI / MARK-5x DSIGETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR FISHFINDER/CHARTPLOTTERN2385DVD40 mins”Getting started with your Lowrance unit has never been easier!”Learn all the features & functions & HOW TO USE & MAXIMIZE your Lowrance unitDVD training makes it easy! Interactive menus allow quick and easy chapter review and allow you to go to a specific location time and time again. This step-by-s…

Humminbird 700 Series (798c, 798ci, 788c, 788ci, 778c / HD) $24.95 The most comprehensive, instructional, training DVD to teach you all the features & functions & HOW TO USE your unit. This step-by-step training DVD walks you through the key features of the unit and gets you up and running in no time. Learn everything you need to know to begin using your new satellite navigator, from projecting waypoints to mapping fishing areas and setting up routes….

Garmin GPSMAP 720, 720s, 740, 740s, 750, 750s $30.22 GARMIN GPSMAP 700 SERIES – 720, 720s, 740, 740s, 750,750s N1387DVD 40 mins. GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CHARTPLOTTER TEACHES – BASIC, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED FUNCTIONS DVD training makes it easy! Interactive menus allow quick and easy chapter review and allow you to go to a specific location time and time again.This step-by-step, instructional training DVD walks you through the key features and …