Definition:

A portable navigation device, or PND, uses Global Positioning System satellite signals to provide position information and related data and services. PND is a generic term covering a wide variety of electronic devices, ranging from in-car portable GPS to handheld portable receivers to commercial fleet management devices and more.

By using computing power, and data stored in memory such as road maps, points of interest, topographic information, and much more, GPS-enabled PNDs are able to convert location, speed, and time information into a useful display format.

Commercial or fleet PNDs may also record location and speed data, and may report real-time location and speed data to a fleet management headquarters.

Also Known As: Personal Navigation Device