Language Guide™ software (optional)
Users can access an optional Garmin Language Guide, with data provided
by Oxford University Press. This software suite contains a multilingual
word bank, phrase bank, and five bilingual dictionaries. The
multilingual word bank and phrase bank supports nine languages and
dialects, including American English, British English, French, German,
Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, European Spanish,
and Latin American Spanish. The Language Guide lets travelers look up
and translate more than 17,000 words or 20,000 phrases per language.
Travel Guide™ software (optional)
The new Garmin Travel Guide is loaded with information provided by
Marco Polo. These guides put in-depth travel information—such as
reviews and recommendations for restaurants, tourist attractions, and
more—at the user’s fingertips.
The origins of WAASThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are developing the WAAS program for use in precision flight approaches. Currently, GPS alone does not meet the FAA's navigation requirements for accuracy, integrity, and availability. WAAS corrects for GPS signal errors caused by ionospheric disturbances, timing, and satellite orbit errors, and it provides vital integrity information regarding the health of each GPS satellite.
How it Works ?WAAS consists of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned across the United States that monitor GPS satellite data. Two master stations, located on either coast, collect data from the reference stations and create a GPS correction message. This correction accounts for GPS satellite orbit and clock drift plus signal delays caused by the atmosphere and ionosphere. The corrected differential message is then broadcast through one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure, which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal.
Who benefits from WAAS?Currently, WAAS satellite coverage is only available in North America. There are no ground reference stations in South America, so even though GPS users there can receive WAAS, the signal has not been corrected and thus would not improve the accuracy of their unit. For some users in the U.S., the position of the satellites over the equator makes it difficult to receive the signals when trees or mountains obstruct the view of the horizon. WAAS signal reception is ideal for open land and marine applications. WAAS provides extended coverage both inland and offshore compared to the land-based DGPS (differential GPS) system. Another benefit of WAAS is that it does not require additional receiving equipment, while DGPS does.
Other governments are developing similar satellite-based differential systems. In Asia, it's the Japanese Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), while Europe has the Euro Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). Eventually, GPS users around the world will have access to precise position data using these and other compatible systems.
It just keeps getting better
| 100 meters: |
Accuracy
of the original GPS system, which was subject to accuracy degradation
under the government-imposed Selective Availability (SA) program. |
|
| 15 meters: |
Typical GPS position accuracy without SA. |
| 3-5 meters: |
Typical differential GPS (DGPS) position accuracy. |
| < 3 meters: |
Typical WAAS position accuracy. |
Frequently Asked Questions1. What is the difference between Garmin Nuvi 300 and 310?
Garmin Nuvi 310 is the latest model released in April 2006, Nuvi 310 has certain advanced features like Bluetooth handsfree calling along with your bluetooth mobile phone. Nuvi 310 also has an anti theft feature. You can add traffic module to Nuvi 310 by purchasing an accessory Garmin GTM 12 traffic module.
2. What is the difference between Garming Nuvi 310 and 360?
Garmin Nuvi 360 and Nuvi 310 are the same hardware and software , but Nuvi 360 comes with the maps of European countries along with UK. Nuvi 310 comes only with maps of UK & Ireland.
3. Which one do you recommend to buy?
If you need only navigation in the UK and Ireland you can choose the Nuvi 310.
If you need europe wide navigation Nuvi 360 is more suitable.
4. Can I add Traffic module to Nuvi 310?
Yes you can you need the GTM 12 traffic module.
5. What is the traffic module and what benefits do I get it by adding it to the Nuvi?
When it comes to avoiding traffic jams and bottlenecks, good decisions start with good information. And that's where Garmin traffic receiver can make a quantum difference in any driver's quality of life.
The traffic module is a small FM-band traffic receiver that connects with a car radio/antenna system to provide real-time Traffic Message Channel (TMC) data to compatible Garmin GPS navigation products—which then depict and identify problem areas on their moving-map displays.
The TMC traffic alerting system works on an FM sideband signal which utilizes RDS (Radio Data Service) technology. Digitized and coded real-time traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel—which means that drivers can still listen to music or news programming on their car radios, without interference from the incoming FM traffic data transmissions. In most areas, depending on the service provider, TMC traffic broadcasts are continuous—there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. With the traffic module, you see traffic developments in real-time, as they happen, so you can make the right decision sooner. The system will alert you when a traffic problem is on your route and propose an alternate route to avoid the incident.
*Traffic services available only in select cities where RDS-TMC
coverage exists. Requires the GTM 12 FM TMC traffic receiver and
subscription fee to enable traffic capability.
1Some features not supported on all phones
2Compatible with StreetPilot c550, Nuvi 310, Nuvi 360
Please note: Like most USB Mass Storage Devices, the nüvi is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me.
