| Global positioning system (GPS) is a cutting-edge | | | | in their cycling and running exercises. Hikers and |
| technology, worldwide radio-navigation system | | | | mountaineers obviously use these devices for |
| formed from the constellation of 24 satellites and | | | | navigation and to keep from getting lost. Sailors |
| their respective ground stations. This system is | | | | use GPS out on the water for navigation and |
| primarily used to determine and locate the user's | | | | safety should they run into mechanical problems |
| exact and immediate location at the time. These | | | | and need to be rescued. |
| devices can work in any extreme weather | | | | GPS applications are often employed by the |
| conditions. | | | | military and many professional law enforcement |
| The GPS Satellite is one of the most technical | | | | agencies. Various aircraft, sea craft, and ground |
| advanced navigation systems ever developed. | | | | troops need to be tracked during military |
| Circulating the earth twice daily, it transmits a | | | | operations. Police departments need to keep track |
| signal to the earth. GPS receivers then takes this | | | | of their officers' locations, and private |
| data to determine the user's location. GPS was | | | | investigative agencies often use covert GPS |
| originally developed for use in military operations | | | | tracking in their line of work. |
| and warfare, but nowadays it has a wide range | | | | GPS devices range in price for a few dollars to |
| of practical and high-tech applications. | | | | thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity |
| GPS Uses | | | | of the tasks they need to achieve. The |
| GPS systems are mainly used for vehicular | | | | technology involved has become much cheaper |
| navigation and mapping. They also have recreation | | | | and more accessible, which explains why the use |
| uses. Sports enthusiasts use GPS to track mileage | | | | of GPS has exploded in the last ten years. |