Windows Mobile-based GPS is especially flexible, and the following feature-rich GPS applications and receivers offer distinctive values. GPS receivers originally cost thousands of dollars and were permanently installed in ships, airplanes, and other vehicles. But prices have come down considerably and GPS receivers have become thinner and more mobile. Although they have been available for handheld devices since before the introduction of the first Windows Mobile handhelds in 1997, the removal of Selective Availability (SA) by the Clinton administration sparked widespread adoption of GPS in May 2000. This eliminated the scrambling of satellite signals, thus making GPS feasible for commercial use. In addition, it improved accuracy from the previous 100 meters or more to 10 meters or less! (The WAAS, Wide Area Augmentation System, in North America has a series of about 25 ground reference stations that further improve the accuracy of GPS positioning to less than 3 meters on WAAS-equipped systems.)

There are three main components to a GPS solution. The first is the system of satellites and ground stations, which are maintained by the U.S. government. (Using these satellites requires no subscription, or other fees, since it is government subsidized.) The second is the GPS receiver, a physical device capable of receiving signals from the GPS satellites and translating them into useful data.

The third is the GPS navigation software that you install on your Windows Mobile device. This software allows the GPS receiver to interface with your Pocket PC and provides road maps and POI (Point of Interest) information. Most of the map data comes from the same sources as embedded vehicle GPS mapping: Tele Atlas or NAVTEQ. Windows Mobile GPS solutions can show you where you are at any time and provide you with voice guidance turn-by-turn driving instructions to any destination in areas covered by your GPS maps.

Be aware that the maintenance of map accuracy is a phenomenal undertaking, since there are over 6-million roads and 12-million POI locations in the United States alone. Field specialists drive the roads day after day making improvements, but the changes are not often reflected in commercially available maps until the beginning of the next annual GPS software licensing period. In other words, GPS navigation is extraordinary, but it isn't perfect, because every new change to every road is only eventually reflected in the GPS software maps.

Most GPS vendors offer integrated solutions, which include the GPS software/maps, GPS receivers, as well as power cables and other accessories. They may also sell the GPS receivers and software separately. Although you can mix and match most GPS receivers and software, usually the most economical way to pick a GPS solution for your Windows Mobile device is to find the software with the features and map coverage you like first, and then purchase the GPS receiver type that you prefer along with its bundled software.

GPS receivers

The brain of a GPS receiver is a small computer chipset that translates the incoming signals into usable information. The chipset is attached to a built-in or external antenna and an internal or external power source. GPS receivers come in a number of form factors and sizes, and connect to Windows Mobile devices in various ways:

Bluetooth GPS receivers