Navigation is chalking out the route to a destination. It is a normal procedure for anyone who contemplates on a journey, whether it is on land, sea or air. In case the traveler is not familiar with the route to a destination it is necessary to refer to a map. The map will indicate the exact location of the destination and the route to reach there. But a compass is needed to ensure that the traveler is moving ahead in the right direction. While undertaking a long journey, the traveler can refer route maps. Land marks like important structures, hills etc will help to locate the destination. But those who travel by sea or air have to seek assistance of navigational aids. In olden days light houses were guiding the voyagers on the sea routes. In the early stages of air travel, pilots were given direction by radio signals from air traffic control towers. But the methods adopted by manual controls may at times happen to be erroneous due to reasons beyond the control of the operators and the equipments.
But now the modern navigational methods and equipments are sophisticated as the electronic devices detect radio signals from fixed positions, and convey messages to those who require assistance. The concept of Global Positioning System (GPS) is accurate and reliable. Signals from a network of satellites or space crafts will be picked up by the navigational equipments. As the signals are provided by spacecrafts or satellites they are more accurate than the earthbound equipments. Satellites circling the earth will constantly monitor the position of the objects and relay messages to guide the vehicles, ships or planes. They are known as communication satellites. Automatic navigation sans human assistance is possible with GPS receiver and computerized maps.
Originally satellite based communication was used by State Authorities for detecting enemy activities and for counter espionage. But later the technology was progressively extended to other spheres of activities, especially for peaceful purposes. GPS based satellite navigation is now extensively used to promote welfare of the people rather than for conflicts and confrontations. GPS enabled devices are now widely used by travelers to make navigation hassle free. Dedicated GPS enabled navigational aids are now widely sought after by those who are engaged in search and rescue operations, forest and wildlife conservationists, mountaineers etc.
For those who participate in adventure sports and expeditions, GPS navigational equipments have become unavoidable gadgets. Evolving technology helped to extend the possibilities of satellite navigation to mobile phones which became widely popular among the consumers. Fast expanding mobile phone technology has made this system an integrated feature in all smart phones. The manufacturers of cars, trucks and motorcycles are now making SatNav as a part of original features in their latest models. Pedestrians and cyclists who are low end users find the satnav devices as essential gadgets for moving around safely. Those who happen to get stranded in roadblocks or natural catastrophes like floods find these devices as life saving gadgets.
In UK there are special websites devoted to satellite navigation. Consumers can avail all information about various products and services concerning satellite navigation from these portals. Information about availability of the products and price comparison are posted in the special websites. Product reviews are of immense help to the consumers to understand the merits and demerits of many branded products offered for sale in the markets.
