Global Positioning System is the sole fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System developed by the United States Department of Defense. GPS works via the 24 satellites embedded around the Earth’s orbit, which transmits precise microwave signals that can be received using a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time.

GPS technology can be used by anyone, anywhere in India. There is no subscription fee, except for GPS transmitting device-receiver set price you will pay while buying. A variety of GPS sets are available nowadays which can cost you anywhere between a few thousand rupees to lakhs. To use the GPS effectively, you need a clear view of the sky, which connotes that a GPS transmitter cannot work underground, inside buildings or anyplace that can block the reception of the microwave signals by the GPS receiver.

* GPS is most widely used for navigation. So you can purchase a car navigation system that will provide you directions while you are traveling by car. Also do remember purchasing the ‘data’ for the city where you wish to use your system along with the GPS receiver. The use of car navigation system is steadily catching up in India.

* GPS devices cum transmitters also come in miniature sizes, which can be installed into a shoe or a watch. This way you can easily keep track on your child. The GPS device will instantly message you whenever your child goes beyond a specified area.

* Some GPS devices can be used to play interesting ‘location’ games. If you are the adventurous type, then Geocaching can be a fun activity for you and your family members. One can use their GPS devices to hunt for ‘caches’ of hidden by fellow enthusiasts. The GPS has innumerable uses in everyday life.