| The ability to know where you are, where you | | | | you through voice commands how to get there. |
| want to go, and how to get there was once best | | | | These GPS devices are either mounted in the |
| found by using a paper map. If you were | | | | cars dash or are portable and can be moved |
| traveling in your car then there is a good chance | | | | between vehicles. Some navigational units offer a |
| you used either an atlas or one of those big | | | | feature whereby you can find restaurants, |
| tri-folded maps which really weren't much help | | | | shopping, hospitals, and accommodations |
| while trying to drive. Thankfully navigating the | | | | regardless of where you are; this can be |
| world today is easier thanks to the Global | | | | incredibly useful when hunting services in a town |
| Positioning System (GPS) and the different types | | | | with which you are unfamiliar. |
| of GPS devices that use it. | | | | The smaller versions of these navigational units |
| If you are wondering how these GPS devices do | | | | are handheld devices that can be used by |
| what they do then read on. The Global Positioning | | | | backpackers, hunters, and other outdoor |
| System was created and implemented by the | | | | enthusiasts. These types of GPS units will keep |
| United States Department of Defense when it | | | | track of where you are, leave a breadcrumb trail |
| launched its first GPS satellite back in 1978. Today | | | | of where you've been, and will guide you to |
| there are 24 satellites in the GPS network that | | | | where you want to go. Many of these units also |
| are the cornerstone of the whole system. | | | | feature built in cameras and voice recorders, |
| There are several different types of GPS devices | | | | letting you keep a record of your journeys. |
| that are designed to take advantage of this | | | | The last device we'll discuss is a GPS tracking |
| constellation of satellites. GPS mapping devices are | | | | device. Much like in the movies these devices use |
| used to collect points and any data attached to | | | | the GPS satellite system to track objects to |
| those points for mapping purposes. In fact these | | | | which they are attached. Many newer cars use |
| devices have been used for years to collect the | | | | these in the case they are stolen they can be |
| data that creates the maps and mapping features | | | | quickly tracked and found. You can also find small |
| used by other GPS navigating systems. | | | | GPS tracking units on certain cell phones, which |
| Which brings us to the most popular consumer | | | | can come in handy for the parents of teenagers. |
| GPS device; the GPS navigating system. The | | | | There is a GPS device for just about any |
| most familiar of these is the in-car GPS unit that | | | | application and as the technology advances more |
| shows you map of where you are going and tells | | | | features will come into being at lower prices. |