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A network of orbiting geosynchronous satellites enable a GPS tracking system to pinpoint the location of a range of objects and people, with accuracy to within a few feet. As with many technological developments, GPS tracking was first used by the military to find targets and to navigate. Recently, the cost of GPS systems has decreased significantly, and the military has suspended degradations to the signals, thereby making GPS tracking systems available for civilians to utilize.

There's nothing like GPS tracking systems for keeping tabs on a company's motorized assets. Not only do such systems help optimize drivers' delivery performance, it also makes estimating delivery times far more accurate. These global positioning systems also make it possible to map out the best routes to maximize driver efficiency.

A potential down-side to increasing use of these devices is the invasion of privacy some see these devices as presenting. Already, commercial drivers have their daily trips catalogued and analyzed. Similarly GPS tracking device technology has already been shown to be effective at allowing the tracking of individuals as these devices have been implemented in espionage for years.

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.

The miniaturization of Global Positioning Services has created a new component for auto owners, the GPS receiver. The driver can now find their exact location, get turn-by-turn directions, and have it delivered by voice. The days of folding or flipping maps are gone. New innovations include the ability to locate the nearest rest stop, dining establishment, bed and breakfast, or fueling station.

As the cost of GPS tracking systems decreases, it is predictable that their use will only increase. These systems are quite adaptable, and are sure to take the place of old-fashioned maps and guidebooks. We may one day even use such a system to keep track of our belongings, so that we need no longer worry that they will be lost or stolen.