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FREE GPS Comparison Guide & GPS Comparison Ratings

Global Positioning System (GPS) Comparison Made Easy!



What Is a GPS Navigation System?

Business process management (BPM) defines, enables, and manages the exchange of enterprise information through the semantics of a business process view, which involves employees, customers, partners, applications, and databases. BPM systems provide managers with a monitoring capacity to understand and adapt processes for improving business performance. Business process management should not be confused with business performance management, also referred to as BPM.

A global positioning system (GPS) navigation system (or 'GPS device') uses GPS signals to pinpoint the precise location of the device. Strictly speaking, 'GPS' refers to the global navigation satellite system that is operated and managed by the US Department of Defense. However, the term 'GPS' is often used to refer to the device itself.

Synonyms of GPS Comparison: GPS Comparison Reviews, GPS Comparison Guide, GPS Comparison Chart, GPS Comparison Ratings, Best GPS Comparison, GPS Comparison Table, Top GPS Units, Top GPS Systems, Top GPS Review, Top GPS Models, Top GPS Brands, Top GPS Ratings, Top Rated GPS,

How and Where Are GPS Navigation Systems Used by Enterprises?

Although GPS navigation systems are in high consumer demand, enterprises also require GPS system functionality for a variety of purposes:
  • Supply chain management (SCM)—GPS navigation systems are used in yard and transportation applications.
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)—GPS devices can assist field sales teams.
  • Enterprise asset management (EAM)—GPS functionality allows for each asset record to show GPS coordinates.
  • Mining Industry (ERP & CMMS)—features allows for each asset record to show GPS coordinates.


Key Criteria to Consider for GPS Comparison

There's no such thing as the 'best GPS navigation system'—even the cheapest GPS receiver may suit your needs. That's why it's vital to conduct a thorough analysis of your needs and to determine which criteria are really relevant to your organization's GPS requirements.
Software Features The key software features allow users to define routing needs, track multiple destinations, and base their trajectories on multiple customizable parameters. The more robust the feature set, the more types of routing capabilities are available.
  • Routing capability. Routing capabilities allow multiple direction types to be used, based on requirements such as time, distance, and hazard avoidance.
    • General features. General GPS features include built-in address books, pre-loaded maps, the ability to mark and name locations on maps, and speed-based volume adjustment
    • Tracking technology. Key features of any GPS system include accuracy, tracking ability, and responsiveness.
  • Hardware features. Hardware features determine the capacity, connection, and expansion options available to a GPS unit.
  • Display. Consider the types of conditions under which you'll be using the GPS navigation device. Criteria include brightness, color, resolution, and display screen size.
  • Interface. The interface determines how you can interact with your GPS system. Features to consider include voice output, input methods, and display options.
  • Portability. If the system needs to be transported between multiple vehicles, you should precisely determine the extent and nature of your portability requirements.
  • Additional non-tracking features. Non-tracking features allow the GPS unit to be used for purposes other than simple navigation.
  • Manufacturer and support. These parameters are used to evaluate the viability of the manufacturer of the GPS unit and their technical support capabilities.


GPS Navigation System Vendors and Products

  • Garmin GPS Systems (including
    • nuvi GPS,
    • eTrex GPS,
    • eTrex Vista GPS,
    • eTrex Venture GPS)
  • Magellan GPS (including eXplorist GPS)
  • TomTom GPS
  • NAVIGON GPS
  • GPS Lowrance
  • Navman GPS
  • amAze GPS
  • Leadtek GPS
  • Zoombak GPS
  • Aviton GPS


GPS Comparison Criteria

This is the list of GPS comparison criteria, i.e., navigation system features andtechnology to consider when evaluating GPS systems.

1Software features
1.1Routing capability
1.1.1Track-back capability
1.1.2Shortest route
1.1.3Fastest route
1.1.4Avoid traffic or construction
1.1.5Number of supported waypoints
1.1.6Multi-destination routing
1.1.7Detour function
1.1.8Avoid toll roads
1.2General features
1.2.1Built-in address book
1.2.2Pre-loaded maps
1.2.3Ability to mark and name locations on map
1.2.4Speed-based volume adjustment
1.2.5Altimeter
1.2.6Estimated time of arrival
1.2.7Speed calculation
1.2.8Real-time weather reporting
1.2.9Real-time traffic reporting
1.2.10Automatic map rotation
1.2.11Points-of-interest tracker
1.2.12Alarms/waypoints
1.2.13Address finder
2Tracking technology
2.1Reception and accuracy
2.1.1Acquisition time
2.1.1.1Hot acquisition time
2.1.1.2Cold acquisition time
2.1.1.3Initial acquisition time
2.1.1.4Update rate
2.1.2Accuracy
2.1.2.114-channel WAAS/EGNOS enabled
2.1.2.212-channel parallel receiver system
2.1.2.3Accuracy distance
2.1.2.4Telescopic antenna
2.2Mapping technology
2.2.1NavTeq digital mapping
2.2.2TeleAtlas digital mapping
3Hardware features
3.1Connectivity
3.1.1Wi-Fi
3.1.2USB 2.0
3.1.3Bluetooth
3.1.43.5 mm headphone jack
3.1.5PDA infrared connector
3.2Memory
3.2.1Expansion memory format
3.2.1.1SD card
3.2.1.2Compact flash
3.2.2System memory
3.2.2.1Built-in system memory
3.2.2.2Internal hard drive
3.3Dashboard mount
3.3.1Suction-cup windshield mount
3.3.2Permanently installable mount
3.3.3Sticky surface mount
3.4General hardware features
3.4.1AC charger
3.4.2Cigarette lighter adapter included
3.4.3Anti-theft system
3.4.4External antenna connection
3.4.5Processor speed
4Display
4.1Display size
4.2Brightness
4.33D map display
4.4Color
4.5Display resolution
4.6Night view mode
5Interface
5.1Voice output
5.1.1Generic voice instructions
5.1.2Text-to-speech capability
5.2Input methods
5.2.1Repeat button
5.2.2External keyboard connector
5.2.3On-screen keyboard
5.2.4Joystick/navigation pad
5.2.5Mapping software
5.2.6Touch screen
6Portability
6.1Battery life
6.2Unit weight
6.3Waterproof
7Additional non-tracking features
7.1MP3 player
7.2Photo viewer
7.3Alarm clock
7.4Calculator
7.5Bluetooth voice-activated phone dialing
7.6FM modulator
7.7World clock
7.8Currency and measurement converter
7.9Audio book
7.10Ability to install additional applications
8Manufacturer and support
8.1Manufacturer's market presence
8.1.1Brand reliability
8.1.2Brand presence
8.1.3Local distributor available
8.2Technical Support
8.2.1Dedicated support desk hours
8.2.2Reputation for quick response levels
8.2.3Self-support model
8.2.4Remote access and support


GPS Comparison Matrix

GPS Comparison Matrix Sample:
Comparison Matrix

You can download GPS comparison ratings above as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls) featuring the following Top 3 GPS devices against aforementioned evaluation criteria.
  • iWay 500c, by Lowrance
  • Nuvi 660, by Garmin
  • RoadMate 760, by Magellan Navigation