GPS tracking systems use satellites that are in a geosynchronous orbit around the earth to determine exact locations of objects or individuals to within several feet of resolution. GPS was originally used for assisting in locating military targets and also for navigation purposes. Recently, as the price of GPS technology has come down, civilian use has increased and accuracy has increase as well since the military no longer degrades the signal.
GPS systems are an asset to any company that makes deliveries. You can monitor your fleet, give drivers directions, and give the consumer an accurate ETA. They can even find that fastest delivery routes for drivers. For a lot of delivery companies, it is hard to imagine how they succeeded without GPS systems in the past.
There are those, however, who warn of a possible negative effect of using a GPS system, viewing it as constituting an erosion of privacy. Some taxi, truck, and limo drivers are already having their trips scrutinized in this way. On the positive side, GPS technology has proven effectiveness as a means of tracking would-be terrorists, and has been used for some time by federal agents.
GPS has become a consumer tool as well; several new tools allow laymen to use GPS systems to plan hikes, find locations for fishing or camping, and find their way around unfamiliar places. Commercial GPS devices have given rise to "geocaching," a pastime where participants search for hidden items using their latitude and longitude coordinates.
GPS tracking systems have also allowed the development of a new automotive add-on, the in dash GPS receiver allowing consumers to request a location and have the device display or speak directions to the driver, making the paper map obsolete. These devices are already increasing in complexity and adding new features including hotel and restaurant information.
GPS devices are likely to become increasingly common as the cost of GPS devices decreases. GPS technology is quite flexible, and it is not difficult to envision it completely replacing current technologies such as paper maps. Nor is it difficult to imagine it playing an important role in new technologies.
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Satellites allow GPS units to locate and track objects and people. GPS was first used by the United States military for targeting and navigation. Accuracy of the GPS signal for the general public has improved since the military stopped degrading the signal available to civilians. Delivery companies make widespread use of GPS vehicle tracking systems for scheduling and route efficiency.
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Article Title: Gps Tracking Systems May Be Used For Invasion Of Privacy
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