Satellite technology has made possible Global Positioning Systems, also known as GPS. GPS systems are guided by 24 satellites originally put in orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense, for military operations. The U.S. government made the system available for civilian use in the 1980's. The popularity of Global Positioning Systems has been progressively rising since that time.

GPS works in any weather conditions, in almost any location, and at any time. Since GPS depends on signal reception, it does not work inside caves, tunnels, buildings or under water. Using it does not require a subscription fee or setup charge-it's available free to anyone who wants to use it.

Applications

GPS is now a built-in feature of many automobiles. Garmin and other GPS manufacturers build auto GPS units with emergency assistance, location and direction information. Occupational applications of GPS continue to multiply. It has increased the efficiency and decreased the cost of surveying by reducing site setup time and dramatically improving accuracy. GPS is heavily used by forest rangers and farmers. Geologists, biologists, and other scientists use it for its precision timing capability and for accurate position information. Professional mariners and commercial fishermen use GPS excessively also.

Drivers and dispatchers use it to improve customer service and fleet tracking. GPS is an essential component of emergency response, disaster relief and public safety. In the air, GPS improves pilot communication, navigation, and hazard avoidance. GPS is also revolutionizing space exploration.

Recreational uses of GPS navigation systems continue to expand. The technology is used by hikers, snowmobile drivers, boaters and hunters. In fact, anyone who wants to keep track of where he or she is or figure out how to get from one place to another will find a GPS useful. Without GPS the worldwide activity of geocaching would not be possible. Even golf has not been left unaffected by GPS as it tells golfers how hard they have to swing for reaching the holes.

Equipment

GPS receivers range from relatively small, portable, and reasonably priced handsets for recreational use to an innovative technology developed by NASA for high Earth orbit missions. Enhanced technology is making GPS more available within heavy foliage environments. Another popularity boost for GPS is its integration into cell phones, which has enhanced emergency response.

The newest auto GPS units are both more sophisticated and more user friendly than earlier systems. Manufacturer support and guarantees cover all the issues that can possibly go wrong.

Vendors and distributors provide guidance on which GPS systems are best for specialized applications. To purchase a new or refurbished receiver, one can turn to the Internet which is a authoritative resource for information on GPS technology. For this growing technology that is fast becoming part of every day life, many scientific websites are dedicated to educate the public.

Michael D. Torc is a C programmer, a member of Mensa and a GPS enthusiast. For information on top of the line auto GPS units, visit his website: http://www.auto-gps-units.com.

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