Navigation Systems

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have evolved since first emerging in 1978 for the US Military. Navstar 1 launched its first signal from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base on February 22nd 1978. Currently, the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing located at Schriever Air Force Base in East Colorado Springs, Colorado manages the global positioning system's constellation of orbiting satellites. NAVSTAR, which stands for NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging, was declared fully operational in April, 1995 and currently consists of 34 satellites.

In the late 1980's the US Government granted use to civilians of the global position system without charging any fees. This opened up a whole new world for the financial industry, especially with regards to ATM's and the stock market transactions. In 2004, the next advancement took place with regards to GPS when we were able to have assisted GPS on our mobile phones and GM On Star vehicles. A common feature found on most cell phones sold on the open market today. In 2007, the final advancement happened with real time traffic reports available. A GPS receiver only needs a minimum of 3 signals to calculate the exact position and is able to work in any weather condition, 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year.

GPS is not only available on your cell phone, but it is standard on most vehicles manufactured today and is Bluetooth interfaced. If your vehicle does not have the built-in option, they do make portable global positioning systems that are wonderful if you have more than one family vehicle, or you travel to different cities and have to rent a vehicle once you arrive. The rental car companies charge a daily rate for this "extra" and it takes very little space in your suitcase!