Using a GPS System in the City and Country

There is a little device that can help people find their way around anywhere on earth:  a GPS system.  A GPS receiver is a little hand-held computer that taps into a network of government owned satellites called Global Positioning Satellites.  The computer uses the satellites as reference points to calculate the user’s latitude and longitude. 

To make it even easier, most GPS systems include a screen that displays a map showing its exact location and nearby landmarks.  There is never any reason to be lost – as long as there are enough batteries for the GPS receiver!

Hunters and Hikers

Following their game, sometimes hunters can find themselves rather turned around in the woods.  Especially in multi-day camping and hunting excursions, the participants probably wouldn’t mind seeing their daily position on a map so they carry a GPS system receiver.  It also helps make sure no one gets permanently lost!

Hikers have traditionally prided themselves on being able to find their way in the woods and through the most mountainous terrain.  However, there are certainly some advantages to tapping into the GPS system.  Most importantly, most small receivers sold for hobbyists include a feature to contact help in case of an emergency.  Hikers facing injury or another emergency can transmit a signal, including their exact location, to rescue workers. 

Driving Help

New cars are starting to offer a new feature:  navigation help based on a GPS system.  It is no longer just luxury cars that can come equipped with a dashboard screen to display the vehicle’s position on a map.  Even basic systems are voice activated and can display restaurants, hospitals, or other features on demand.   These are great for the regular driver or a professional.

Everyone on the road would like to avoid traffic, and some professionals, like ambulance drivers really need to avoid it.  Advanced GPS systems for vehicles in some areas can also pick up traffic data via satellite radio.  And of course, cars with certain kinds of GPS receivers can be tracked by police in case of theft. 

On the Farm

Even agriculture has changed since GPS has become main stream.  There is a whole new practice being undertaken by large commercial farms called precision agriculture.  Farm managers can increasingly control their equipment remotely.  Small planes for spraying crops and harvesters do not even need a human driver with the right combination of auto pilot and GPS technology.