eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

  • Bookmark and Share

GPS

Brought to you by Gillette Click Here

    GPS Editor's Picks

    • How to Turn Off GPS in Blackberry Curve

      Built-in GPS is one of many cutting edge features of the BlackBerry Curve. If you do not wish to use GPS tracking in map applications or if you want to disable the GPS receiver entirely, follow the appropriate set of instructions in this article. more »

    • What Is a Military GPS?

      Thanks to the power of technology, it is now possible to pinpoint locations all around the world by incorporating the use of military GSP. While many people have caught on to this new trend of technology, there are many out there who still don't have a clue as to what military GPS is all about, and how it could benefit them in their... more »

    • How to Troubleshoot Nextel GPS Tracking

      A GPS (short for "Global Positioning System") device can be a useful tool. GPS uses satellites to triangulate your position and give you turn-by-turn directions from where you are to where you've told it you are going. Despite this, as with all computer-based systems, GPS tracking systems can sometimes act in ways that are not... more »

    • How to Set Up a Bluetooth GPS Car Navigation System

      One of the conveniences of modern GPS systems is that they often carry Bluetooth capability. This is very convenient if you use a lot of Bluetooth devices on the road, such as a headset or Bluetooth-enabled phone. Syncing your devices with your GPS is a fairly easy process, and once you are done, you'll be able to use your GPS as well... more »

    • What Is a GPS Tracking Device?

      The popular GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a navigational tool used by the civilian and military populations to determine an object's position, to calculate directions of how to get to a desired destination and to provide the correct time at any given location around the world. A GPS tracking device must be used where there is... more »

    GPS Quick Guides

    • Using GPS Units

      Global Positioning System (GPS) devices have become increasingly popular over the years and can...

    • Pack a Map

      Whether you're an old hand at exploring or need a flashlight and both hands to find your...

    • Geocaching

      Geocaching not only is a fun way to get out and see different tourist sites using modern...

    • Using Bluetooth

      Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows data such as pictures, music, or even voice phone...

    GPS Articles

    • Different GPS Systems

      GPS or Global positions Systems are a great way to determine exactly where you are, and how to get to your next destination quickly. There are a... more »

    • What Are the Benefits of GPS Systems?

      GPS, or global positioning, systems are very quickly becoming a standard in most new automobiles, and are even finding their way onto a variety of... more »

    • Where to Get the Best Deal on a Garmin GPS

      Garmin GPS units can be a great way to help you find your way around when you're traveling to a new place. Garmin makes several different GPS... more »

    • About GPS

      Instead of having to bother with cumbersome maps that can never seem to be updated or refolded correctly, travelers can rely on Global Positioning... more »

    • About Garmin GPS Systems

      Handheld GPS receivers are commonplace today. Most cell phones feature at least emergency GPS locating devices and the popularity of Garmin GPS... more »

    • How to Pick a GPS System

      Traveling to multiple destinations can quickly become a maze if you're unfamiliar with the areas. Being able to find specific directions to and... more »

    • How to Use a Tilt GPS

      The GPS or Global Positioning System is a great modern day alternative to the standard road map. This little electronic device connects to a... more »

    • How to Use GPS on a BlackBerry Storm

      GPS has long been a very practical technology that allows us to navigate around and get exactly where we need to go. Using the GPS on your... more »

    • How Does a GPS Navigation System Work?

      Global Positioning System, or GPS, navigation gets its transmission from GPS satellites. These systems act only as receivers; they cannot transmit... more »

    • How Accurate Is GPS Time?

      GPS, which stands for global positioning system, has become the major instrument used in determining time from one part of the world to the other.... more »

    • How to Shop for a GPS Case

      A GPS is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment that needs to stay clean and dry in order to function properly. When you shop for accessories... more »

    • How to Load Google Maps to Garmin

      Loading Google Maps to a Garmin GPS is an easy way to transfer destinations from a PC to the Garmin. The Google Maps feature lets you quickly load... more »

    • Types of GPS Systems

      Modern technology has improved the way we navigate, from the traditional compass and maps to the modern global positioning satellite, or GPS,... more »

    • How to Install GPS in a Private Plane

      You can install a GPS on your private plane just as would in your SUV. You simply must choose what version of this valuable device will suit your... more »

    • How Does GPS Work on Phones?

      There are some cell phones that claim to have GPS capabilities that are not actually equipped with a GPS receiver. These phones can still provide... more »

    • How to Use GPS to Navigate While Hiking

      GPS is everywhere. It's on your phone and, in your car, and of course you have choices for handheld models also. A GPS is basically a global... more »

    • Disadvantages of a GPS System

      No longer do you need to carry a map around with you when exploring a town by car or hiking in an area that you are unfamiliar with. Instead,... more »

    • How to Choose a Motorcycle GPS System

      GPS systems are becoming more and more commonplace. There are even GPS systems designed specifically for motorcycles. If you ride a motorcycle and... more »

    • How to Navigate With a GPS Unit

      The global positioning system unit, or GPS unit, has been hailed as the answer to all our navigational prayers. That is, until you have to use... more »

    • How to Use GPS Software

      GPS software, usually containing maps of varying detail level, makes using a GPS for recreational purposes fun. This software enables you to see... more »

    Wikipedia

    Global Positioning System

    The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based global navigation satellite system. It provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather, day and night, anywhere on or near the Earth.

    GPS is made up of three parts: between 24 and 32 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit, four control and monitoring stations on Earth, and the actual navigation devices users own. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space that GPS receivers use to provide three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) plus the time.

    GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, tracking and surveillance, and hobbies such as geocaching and waymarking. Also, the precise time reference is used in many applications including the scientific study of earthquakes and as a time synchronization source for cellular network protocols.

    GPS has become a mainstay of transportation systems worldwide, providing navigation for aviation, ground, and maritime operations. Disaster relief and emergency services depend upon GPS for location and timing capabilities in their life-saving missions. The accurate timing that GPS provides facilitates everyday activities such as banking, mobile phone operations, and even the control of power grids. Farmers, surveyors, geologists and countless others perform their work more efficiently, safely, economically, and accurately using the free and open GPS signals.

    History

    The first satellite navigation system, Transit, used by the United States Navy, was first successfully tested in 1960. It used a constellation of five satellites and could provide a navigational fix approximately once per hour. In 1967, the U.S. Navy developed the Timation satellite which proved the ability to place accurate clocks in space, a technology that GPS relies upon. In the 1970s, the ground-ba read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global+Positioning+System

    Related Ads

    GPS People & Community

    Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:

    Topic Contributors
    Get Free Electronics Newsletters
    Brought to you by Gillette Click Here

    Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

    Demand Media
    Click Here