The History Of GPS

By Michelle Bery

The advent of the modern Global Positioning System - or GPS - can most often be found on the dashboard of a car. So popular is this technologically advanced mapping system, that newer cars are even being designed with GPS included as a standard feature. But what many fail to realize is that GPS began as much more than a device used by the directionally challenged. GPS began as a revolutionary and promising piece of equipment designed by the United States Government.

The possibilities of GPS first began to materialize when Russia put Sputnik into space in 1957. Those following the travels of the spacecraft from the ground realized that they could track its progress based upon the strength of its radio signal; and this one fact opened up a whole new world of possibilities. The U.S. Navy was the first government faction to dabble in GPS; in the mid 1960\'s, they launched the Transit System - a system of six satellites that circled the earth and helped missile-carrying Navy submarines pinpoint their location. The United States Department of Defense designed and operated the first modern GPS; the first satellite was launched in 1978.

Today, this system includes the operation of 24 satellites that continually circle the earth and is used for a variety of functions that include GPS mapping, navigation, and tracking. With the assistance of these invisible satellites we can pinpoint our location, the location of someone else, or the location of a place we want to travel. What is more incredible is the size and compactness of such a system. The modern GPS can fit into the palm of your hand and yet holds enormous power.

GPS has literally transformed the world; and its possibilities for the future can not even be imagined. We can only wait and see what lies ahead for the evolution of GPS.

About the author:

For easy to understand, in depth information about GPS visit our ezGuide 2 GPS.

Related News Items

Car Gps Navigation Systems
Save Money. Find All That You Need. Save on What You Are Looking For.

Honeywell Car GPS Navigation Systems
Honeywell magnetic compasses, precise headings for GPS navigation.

Locate Trucks and People
Learn about our leading GPS tracking System.

Find Car Gps Navigation System
Find deals on Car Gps Navigation System. Compare prices, brands, and more at Smarter.com.

Car Gps Navigation System
Enjoy Savings & Selection On car gps navigation system.

Car Gps Navigation System
Looking for car gps navigation system? Find exactly what you want today.

Auto GPS Reviews by ConsumerSearch.com
Valuable auto gps recommendations based on a comparison of independent and credible reviews. All the research you'd have done if you had the time, ...

Car GPS Navigation System
In-Dash Navigation Systems & More - Free Shipping on Many Items.

Car Gps Navigation System
Car GPS Navigation Systems. Find Car GPS Navigation Systems Now.

Car Gps Navigation System
Don't Get Lost. Explore Deals On car gps navigation system.

Automobile GPS Guide
Deals On Vehicular GPS Tools. Come Visit The GPS Guide.

Automotive and Recreational GPS Systems
Car GPS navigation systems - your online source for new name brand GPS Systems, GPS accessories and mapping software.

Car GPS Navigation System
Save 40-80% on car navigation equipment. Only $2.95 shipping. Deep discounts from your online outlet store, Overstock.com.