| GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a Global | | | | for map-making, land surveying, commerce, |
| Navigation Satellite System that was developed | | | | scientific uses, and a number of hobbies. |
| by the United States Department of Defense. | | | | A number of hobbies utilize GPS to make them |
| The GPS system is the only fully functional global | | | | safer or more fun. Mountain biking is one of many |
| navigation satellite system in the world. | | | | sports that benefits from the use of GPS. With |
| This system uses a constellation of between 24 | | | | the system, more areas of mountains or trails |
| and 32 Medium Earth Orbit Satellites. These | | | | are accessible. In addition, it makes it easier to |
| satellites transmit precise microwave signals. | | | | follow a trail or even to find one. In addition, |
| These signals are picked up by GPS receivers | | | | should an emergency occur, it is easier for cyclists |
| which then can determine the current location, | | | | to determine their location for rescue crews. |
| time, and velocity. | | | | GPS is also beneficial for cyclists who want to |
| The official name is NAVSTAR-GPS. | | | | track their mileage and determine exactly how far |
| NAVSTAR-GPS is not an acronym but some | | | | they've gone. |
| backronyms have been created for it. The GPS | | | | GPS is also good for individuals who deliver |
| satellite constellation is operated and managed by | | | | packages and documents via bicycles within a city. |
| the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. | | | | While these individuals may know many streets |
| GPS is frequently used by civilians as a navigation | | | | and locations, they might not know every street |
| system. Cars frequently come with navigation | | | | address. A GPS system may help a bicycle |
| systems and even cell phones have the feature. | | | | messenger deliver their assignments in more |
| Portable GPS systems have been developed for | | | | timely and efficient ways. |
| use with everything from boats to bicycles. | | | | Prior to the GPS system, there were a number |
| The system became available to civilians | | | | of other navigation systems developed by the |
| everywhere after a Korean Air Lines flight was | | | | Department of Defense. These systems were |
| shot down into the USSR's prohibited airspace. | | | | designed to allow ships and planes to navigate and |
| President Ronald Reagan issued a directive making | | | | to make it easier to stay out of trouble. Using a |
| GPS freely available for civilian use as a common | | | | satellite-based system allowed for much more |
| good. Since 1983, GPS has become widely used | | | | precision. |
| to aid in navigating worldwide. It is a useful tool | | | | |