Here are simple definitions of some of the most important terms dealing with mobile navigation.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology used to transfer data. Data is sent over freely accessible frequencies (between 2,402 and 2,480 gigahertz). Devices establish contact independently if they're within a range of up to 10 meters (amplified up to 100 meters). Every Bluetooth device is both globally and uniquely identifiable, so one can adjust which other devices it is able to communicate with.
CF memory
CompactFlash memory. Small, removable mass storage device. Sometimes used in digital cameras and PDA's.
COM Port
Interface on a computer, e.g. the mouse port
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GPRS is an extension of the Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) - standard for faster data transfer. Data is transformed into separate packets, which are sent separately and put back together when the recipient receives them. Consequently the data line is used for only a short period of time, the time it takes to send a packet. Thus, with GPRS, a higher use of existing capacities is possible.
GPS Global Positioning System
GPS is a worldwide navigation system, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, not only for military but also for civil use.
Twenty-four satellites orbit the earth and send signals permanently, which are received by the GPS device and used for navigation. At least three satellites are required to determine the exact position.
GSM Global System of Mobile Communication
Technical standard for digital data transfer
Hard reset / Hardware Reset
The PDA is reset to its factory settings. All data (documents, additionally installed programs, personal settings) that haven't been saved elsewhere (e.g. storage card) will be lost. A hard reset is all so caused by a completely discharged battery
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
Data record for GPS data transfer. NMEA is the most common GPS record. GPS records are needed to synchronize GPS receiver and software on Pocket PC.
Offboard
Navigation with smartphone. Map data is saved on a server and is sent to the smartphone when required. Route calculation occurs via the server as well.
Onboard
Navigation with Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and GPS antenna. The opposite of offboard. Data is saved directly on the PDA and route calculation occurs on the PDA as well.
PDA Personal Digital Assistant
Small, portable computer. Also used as address book, timer etc.
PDF Portable Document Format
PDF is a data format, which is able to transfer data which is usually printed. Can, however, only be produced or read using special software (e.g. Acrobat Reader from Adobe).
POI Points Of Interest
Places which are interesting for tourists. Such as hotels, museums, restaurants, gas stations, bank machines, etc.
SD memory card Secure Digital memory card
A small mobile memory medium which was developed to cope with increased output, capacity, safety and demands.
SiRF
As with NMEA, SiRF is a data record. SiRF is actually the name of a company (SiRF Technology). It's important not to mix up SiRF with NMEA since SiRF can only be used when using a SiRF- receiver.
Soft reset/ Software Reset
A soft reset allows a PDA to be restarted without the loss of data. This is sometimes necessary after driver installation or after a system crash. This is normally carried out by pushing a button on the side of the PDA with the stylus. You can find more detailed information in your PDA's user manual since this action varies from PDA to PDA
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology used to transfer data. Data is sent over freely accessible frequencies (between 2,402 and 2,480 gigahertz). Devices establish contact independently if they're within a range of up to 10 meters (amplified up to 100 meters). Every Bluetooth device is both globally and uniquely identifiable, so one can adjust which other devices it is able to communicate with.
CF memory
CompactFlash memory. Small, removable mass storage device. Sometimes used in digital cameras and PDA's.
COM Port
Interface on a computer, e.g. the mouse port
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GPRS is an extension of the Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) - standard for faster data transfer. Data is transformed into separate packets, which are sent separately and put back together when the recipient receives them. Consequently the data line is used for only a short period of time, the time it takes to send a packet. Thus, with GPRS, a higher use of existing capacities is possible.
GPS Global Positioning System
GPS is a worldwide navigation system, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, not only for military but also for civil use.
Twenty-four satellites orbit the earth and send signals permanently, which are received by the GPS device and used for navigation. At least three satellites are required to determine the exact position.
GSM Global System of Mobile Communication
Technical standard for digital data transfer
Hard reset / Hardware Reset
The PDA is reset to its factory settings. All data (documents, additionally installed programs, personal settings) that haven't been saved elsewhere (e.g. storage card) will be lost. A hard reset is all so caused by a completely discharged battery
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
Data record for GPS data transfer. NMEA is the most common GPS record. GPS records are needed to synchronize GPS receiver and software on Pocket PC.
Offboard
Navigation with smartphone. Map data is saved on a server and is sent to the smartphone when required. Route calculation occurs via the server as well.
Onboard
Navigation with Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and GPS antenna. The opposite of offboard. Data is saved directly on the PDA and route calculation occurs on the PDA as well.
PDA Personal Digital Assistant
Small, portable computer. Also used as address book, timer etc.
PDF Portable Document Format
PDF is a data format, which is able to transfer data which is usually printed. Can, however, only be produced or read using special software (e.g. Acrobat Reader from Adobe).
POI Points Of Interest
Places which are interesting for tourists. Such as hotels, museums, restaurants, gas stations, bank machines, etc.
SD memory card Secure Digital memory card
A small mobile memory medium which was developed to cope with increased output, capacity, safety and demands.
SiRF
As with NMEA, SiRF is a data record. SiRF is actually the name of a company (SiRF Technology). It's important not to mix up SiRF with NMEA since SiRF can only be used when using a SiRF- receiver.
Soft reset/ Software Reset
A soft reset allows a PDA to be restarted without the loss of data. This is sometimes necessary after driver installation or after a system crash. This is normally carried out by pushing a button on the side of the PDA with the stylus. You can find more detailed information in your PDA's user manual since this action varies from PDA to PDA
