GPS System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of about 18-24 satellites placed into orbit. GPS was originally intended for military applications and Gps systems have come a long way since they were first designed for the US military. In the late 1970s, the government made a system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24/7. There are no cost for the use.

How Does GPS System Work?

The main purpose of your portable GPS unit is to tell you precisely where on earth you are at that particular moment. This device can do this by triangulating your position based on information it receives from GPS satellites orbiting the earth.

With GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

If you like to hike, camp, cross-country ski or do any other outdoor activities you will more than benefit from using a GPS receiver.

A hand-held portable GPS unit is your best bet for global tracking. A course gps is a good example of hand-held portable GPS unit.

The particular handheld GPS receiver you choose is personal and will depend on the type of gps software and gps mapping programs best suit your needs. The size of the receiver, its weight and the antenna are things that can affect the mobile GPS unit. What you want or need in these areas will determine what options will come with your choice of model. If you opt for the smaller, cell phone sized unit, you know the viewing screen will likewise be small. Be sure that you select a portable GPS receiver that has mapping capabilities, updateable software and the ability to download from your computer. You will also want to make sure that the unit you are considering is waterproof or water-resistant and it should also be shock resistant just in case it is subjected to being dropped.