Posts tagged ‘Topographic Maps’

Understanding GPS Mapping Software

GPS Mapping Software

The Global Positions System or simply GPS system is a space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in different weather conditions, anywhere on Earth. All that is required is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. Maintained by the United States, these GPS satellites circle the earth twice each day on a defined orbit and transmit signal information to earth.

How it Works?

Garmin GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location. Ideally, a GPS receiver compares the time at which a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was originally received. This time different tells the receiver how far away the satellite is. With the accurate distance measurements from few more satellites, the GPS receiver is able to provide the Garmin GPS system user his or her exact location and displays on the unit or map.

Some Facts

1. The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978
2. A flock of 24 satellites was achieved by 1994
3. Each satellite is built to last about 10 years.
4. Replacements are constantly built and launched in space
5. The approximate weight of a GPS satellite is 2,000 pounds and is 17 feet across with extended solar panels.
6. Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less

Accuracy of GPS

GPS receivers offer high accuracy. With help from their parallel multi-channel design and USB Cable Garmin, these are quick to lock onto satellites and maintain strong connections, despite dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings.

Other devices commonly used to map out densely populated areas are topographic maps.


Choose the Best Quality Garmin Navigation System

Are you tired of being lost all the time? Is your poor direction sense killing all the joy from your camping or recreational mountain hikes? Well, there is no reason to worry anymore, all thanks to a trusted range of Garmin Navigation system and GPS mapping software available today. If you are bad with directions, then it’s time you install a well-equipped GPS navigation system. The latest from Garmin comes with millions of locations and points of interest already preloaded for you to venture your adventurous side.

Garmin GPS mapping software and navigation system is perfect for keeping your eyes on the road. It takes your traveling experience to a whole new level. Confidence in your trekking, there is nothing like it. The feeling of knowing exactly where you are going fills you with confidence and empowers you to lead the group unperturbed.

Garmin Topo Maps

Garmin Topo Maps

When shopping around for a navigation system look for reviews on products you are most interested in. This will bring you a clear idea of how good a product is to be precise. Reviews from certified buyers will let you know the performance of the product, and whether to forward with it or not. You can even come online to purchase the best mapping software, topographic maps and GPS systems. Thus, reviews are your best friend. These will bring the best options in front of your, in fact even help you avoid the products which are lagging in terms of quality.

Learn about the Garmin GPS navigation system by reading reviews from real buyers. Many times a user understands better what a GPS navigation system has to offer through reviews and first experiences, as suppose to reading product specifications on official sites. Thus, it will always pay to read or go through all reviews on different products before finalizing your purchase. In terms of mapping software and navigation system, finding out what all features are offered is perhaps a trusted way to make the most suited purchase.

Some features like operating with a rechargeable battery and a convenient car charger cover the basic ground work. In addition, other features include touch screen capabilities and dashboard mounts allows for a quick and easy road trip. Now, you can drive cross country and go on family car trips without taking out all the fun of it. Among all the benefits of installing a good GPS navigation system is that you lose the fear of driving on freeways or through neighborhoods you aren’t familiar with.

Thus, make certain that a good GPS mapping software is always there to back you up whenever you need.

Importance of Topographic Maps and GPS system in Our Lives

A map is commonly used as a means to represent a two dimensional surface of any actual world location or surface object. Majority of maps are only represented in a two-dimensional format without considering that the surface plane in question could be elevated. The use of Garmin Topographic Maps and other Garmin navigation system was instituted to identify the third dimension.

If one had to categorize the information in images that can be gathered from topographic maps, then read the following four points. The three-dimensional images include roads, buildings, railways, airports, urban development, geographic features, national and international borders etc. An essential aspect of Topographic maps is that these are used to represent all types of water bodies including lakes, river streams, swamps, and coastal lines. It even covers the covers the mountains, valleys, slopes, reefs etc. Lastly, these maps include all vegetative areas, encapsulating wooded region, cleared areas, orchards, and vineyards.

Topographic Maps


Another popular device that has gained wide popularity are Garmin GPS system. Its wide usage increases with a surge in the number of people venturing in outdoor pursuits of all sorts. Portable or handheld GPS devices are easily available for cars, motorbikes, bicycles or for backpacks for people on foot. These devices are used to track your physical location, follow a predetermined route, moreover, and keep an automatic record of your route as well. In case of emergencies, for instance, you have lost track of locations in the wilderness and need to confirm your exact position, in terms of longitude and latitude, this acts as a backup for a conventional map or manual navigation compass.

All You Need To Know About Topographic Maps

If are in a field where use of topographic maps are required to used in high amounts, then you must understand what are topographic maps and most importantly how to read them. Let us first look at the terminology, which defines topo maps.

Topo Maps- these maps are a detailed and three-dimensional representation of accurate and graphical representation of features as they appear on the Earth’s surface. If one has to categorize this geographical representation, then it can be done with following classification.


  1. Cultural representation on the map encompasses roads, buildings, urban development, railways, airports, name of place, and geographic features etc. It even includes administrative boundaries, state and international borders and reserves.
  2. Water bodies on the topographic maps come under Hydrography. This includes all types of lakes, rivers, streams, swamps and all coastal flats.
  3. Reliefs, mountain ranges, valleys, slopes, and other reefs are considered another essential part of the topographic maps.


Topographic maps are commonly used for recreational purposes. For instance, travelling, hiking, and orienteering. Government organizations use these maps for urban planning, mining, emergency management, and deliberating legal boundaries as well as real estate ownership as well. Garmin Topo maps are a mere two to three dimensional representation at a given time. Therefore, it is significant to consider that such maps are not a precise representation.


If you are in search of the best topo maps and Garmin GPS systems, then choose a reputed service provider. In fact, only a reputed supplier, you will find the best and accurate solutions at GPS cable Garmin, handheld GPS devices, and accessories as well.