Once a concept restricted to space-age discussions after the 1957 launch of the first man-made satellite Sputnik, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has advanced to find a place in the everyday vernacular.

GPS is a location system that is based on the transmissions of 24 satellites orbiting the earth. People use ground-based receivers to capture the radio signals. That data makes it possible to accurately pinpoint the geographic location of a receiver, usually within a few feet.

Originally developed as a military application by the U.S. Department of Defense, GPS tracking is now used in a wide variety of consumer products and is in general use around the world. It is used today to: help catch criminals, teach smart driving habits, cut vehicle fuel and maintenance costs, and protect one’s assets from theft; to name only a few. It seems that every few months or so, someone has thought of a new and inventive way to introduce GPS tracking into our lives, to make it either safer or more convenient.

Many types of people have not only become familiar with GPS tracking, they’ve come to rely on it. Following are some of the top users. (more…)