How Does GPS Work on a Laptop?
How does GPS Work on a Laptop – An Overview of Laptop GPS Tracking
How does GPS work on a laptop? The answer is easy. A laptop GPS tracking system is just an extended version of GPS where you extend the receiver to the laptop. This enables you to view things on a large screen and thereby, in more detail. All you need is a laptop GPS receiver and a GPS mapping software to use GPS on a laptop. The best thing about laptop GPS is that you do not need any wiring (unless you are using an extension for the receiver’s antenna). A good laptop GPS receiver works even in dirty areas (places with plenty of obstructions to GPS satellite signals - cities, forests etc).
With 32 plus satellites in the current, active GPS system of the US (NAVSTAR), a good laptop GPS receiver can pick up signals from a minimum of eight satellites to offer you with data (longitude, latitude, height, time stamps of the GPS signals and more). This data helps you track any “object” using GPS on your laptop. Even with weak GPS signals, the software inside such GPS receivers helps you get maximum accuracy.
The “object” mentioned in the above paragraph can be a remote unit such as your home/workspace, your pet, or your own position. The following paragraphs help you understand how GPS works on a laptop.
How does GPS work on a Laptop – Internal and External Receivers for Laptops
People use laptop GPS tracking systems to keep an eye on remote object(s), to track their own position, mapping and even gaming (geocaching, for example). You can even keep an eye on your home from any remote area. This Bright Hub article explains how to use alarm GPS and laptop to remote secure your home.
Coming back to how GPS works on a laptop, there are two methods. The first method is slightly tough. You need to fix the receiver inside the laptop and install the GPS software (this may require a technician). Once you install the software, you can use the GPS software to pinpoint locations, create mapping points, track any object, or to know your own position (“Where am I”). You do not really need a GPS transmitter unless you wish to track anything. In this case, you attach the transmitter to the object you wish to track.
The other method is to use an external GPS device that you can connect to the laptop using Bluetooth (wireless), USB (GPS dongles), or even PCMCIA cards (wired connections).
Though there are several GPS receivers on the market, I recommend the DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-40 & Street Atlas USA 2010 for internal GPS laptop receiver. It not only offers you laptop GPS tracking but also plenty of customizable maps. You can use it on land, air and even on seas.
If you do not want an internal GPS receiver, you may use the Garmin Mobile 20 laptop GPS tracking system. You can use it with both Smartphones and laptops. To use the Garmin Mobile 20 GPS on a laptop, just insert its data card into the laptop. Once it is in and you install the mobile software, you can connect to the Mobile 20 using Bluetooth and enjoy all GPS features: be it tracking, monitoring, gaming, or locating points of interest (POI).
To sum up, it is not a tough answer when it comes to the question “how does GPS work on a laptop?” It is almost the same as using GPS cell phones. You can either connect a GPS receiver into the laptop system or use external GPS gadgets that connect to laptop via Bluetooth, USB, or PCMCIA. Once the connection is established, you can always enjoy laptop GPS tracking on a bigger screen.
This post is part of the series: GPS Tracking Systems - Laptop GPS and Cellphone Tracking Systems
This article series on GPS tracking systems aim to offer information on the best cellphone tracking software and systems. It offers details on how GPS and Laptop technologies combine to create excellent laptop GPS tracking systems. The series also discusses how to track cellphone using SMS.
