subject: Gps Systems: Precision Technology For Everyone [print this page] Gone are the days when traveling involved an updated map or having to ask someone the right way when lost. Today, with just one push of a button, one can find out where he or she exactly is located in the world, and sometimes, with instructions to the next bus stop, to boot.
Because of Global Positioning Satellite Technology or the GPS systems, it is safe to take a walk in the woods or drive somewhere without a map, but not without one's GPS tracking device or even just a cell phone. For those who want to know more about GPS and how it works, below are some insightful information:
GPS systems were created with the intention to aid the United States' military force before civilians were allowed access to it. It is an electronic, satellite based system which works through the continuous sending of signals to receivers on the ground. The satellites do not stop sending signals towards the Earth which contain their locations and the exact time. A receiver, once turned on, gets information from the satellites about its location and this is how people know where they are located.
Receivers can be attached to anything, from objects such as cell phones and even on people. The availability of GPS to the common man has brought many advantages. As mentioned previously, it can be attached to almost anything. This means that as long as someone has a GPS receiver, he or she will not need to worry about being lost.
GPS receivers in cars also make it possible for drivers to choose the shortest routes. It also saves them the hassle of looking or figuring out maps which can cause accidents. People who are new to a certain area can rely on their GPS device to give them accurate information about the place which some maps may not be able to give.
However, GPS systems also have their disadvantages, no matter how advanced they may already be. GPS reception can be a problem when someone is located where the sky is blocked. This is because line of sight is still needed to make a connection with a GPS system. Accuracy is also a problem that one has to contend with when relying on a GPS device. This is because some are not updated with regards to changes in a specific area, such as closed roads, for example.
Still, owning a GPS device can give one a feeling of safety whenever he or she steps out of the house. For those who want to own one, there are many online stores that offer GPS machines to be attached to cars or other objects. Also, most cell phone makes have a GPS system already installed.
