Satellites have transformed navigation from an ancient art dependent upon the stars to an applied science. The U.S. Air Force operates the satellite navigation system called the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS consists of a constellation of 24 satellites that can calculate a person’s exact location.

Commercial uses of GPS technology for work, recreation, and rescue are growing. GPS is used on the golf course to provide players with the distances to features on the course. Geocaching allows you to go on a GPS guided treasure hunt.

GPS is being used to guide the blind. GMV Systems’ personal navigator for the blind includes a Braille keyboard, a voice synthesizer and a GPS receiver. The system gives users constant updates, telling them which road they are on, which buildings are near, and when they are approaching an intersection.

In the near future, satellites will inform drivers of traffic jams and suggest alternate routes. Pharos Science & Application Inc. uses GPS data to provide “Smart Traffic” information. Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco are just a few of the cities where you can view traffic flow on the Internet.

GPS is being applied in a variety of ways to help people find their way. The iQue 3600, made by Garmin, is the first PDA to include integrated GPS technology. With it you can look up an address and receive voice-guidance instructions how to get there.

Set your watch! Because GPS includes a very accurate time reference, the system is also widely used for timekeeping. GPS receivers display time accurate to within 150 billionths of a second.

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