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                                    GPS-Smart
 

The Global Positioning System is a system that enables you to pinpoint your location anywhere on earth with amazing accuracy. It does this in 3 dimensions, that is, not only does it tell you where you are but also your altitude or height above sea level.

How Does It Work?

There are a number of satellites in orbit around the earth. The GPS receiver communicates with a number of these satellites (at least 3 but usually 4 for greater accuracy),  and calculates the exact location and height of the receiver to  within less than 100 feet for general use GPS receivers.

Never Get Lost Again!

GPS receivers not only tell you where you are, in latitude and longitude, but also what direction to go and the distance to your destination. Basic GPS receivers may just have an arrow to point you to the right direction while more sophisticated sets have moving maps.

GPS receivers for vehicles can tell you where to find amenities, such as gas stations, restaurants, shopping malls. Most cars do not as yet have GPS receivers fitted as standard equipment. However, they are sold in car accessories stores. Major vehicle GPS manufacturers are Garmin, Trimble and Tom Tom.

GPS can also tell you how to retrace your steps to where you started your journey from as long as you switch the GPS receiver on before you start moving.

Who Uses GPS?

GPS is commonly used by hikers, car drivers and private pilots. It is also used in modern airliners, private planes, boats, in fact almost any kind of modern transport you can think of.

One very recent innovation is the vehicle GPS tracking device which tracks your vehicle location with great accuracy. This is especially useful if you run a business. If the vehicle is stolen, the owner can easily locate the stolen vehicle. It may even save your life or that of your loved ones...

Vehicle GPS units are becoming more common as standard equipment. Most car rental companies also have vehicle GPS units for hire. It is well worth paying the price of rental for a vehicle GPS unit if you are visiting an unfamiliar country.

Getting lost while on holiday, paying hundreds of dollars for hotel room, car rental, etc can be very frustrating. And think of the wasted time!

GPS receivers are available for both vehicles and motorcycles.

How Many Global Positioning Systems Are There?

The most well known system is the one set up by the US Department of Defense. There is a Russian system, called Glonass and Europe is in the process of setting up a third system, called Galileo. China is setting up yet another system, called Beidou.
 

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