GPS or global positioning system uses a network of 24 to 32 medium earth orbit satellites
to provide positioning, navigation & timing services to users on a continuous basis anywhere in the world where there is unobstructed view of four or more Gps satellites.
GPS basically consists of three segments. Space, Control & User.
Space segment consist of 24 to 32 satellites that orbit around the earth in medium orbit. The control segment consists of ground station & antennas where as user segment consists of thousand of users both civilians & military who rely on GPS for their day to day operations.
Over a period of time GPS has evolved & its functionality has increased to huge extents primarily in GPS navigation. GPS navigation has become more complex with each passing day & provides a host of features that makes your navigation extremely easy.
GPS has wide range of uses & is a useful tool in map making, land-surveying, tracking & surveillance. It has also given rise to hobbies such as geo caching & way marking. It has also become an integral part of transportations system, aviation & maritime operations. But the most prominent use of GPS has been in the field of navigation. There are several devices that are available in the market both portable & in car that can help you in planning your trip. The features of these devices range from device to device & the price consumer is willing to pay for them.
GPS Navigation is still in its initial phase & with the innovations being done one can expect to see its application in extremely diverse fields.