| The Global Positioning System - or GPS - has | | | | of the area, including roads, terrain, and |
| taken the world by storm. What was once a | | | | landmarks, and places the user's location relative |
| proprietary item used only by the government, is | | | | to these points of reference. Travelers and |
| now in demand by retail consumers worldwide. | | | | outdoor enthusiasts who take to the mountains |
| Those who have become used to GPS rely upon | | | | every weekend have found the GPS receivers to |
| its accurate directional services; and the word | | | | be invaluable in providing accurate navigation and |
| continues to spread. A Magellan GPS is one of the | | | | ensuring safety. |
| more popular brands of GPS. | | | | Magellan GPS, a brand of GPS receivers, is one of |
| GPS utilizes the government's network of 24 | | | | the more popular systems on the market today. |
| satellites that consistently circle the earth, | | | | While some users prefer to use the Magellan GPS |
| providing timely and accurate logistical information. | | | | as a hand-held device, others use it as a |
| It was designed in the late 1970's by the United | | | | permanent navigational device that is mounted in |
| States Department of Defense to be used as a | | | | their vehicles. In this role, the Magellan GPS uses a |
| reliable navigational tool for the military. But today, | | | | destination address supplied by the driver to |
| GPS has become mainstream, finding its way to | | | | efficiently navigate the driving route. Further, if |
| consumers through a variety of convenient | | | | your vehicle becomes the victim of theft, it can |
| systems. GPS receivers are hand-held units that | | | | be effectively tracked by the signals sent by the |
| literally fit into the palm of your hand. This | | | | Magellan GPS. |
| portable system has the ability to connect to the | | | | In other cases, parents use the Magellan GPS as a |
| Global Positioning Satellites which, through a series | | | | tracking device to monitor their teenage drivers. |
| of calculations based on longitude and latitude can | | | | The system will ensure that fledgling drivers are |
| instantly and accurately pinpoint the user's location. | | | | not left disoriented in unfamiliar territory and can |
| The screen of the GPS receiver illustrates a map | | | | alert parents to any suspicious activity. |