GPS: Global Positioning System
GPS units can give you precise turn-by-turn directions when you’re driving, keep you on track during a back-country trek and even help you locate fish when you’re out on your boat. This guide shows you what GPS is and where and how to buy a unit that fits your needs.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is GPS?
The acronym "GPS" stands for Global Positioning System. It's a constellation of 24 publicly accessible satellites that can tell anyone with a receiver and a clear view of the sky their exact location on Earth.
Dulcinea's Insight
- On the Web you'll find sites with overviews and technical details of the GPS constellation and similar Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), reviews of GPS receivers and related products, histories of satellite navigation and outlooks on the future of GPS use.
- Introductory sites complement each other by offering different looks at the system. Use one or all of the resources listed below to develop your understanding of GPS.
Dulcinea's Picks
For introductions to the system …
Palo Wireless
has a directory of GPS-related Web sites and articles across a broad range of categories. The "What is GPS?" section has an effective tutorial that outlines the components of the Global Positioning System, its operation, uses and international competitors.
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has a GPS FAQ with answers to basic GPS questions as well as specific ones regarding issues of selective availability, the reliability and security of the system, and its application in avionics.
For more detailed GPS information …
GPS.gov
is a government site developed by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Coordination Office. It hosts a large body of information dealing with the applications of GPS across a variety of sectors including aviation, timing, agriculture, marine, environment, rail and roads.
GPS World
is the online arm of the magazine dedicated to coverage of GPS and GNSS. Its "market-segmented microsites" contain market-specific news, columns and articles for “Surveying & Construction,” “Military & Government,” “Avionics & Transportation,” and more.
GPS Information
is a directory of GPS resources with hardware and software reviews, geography information (maps, data and waypoint lists), tutorials on how to use GPS and more. The site is info-heavy and deficient in the graphics department but don’t let that scare you off—there’s lots of good information here.
Buying GPS
If you drive, hunt, hike, fish or if have a propensity for getting lost, a GPS unit can be a great help. This section points you toward buyer’s guides and online stores for GPS products.
Dulcinea's Insight
- When shopping for a GPS receiver, you need to know what you want to use it for. GPS systems intended for driving are drastically different from those intended for hiking, boating and other activities.
Dulcinea's Picks
For buying guides …
CNET
offers a guide to buying in-car GPS systems, with information on what to look for when buying one, how to load maps into them and how to get directions.
Compass Monkey
reviews the important features that hikers and hunters should look for in a GPS receiver.
eBay
tells you what to look for when purchasing a fishfinder and gives you the three main reasons why a GPS is a “must have” fishing tool.
For online stores …
The GPS Store
is in its 11th year of selling GPS units and accessories. It features automotive, marine and handheld units from all of the major brands and ships internationally.
GPS-Planet
has a wide selection of GPS products that can be browsed by type of GPS, brand and price. It also hosts an easy-to-read chart comparing GPS units.
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