subject: Satellite Navigation: Making High Technology Work For You [print this page] Man is forever finding ways to make life easier and safer. In the recent years alone, technology has advanced in leaps and bounds with the sole purpose of making everyday life better for everyone. The Internet, cell phones, and other new inventions are fairly recent ones but they have changed the world as people know it. Another amazing technology known as satellite navigation has just lately been introduced to the masses, and already, it is proving its importance to everyone. Also known as Global Positioning System or GPS, this technology allows people to know exactly where they are in the world or search for locations, people, or even objects with astounding accuracy. Created primarily for military uses, GPS is now available for anyone.
People know that GPS systems and satellite navigation are used to locate or find things or places. But what really are its other specific applications? How can people make the most out of this high technology device? The truth is, there are dozens of ways to make one's GPS device very useful. For parents who have busy schedules or just want to know where their children are at all times, companies like uLocate use GPS systems to track one's kids. The same applies to people who are worried that elderly members of their families might wander by themselves alone. When going on a trip, one can use a GPS device to plan the trip so that the best landmarks or historical sites are visited in the shortest ways so as to save on gas.
Another great use of any GPS device is as one's emergency connection. Whether one is stranded on the road or lost in the forest, a GPS device can send a signal to get help from the nearest station. GPS systems can be used on animals, too. For those who are worried that their pets might get lost, GPS collars are sold in stores to make sure one knows where to find their beloved pets. Satellite navigation can also be used to track one's luggage or track people in crowded places. The applications for this high technology wonder for common people are just so many.
Needless to say, people such as scientists and engineers also use GPS to make their work easier. For example, GPS attached to balloons can be used to monitor the holes in the ozone layer, while GPS gadgets attached to certain endangered species allow environmentalists to keep track of them to ensure their survival. Miners also use GPS to know their locations underneath the ground and to avoid accidents.
Satellite navigation has definitely changed the way people travel or get from Point A to Point B, but it is also safe to say that the system has brought about more uses than just knowing where to go.
