GPS systems have proven to be effective tracking and routing tools for people in all lines of business for years. Up until recently, GPS was not a globally known name for tracking. However, with the introduction of the systems to a mass consumer market, the awareness and the availability of the system have skyrocketed.
Here is a brief overview of the three most current mass-market uses of the GPS system. It is important to note that the military sector also uses GPS to track the movement of troops and collateral. In fact, the GPS system originated with the military before it was ever even announced to a consumer market. However, this article will only discuss the GPS systems as they relate to business and consumer interests.
1.Naval Navigation
Sailors and Seafarers have been using GPS for decades to help navigate the unending waters of the ocean. The GPS system has taken the place of traditional tracking systems, such as a compass, night sky and Atlas. Because the system does not require anything more than a generalized understanding of cartography, the system makes it easy for sailors of just about any skill level to take to the unfriendly seas.
Even when there are no other landmarks present for sailors to meter their trip, the GPS system will let them know precisely where they are and will go the extra step to help them navigate their way to where they want to be. Because the system does not rely on radio frequencies, like other tracking systems, sailors are in constant contact with a map and locater. Just imagine if Christopher Columbus had used a GPS system; he never would have sailed for months in the wrong direction while looking for India!
2.Freight Tracking
Companies such as UPS use the GPS system to track the progress of shipments and parcel-carrying trucks. If a truck is lost or missing, UPS simply needs to run a search for the unique GPS code for the item and it can easily locate it. Likewise, airlines have begun relying on GPS to locate missing baggage so that it can be returned to passengers quickly and without much fuss. Truly, GPS has streamlined and made more efficient the way people do business.
3.Consumer Vehicles
Mass-market consumers have begun purchasing GPS systems en masse. The popularity of the GPS system was evident within the first few months that the product hit the market. Software companies could not create software for consumers fast enough. Now, there are a handful of highly capable software companies, such as TomTom, that have produced popular mapping software and there are even competing GPS vendors that seek to gain the market share of GPS users.
In general, consumers use GPS in two ways: on their handhelds and in their vehicles. While both methods appear to work equally as well, the majority of users prefer to have the system built into their cars, as hand-held systems tend to be bulkier and less consumer-friendly.
GPS systems are helpful in tracking assets and keeping users from getting lost. The future of the system has much potential for growth until the product is eventually ubiquitous and accessible by all.
