GPS (Global Positioning System) a network of 24 satellites orbiting around the globe was placed by the US Dept of Defence but, since 1980 it has been made available to the citizens at no cost. Since then, many GPS applications have came into existences which are used on road, in sea, on air and in recreation sports world over. GPS has been developed such in last 2 decade that it is also used in BlackBerry to track friends and family for their where abouts.

The most common application we see around is in automobile, a GPS Navigation system is used to reach desired destination with the help of GPS and MAP (loaded in the GPS System), a GPS Device is used to track a car in case of emergency. GPS in car also helps the driver to select the most shortest and traffic free route.

Another application of GPS is, it is used in airplanes to navigate in cloudy and rainy weather. It is also used by surveyor to check the accuracy of their work.

GPS is also used in sports for e.g.: in racing car, hiking, boating and much more to keep track about their where about.

Besides standard feature of GPS, there are many other salient features such as father can keep an eye on speeding car of his son, a driver gets option for different direction to reach to a destination, ship and airplane approximate time of arrival can be determine, different airlines are given different path that are track through GPS, those on hiking can go further deep into the forest and track back the route in GPS.

These days nearly all the mobile phones are equipped with the GPS system and can be used as navigation or a palm top gadget to keep a track on their loved ones and the car they are driving in. Recently Indonesia did a GPS survey to identify GeoSpot where maximum or minimum electricity is consumed and planned accordingly for next decade. Another GPS implementation is made in unmanned managed coal logistics to the ship. GPS equipment improves timing of operations such that barges can be tracked and loading of coal onto ships is better timed. These days GPS is also used to study the plate moment over the land to predict the next earthquake, this can save life and money both if accurate predication is made well before.

Few sources where updates on GPS gadgets and technologies can be found are 1) NASA has developed GPS Application Exchange to promote GPS technology. 2) Another important resource is GPS World, a monthly publication that publishes latest updates and news.

GPS virtually works anywhere, except deep inside the building, in caves and some very remote areas. It can be used in multiple ways and is virtually free and comes in many make and model. The pricing for GPS system starts as low as $75 and onwards, there are many add-ons available for GPS like graphic card, map and more.

The Author owns a GPS store offering Garmin brand GPS products and services at most competitive prices.