GPS tracking systems utilize a network of geosynchronous satellites in orbit to determine the location of an object or person down to a few feet resolution. GPS tracking systems were initially deployed to assist the military in locating targets of value as well as in navigation. In recent years, the price of GPS hardware has decreased, while the military has suspended the degradation of the signal, allowing more accurate placement for civilian use.

GPS vehicle tracking systems have been invaluable to companies who need to keep track of their vehicle fleets, while simultaneously allowing their drivers to use the devices to make deliveries more efficiently, and allowing estimation of time of arrival. GPS vehicle tracking systems have also allowed delivery companies to determine the most efficient route for their drivers to take.

One possible negative point about GPS devices is the issue of possible invasion of privacy. GPS is used to catalog and analyze the activity of truck drivers already, and since GPS has been used in espionage for quite some time, we also know that it is an effective method of tracking individual people.

The advent of GPS technology has had an impact on many recreational activities such as hiking, camping and fishing because it allows GPS users to better navigate new areas. Additionally, a new recreational activity has come from GPS itself, an activity called "geocaching." This new activity is something like a game of hide-and-seek using the longitude and latitude coordinates to locate a particular container.

A new and highly desirable automobile add-on is the GPS tracking system. Located in the dashboard, the GPS receiver eliminates the awkwardness of trying to read a map while driving by processing a driver's location request and giving spoken or visual directions. Other useful features are now being added to these devices, such as information on restaurants and hotels.

Usage of GPS technology is very likely to become more prevalent as the price of the devices continues to decrease. The ubiquity of GPS in today's world may render older technologies such as paper maps, obsolete. GPS systems may also serve as a springboard for future technological developments, such as property theft deterrence, by being able to track at all times all of one's possessions.

A network of orbiting geosynchronous satellites enable gps tracking systems to pinpoint the location of a range of objects and people, with accuracy to within a few feet. Recently, the cost of GPS systems has decreased significantly. Usage of GPS technology, particularly gps vehicle tracking systems, is likely to become more prevalent as the price of the devices continues to decrease. The ubiquity of the gps tracking device in today's world may render older technologies such as paper maps, obsolete. GPS systems may also serve as a springboard for future technological developments, such as property theft deterrence, by being able to track at all times all of one's possessions.