GPS Navigation: So that Men Do Not Need to Ask for Directions

At some point, everyone has gotten lost. Be it a simple mistake or a bigger blunder that ends up taking you through more of the Southwest than you really wanted to see, navigational mishaps occur all the time.  Sometimes it can be a recent construction and resulting road detours that cause confusion.  Other times it is due to inaccurate or incomplete directions that land you in Pocatello instead of Boise.  Then there are the people who glance at the map and decide that have a general idea where to go and will figure out the rest on the road.  The people should have their trip driving privileges revoked - or they should be required to have a GPS navigation system. 

What is GPS navigation anyway?  GPS stands for global positioning system, and was developed by the United States Department of Defense.  It is, to date, the only global navigational satellite system that works at full capacity.  The first of 24 massive satellites was launched in 1978.  Although the cost of maintaining the system runs in the hundreds of millions, it can be accessed for free through many web sites.  Think of it as a perk for living on earth and having a computer.  The navigation part is what could cost you. But if you take a lot of road trips, sales trips, or just have a knack for getting lost everywhere you go, it will be worth it.  You will save in time, gas money, and having to replace worn out tires from always having to retrace your steps.

Where There Is a Will, There Should Be GPS Navigation

Many newer vehicles now come harnessed with a GPS navigation system.  In addition to that blue On-Star button, being able to see on a screen where you need to be going and hearing the directions can be a tremendous help in unfamiliar surroundings.  Cab drivers in major cities are relying on GPS navigation to streamline their time management and be more efficient getting people to and from their destinations. 

Ships and other water craft rely very heavily on GPS to be their eyes, especially during undesirable weather conditions.  Even airplanes use GPS navigation to assist other systems, and for flying en route.  Many a hiker has been saved thanks to smaller, hand-held GPS navigation devices.  Even smaller models can be found to use with personal digital assistants (PDA) or cell phones.