Some people may find, that a GPS system for your car is a little bit of a frivolous expense, and possibly a little distracting for the driver. But after you've had a Garmin GPS system installed and running for a while in your vehicle, you may be a little surprised how indispensable they can be. Sure, you may know your way to your local Starbucks or Tim Hortons (Canadian eh!), but what about those times in driving on unfamiliar streets and aren't so sure of your sens of direction. A GPS in your car is extra important for all you gentlemen out there, who would sooner have a root canal by a first year dental student the day after homecoming, than pull over and ask for directions. A good Garmin GPS could change your life . . . at least a small part of your life.

And if you think a GPS in your car can be distracting, just think back to the last time you were lost in busy traffic, and had to unfold, use, and fold back up a traditional street map without running anyone over, or taking out any street lamps or little old ladies. A GPS with voice activated features (not an option in my opinion) is really not much different than having another person in the car to talk with. Except for the fact, that they do where they are, where they're going, and have a bunch better sense of direction than your oh-so helpful significant other. In our fast paced world, new malls, plazas are added every day. Progress contines, and that five year old street map stuffed in your glove compartment, was probably out of date the day you bought it.

Some of you may need a little primer on GPS (Global Positioning Systems), lucky for you, I'm more than willing to share some of my knowledge. GPS was originally hatched by those geniuses over in the military, who inevitably come up with some pretty good ideas, as they tend to be a pretty motivated bunch. Understandable, when you think about the dirty business they are in. Anyway, pardon my little digression. As they moved on to bigger and better technology for keeping track of the position of all of their stuff, it was graciously decided by the powers that be, that GPS could be helpful to the general public. Industry, and transportation also make great use of GPS in their day to day activities. It's getting so, that it's hard to imagine a place where GPS doesn't come into play these days. Construction sites, cruise ships, smart phones, recreational boating, and even farming all use the technology. Makes one wonder, why it hasn't been found in automobiles sooner.

GPS in your car, works pretty much the same way it does every where else. There are twenty four satellites right now orbiting the earth that are the heartbeat of the GPS network. Given the fact that each one of them orbits the earth at 12,000 miles up, they orbit the earth once every 12 hours, and move at an astounding 7000 miles per hour. Holy speeding tickets Batman! It's a good thing they know where they're going, and there would be some pretty expensive insurance claims if these puppies started having a few fender benders. These solar powered beacons of technology, have been doing their stuff since 1978, and are the original green powered vehicles, as they are totally solar powered. They do contain backup batteries, in case of an eclipse, and each pack their own atomic clock. Accuracy is important after all, when giving directions to thousands of boats, planes, trains and automobiles every hour of the day. These satellites have loads of latitude and longitude information, and are able to take with your GPS unit in your car to keep it on track. It's quite possible for your unit to be receiving signals from around six or so satellites at any give point in time. Now, even I couldn't get lost with six navigational experts telling me where to go.

The first time I used a GPS navigational system in vehicle, it was actually in my boat. I was sailing for two weeks, between Bayfield, Ontario and the North Channel, just above Manitoulin Island in northern Ontario. Some of the most beautiful country you'll ever come across, but not a lot of street signage around. Especially if your in the middle of Lake Huron, or Georgian Bay with no one around for miles. But, it's truly astounding how my Raymarine chart-plotter (a digital map with GPS technology built into it) can be. Imagine driving a couple hundred miles on unfamiliar streets, with no mileage signs, no street signs, and very few directional signs to keep you appraised of where you are. Not once, not a single time on our trip, did I have to pull over and ask for directions. I'm kidding of course (old sailing joke).

Seriously though, once you've spent some time being told where to go by a Garmin GPS system, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one. And now your shotgun riding passengers can find other things to do then tell you to pull over and ask directions.