Helpful GPS Terms

· Altitude: Altitude is the measurement of how high something is. It can be measured in meters or feet and is benchmarked by sea level.

· For more information about altitude and how to insert it into sites like Google Maps check out the Google Earth instructions.

· Assisted GPS: a system which uses cell phone networks to improve the performance GPS satellite-based positioning systems

· Geo Coding: The system of putting geographical identification metadata into media including photographs, video, websites, or RSS feeds.

· Geo Spoofing: The process of using a device or software to mix GPS signals to give the impression that a GPS tracking unit has disappeared or is in a different location than it really is.

· Geo tagging: The system of putting geographical identification metadata into media including photographs, video, websites, or RSS feeds

· GNU License: The GNU General Public License (GNU GPL or simply GPL) is an incredibly widely used open source free software license, which states that anybody is able to take and modify software providing the newly modified software retains the same license. It was created by Richard Stallman.

· In terms of GPS Mapping software and GPS maps the GNU GPL is usually mentioned alongside such open source developments like the Open Street Map group.

· GPS: Global Positioning Systems, a technology where satellites make a living map of the world and then show you your location.

· GPS Software: A computer program that uses GPS satellite signals and digital maps to serve a purpose.

· GPS mapping software or GPS navigational software will help map out routes and assist you get from point A to point B while GPS logging software will record your locations and transfer that information into programs like Flickr or Google Maps.

· Junction Image: Pictures provided by some software that will help you decide whether or not to take a turnoff.

· Lane Assist: Functions offered by some software that will help you decide which lane to take when driving.

· Latitude: The measurement of imaginary horizontal lines that run around the world. It is normally displayed on GPS sites like Google Maps using the following format 12.52290570348247

· Linux: An open source operating system that is often used for IP security equipment and some GPS navigation software and it is often used for open source projects like the Open Street Browser Project.

· Longitude: The measurement of imaginary lines that run from the North Poll to the South Poll. When displayed on Google maps it looks like 194.83062591552734

· L1: The satellite signal that carries the navigational message and the SPS (Standard Positioning System) Code signals.

· It is not as accurate as the system used in L2 signals and it is used by most civilian GPS system providers

· L2: The satellite signal that carries the navigational message and the PPS (Precise Positioning System) Code signals.

· It is more accurate as the system used in L1 signals and is used by the military and by some civilian companies.

· Maemo: The OS used by Nokia in its smart phones.

· Proprietary Software/Map: GPS Navigation or GPS Mapping Software that is owned by a company and requires users to either purchase a copy or buy a subscription to get access to it. Maps by Garmin, Tomtom and other traditional GPS mapping software providers usually fall into this category.

· Route: The way to get to a destination, there are various types of routes including, fastest route, shortest route.

· Receiver: The thing which gets the signals and then gives information to the GPS unit so it can work out where it is.

· Satellite: A transmission station that orbits around the earth sending radio signals to help people find out where they are. There are 24 GPS satellites in orbit.

· SD Card: A tiny memory card used to transfer data between different devices including car navigation systems, cellular phones, eBooks, PDAs, smartphones, digital cameras, music players, camcorders, and personal computers.

· TF Card: A memory card, smaller than an SD card used to transfer data between different devices including car navigation systems, cellular phones, eBooks, PDAs, smartphones, digital cameras, music players, camcorders, and personal computers.

· Trilateration: The method of using information from three satellites to determine a location.

· Transmission Signal: The signal sent from satellites to a GPS receiver which the GPS receiver then uses to work out its position.

· Waypoint: A point between major points on a route, as along a track, it is used in GPS navigation software.

· Windows CE: Windows operating software developed especially for mobile devices like cell phones, car DVD players, GPS navigation devices and other portable devices with limited hardware.