GPS or Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system that helps determine the exact location of any person or object on earth. GPS is formed from a constellation of twenty four satellites. Developed and controlled by the US Department of Defense it is now largely used for common good. It is a useful tool for scientific uses, land surveying, map making, commerce and even hobbies like geocaching. GPS is also largely used in scientific study of earthquakes and in synchronization of telecommunication networks.

Mapping and navigation is something that fascinates a lot of people. Since the ancient times man has been trying to figure out where he is located and where he is heading towards. The loadstones, the compass, were all forerunners of the GPS. From the days when man used to study stars to ascertain his direction mankind has progressed to a time when man has created his own set of artificial ‘stars’ that tell him his position. Global Positioning System makes use of twenty four artificial stars or satellites that can tell the position of every static or moving body on earth. But for this, that object has to have a GPS tracker on it.

There are several thousands of GPS users around the world today. When people casually refer to GPS they are actually referring to the GPS device and not the Global Positioning System. The GPS tracking unit is a device that helps locate any person or object. This pocket-sized gadget is available for less than a hundred dollars. With this device you will never get lost. You must have seen in movies and read in novels about small chips that reveal the location of the person who has the tracker on him. You see people sitting in a different place keeping track of a person’s activities in a faraway land. Well that is all global positioning system.

GPS is especially useful for travelers and mariners. When out on the sea, GPS trackers helps mariners know exactly where they are located. With the help of GPS system a lot of difficulties can be avoided. Submarines and navy fleets especially make use of GPS tracking. GPS devices also come for cars. Even mobile phones today have GPS in them. If you are traveling and you do not know whether you are heading in the right direction or not you can make use of GPS navigation in your car or mobile phone to find out your location. Navigation has become so easy. GPS is used in vehicles for not only navigation but also for tracking. With GPS a base station can keep track of the vehicles. The navigation system helps the driver reach the destination. GPS devices are a must these days if you go to places that you are a stranger to. Whether you are visiting a new city or are going for a field trip, a navigation device saves you from getting lost. Now that navigation techniques are integrated with your mobile phone, getting lost is no longer a threat.