ALL ABOUT GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS

What They Are, What They're Used For, How You Can Own One


The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the US Department of Defense in the 1970's. It was a navigational system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed in orbit for military use. By the 1980's the U.S. Government made the system available for civilian use. Today GPS is available worldwide to anyone with a GPS receiver. With a GPS receiver you can determine your position or any other position anywhere on the planet within 3 to 15 meters. GPS units can be installed in automobiles, on boats, and are available in hand-held models so you can take them with you on hiking or camping trips, among other uses. This article will give you more information on the most popular uses, models and pricing, and where you can buy your very own unit.

Uses for GPS Units

Originally intended for military use, GPS units are now available for anyone who wants one and can afford it. And civilians have come up with many useful and fun ways to use them, including:

Outdoor adventures such as camping, exploring, traveling, mountain climbing, skiing, snowmobiling, geocaching, and more
Navigational uses such as in automobiles to help you find a location, and on boats and airplanes.
Mapping, be it directions to specific locations, uncharted areas, efficient routes to destinations, etc.
Positioning, such as locating a lost hiker or climber, position of a boat or ship at sea, height of specific mountain peaks, and for construction purposes.

Looking for a specific camping spot? All you need are the coordinates for said location and you can find it, including directions from where you are currently located. Want to get in on the latest fun craze of geocaching? All you need is the GPS unit and location of the cache from specific web sites and you're off on an adventure. GPS units are also used for more practical purposes, such as in search and rescue missions, and by scientists and surveyors, dispatchers, soldiers, and more.

Another great feature is that once you have your GPS unit, there are no other costs. The satellites are already in place thanks to our government. You just need your GPS unit.

GPS Features

Some of the most common features in GPS units include voice prompts, waypoints, alarms, easily read screens, trip computer, weather resistant, and dashboard mount. Voice prompts are audible prompts that give you turn by turn directions. Waypoints are a way to mark points along the route to your destination. Alarms will alert you when you are nearing your destination, or can also alert you when you are going way off course. If you are going to be using your GPS unit outdoors on camping or hiking trips, you'll want it to be weather resistant. And a dashboard mount is handy if you are going to be using it in a car or boat.

Manufacturers, Models, and Price Ranges

Garmin offers several models ranging in price from $149 to $349. Garmin's eTrex Legend sells for about $149, is a waterproof hand-held unit with 8MB of memory. Comes preloaded with base map of North America, and is relatively easy to use.
Garmin also offers a model selling for about $349. The eTrex Legend CX features up to 500 waypoints, is waterproof and preloaded with base map of North America.
Magellan offers a $149 unit - the eXplorist 200. It's waterproof, has 8MB of memory, has a background map, and more.
Finally, if you can spend about $549, Pharos offers their Traveler model, which also has built in wi-fi and bluetooth technology, and so many features it's like carrying around a computer with GPS technology.

Of course there are more models and features available than we are able to cover here. Check the sources listed below for even more models, features and pricing.

Where To Buy

We found GPS units of all types and price ranges at Best Buy, both online and instore locations; at Circuit City - again both online and instore; and at Radio Shack - online and instore.

Be sure to check our related article under Hobbies about Geocaching.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes