Global positioning systems are becoming more than just commodities; they are quickly moving into the category of necessities. This remarkable technology is a global navigation system that uses satellite imagery to pinpoint locations, times, weather, and other information. The United States government controls GPS technology, but anyone with a receiver can make use of it. GPS was created by the United States Department of Defense in 1973. It became available to private citizens for commercial sale in the year 2000, and has become extremely population. Most consumers have global positioning systems transmitters in their cars to keep them from getting lost. Others have free cell phone based GPS applications on their mobile devices. Google maps utilize GPS technology to bring information to cell phone users and home PCs. Consumers use GPS devices for tracking purposes as well. People can use this technology to track their cars, phones, and even other people. This is great for safety reasons because it allows parents to keep track of their teenage drivers or locate lost relatives with mental problems. Cell phone GPS systems allow users to access maps whenever they need them and locate their phones if they ever get lost. Still, let the buyer beware because cell phone GPS applications permit unwanted observers to track the owner's every move throughout the course of the day. Cell phone users should check their phones for spyware regularly.
