The Best GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time. Other similar systems are the Russian GLONASS (incomplete as of 2007), the upcoming European Galileo positioning system, the proposed COMPASS navigation system of China, and IRNSS of India.

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, GPS is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Contrary to popular belief, NAVSTAR is not an acronym, but simply a name given by John Walsh, a key decision maker when it came to the budget for the GPS program).  The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development.

A quality GPS receiver is required to use the system.

With my GPS unit I don’t have to worry about getting caught in the wilderness unprepared, hurt or lost.  My Garmin eTrex Venture CX unit keeps me on track and safe when I’m enjoying the great outdoors.  At first it seemed like cheating but I soon found that the GPS opened a whole new world of opportunities to me in my hiking adventures.

Thanks to Garmin I’m no longer confined to the world of paper maps.  I can find my way in and out of anything!