GPS navigators have become essential devices for all kinds of users, from drivers and riders to walkers and sailors. Also known as sat navs, GPS navigators (Global Positioning System) are packed with technology and provide navigation for aviation, ground and maritime travel. These devices have large screens that display all kinds of information for smooth travel. Many of them also have a text-to-speech function, which announces instructions vocally so you can keep your eyes on the road ahead.

A good sat nav should include software that provides accurate directions and can adapt to different conditions. It should also include a responsive processor so that it can recalculate your itinerary quickly should you veer off course.

Mapping the way

Think about your driving habits before you purchase map software for your sat nav: if you don’t intend to drive when you go abroad, there’s not much point in splashing out on maps for other continents.

However, if you do need to add a map to your GPS, some manufacturers such as TomTom allow you to download new and updated maps directly from their sites. TomTom also has an innovative Map share™  service, which allows you to enter corrections to existing maps and receive updates from the Tomtom community, ensuring all maps are accurate and up to date.

Travelling made easy

Some manufacturers, such as Garmin, have sat navs for pedestrians, bikes, cars, boats and planes. Garmin’s On-the-road GPS navigators provide options such as Lane Assist, which enables users to know which lane they need to take in order to stay on track, making for much easier and safer driving on complex interchanges. They also come preloaded with street maps for different countries and regions, and even warn you when you’re coming up to road blocks and traffic jams so you can avoid them and take an alternative route.

A GPS for all walks of life

Garmin has lightweight sat navs for hikers, as well as dog tracking systems, so you’ll always know where your four-legged friend is! And even if hiking isn’t really your thing, a walking mode on a GPS can come in useful in urban areas too, ensuring you don’t take a wrong turn and find yourself down a dark alleyway!
What’s more, Garmin manufactures sat navs for sailors – its range even includes a Fishfinder, so you’ll know exactly where to cast your bait!

Whether you’re a driver, a biker, a sailor or a walker, you’ll always stay on track with a GPS!

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