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GPS (Global Positioning System) – Pros and Cons

Posted by Agota Szabo on Jun 21st 2019

GPS (Global Positioning System) – Pros and Cons

GPS (Global Positioning System) – Pros and Cons

Posted by Agota Szabo at Priority Tire on Jun 21st 2019

At this point, we’ve all heard of GPS (or Global Positioning System), as it has increasingly become part of everyday driving. It is a small electronic device that you can use to track your position or to navigate in an unknown neighborhood.

It has numerous practical uses to validate its installation in your vehicle. However, as with most electronic gadgets, using GPS device has both positive and negative aspects.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of using a GPS:

Firstly, let’s take a look at the positive side of things:

  • GPS devices are fairly easy to use. You add the location where you need to go and you are ready to go. You don’t need map reading skills as the device gives clear instructions and ensures your accurate navigation even in neighborhoods unfamiliar to you.
  • GPS visually portrays your current location from your destination at all times.
  • This small gadget can give you access to a large variety of maps. Since GPS devices provide global accessibility, they are usually equipped with a high number of different maps you can use at your leisure.
  • Most GPS-maps will provide you with alternate routes for you to choose from, which helps you save valuable time.
  • Some GPS devices offer different functions. Apart from the maps, they can have weather, radios or cameras installed on them to make your trip safer.
  • While GPS devices can be expensive, you can also use your smartphone, especially locally. Smartphones are equipped with satellite trackers and help you navigate with a simple GPS app.

As all things, GPS has some negative aspects as well:

  • The GPS is an electronic device and as such it runs on a battery. As batteries do, they usually die at the worst possible moment. Be sure to pack a power bank or extra battery if you are planning on going on a longer trip.
  • GPS devices track your position with satellites. However, this connection can be disturbed underground, in caves and canyons, as well as when driving through forests. Concrete, mountains and dense foliage can disturb the satellite signal and leave you without accurate information during your drive.
  • Older and cheaper devices can have incorrect maps. Some are unable to recognize mountains or alternative routes, which can add to the mileage and take away from your driving comfort.
  • Privacy is also an important question to consider. These devices are equipped with satellite trackers. As such others can track your signal and know your past and present location.
  • GPS devices, if not installed correctly in the vehicle (not on the dashboard, but on the seat or the driver’s lap), can be distracting from the drive. Changing the route mid-drive or taking your eyes off the road for more than a second makes room for driver error and can lead to accidents.

Installing a GPS in your vehicle, or getting car phone holder, can save you on fuel and time by ensuring your arrival at your chosen location through the most efficient route. With GPS devices the positives tend out-weight the cons, but you can never be too careful. When driving, be sure you are not distracted by paying more attention to the GPS than the road. If you handle it in a safe manner, it’s sure to make your navigating and driving easier.

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