GPS solutions
Directions on Demand

Navigation systems may be the next standard in mobile technology.

BY MIKE ANTONIAK

If you’ve ever lost your way while driving buyers on a tour of homes, you’re a good candidate for a vehicle navigation system.

In growing numbers, real estate professionals are embracing these global positioning system (GPS) solutions as a time-saving investment. In fact, those who rely on the technology to guide them point-to-point seem so happy with the purchase that GPS, like the digital camera and PDA, appears poised to become one of those “must have” tools for mobile practitioners.

By providing accurate turn-by-turn directions to any home or series of properties, the system frees you up to devote more time to clients. No more fumbling with maps or backtracking to figure out where you took the wrong turn. A navigation system automatically selects the most direct route to your destination and quickly gets you back on track when you wander off course.

How It Works

GPS-based vehicle navigation systems either run off a computer or PDA, or they contain their own built-in processors. Using a network of orbiting satellites, the GPS receiver continually pinpoints your location within meters and tracks your progress as you drive. A vehicle navigation system takes that information and correlates it with street maps to identify precisely where you are in relation to your destination.

When planning a trip, you enter the address of the property or series of properties you want to visit. The system calculates the most direct driving route, based on your starting point. Depending on the system, you're then guided by detailed driving instructions are provided onscreen and a series of spoken commands. If you miss a turn, the system automatically alerts you and guides you back on track.

Vehicle navigation systems aren’t entirely foolproof. Since the GPS receiver requires a direct-line signal from at least three satellites to determine location, service can be temporarily disrupted when you’re driving on streets lined with canyons of buildings or you're in a deep rural hollow. Everywhere else the systems work so well you’ll wonder how you ever did without GPS.

Ways to Employ GPS

You can use GPS with the devices your already carry with you, including:

• Cell phone. Subscribers to Nextel’s cellular service, a REALTOR VIP® Alliance Program partner, can subscribe to TeleNav on certain handsets. For $9.95 per month, the service delivers an unlimited number of GPS-based directions to your cell phone.
  
• Laptop. For $129, Microsoft’s Streets & Trips With GPS Locator software equips any notebook computer with navigation features. Streets & Trips includes mapping software and a GPS receiver. Connect the navigation system to your notebook through a USB port, Bluetooth wireless technology, or CompactFlash/PC card slot. Other companies offer GPS accessories that you can connect to your portable PC. An example: DeLorme’s $99 Earthmate GPS LT-20.
  
• PDA. Garmin International’s iQue 3200 is a Palm-based PDA with built-in GPS navigation. For other Palm devices, including the Treo 650, the $349.99 EMTAC Navigator combines a Bluetooth-enabled GPS locator with navigation software from palmOne. The $260 Pharos SDIO Pocket GPS Navigator provides comparable functions for Dell Axim handhelds. The GPS receiver slips into the SD expansion slot on the Axim. For Hewlett-Packard’s line of iPAQ Pocket PCs, the $329.99 GPS Navigation System includes a Bluetooth-enabled GPS receiver and mapping software.
  
• Car. There are a range of solutions for in-car navigation. A $399 yearly subscription to OnStar’s Directions & Connections service includes GPS-based navigation on some new car models. When buying any new car, check with the dealer to find out if a permanently installed navigation system is available as an option.
  
  Portable systems for in-car use are available from companies including Garmin and Thales Navigation Inc. Typically, these portable systems combine a mini-computer equipped with a GPS locator and a database of maps. The Garmin c330 (just under $1,000) includes a dash-mounted unit with 3.5-inch color screen and speakers to provide spoken directions.
  
  Later this summer, Alpine Electronics of America Inc. will release an upgraded version of its $1,700 NVE-N852A navigation system for in-car installation. The new system will include a special receiver to continually update driving instructions based on the latest traffic conditions. Pricing on this unit hasn’t yet been established.

With any of these GPS options, you’ll never have to—gasp!—ask for directions again.

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