GPS is a system of radio transmitter satellites that orbit in large numbers around the planet; their purpose is to be able to locate the exact position of an individual or any type of vessel equipped with a receiver-transmitter within a very small radius. GPS navigation has also had a great impact on society in general and its commercial and military applications. Global positioning is made available for free to anyone with a GPS receiver anywhere on the planet. A GPS unit can provide the user with longitude/latitude information, as well as altitude, travel speed, distance traveled, distance remaining, and time in any type of weather condition imaginable. The global positioning system is made up of three sections, 1.satellites that are orbiting the planet, 2. there are numerous control/monitoring centers here on the ground and 3. GPS receivers used by their owners. Satellites send signals from orbit, which are received by GPS receivers on the ground, in the air or in water, the GPS receiver then converts this information into longitude, latitude and altitude along with time. Consumers can purchase such technology for different prices, which largely depend on the application in which the unit will be used, as well as the many different types of features available on the market. For example, you can purchase a marine GPS unit for your vessel that has a mapping capability along with sonar (sonar/depth), the cost of such a unit can vary greatly based on the manufacturer and region, and whether or not it is a color unit or a monochrome unit, color being the most expensive. Other factors that affect the cost of the units are just their application; aviation... middle of the paper... much easier to locate. GPS has had a far-reaching effect on how we move from one place to another, whether the passenger knows it or not. There are too many effects that GPS has had to keep it short, but GPS has made its mark, however, GPS is not a replacement for good old fashioned navigation skills, it's just a convenience. Works Cited1. National Park Service, http://www.nps.gov/gis/gps/history.html2. Global Positioning System, Serving the World, http://www.gps.gov/3. Brain, Marshall and Tom Harris. "How GPS Receivers Work." September 25, 2006. HowStuffWorks.com. 01 June 2010.4. Christopher Michael Hormann AWF2 (NAC): US Navy GPS trained user, 1995-2010, HS-1, VP-30, VQ-1, VAW-117, VP-64, VR-52.5. GPS History: How It All Began, http://www.maps-gps-info.com/gps-history.html