The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites that orbit the earth which can pinpoint your position anywhere on the globe, usually within a few yards or meters.  GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980's, the government made the system available for general population use.  GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere around the world, 24 hours per day.

GPS has a variety of applications on land, at sea, and in the air.  GPS is usable everywhere except where it is impossible to receive the satellite signal such as most buildings, in caves, and other subterranean locations, and underwater.  GPS is popular among hikers, hunters, snowmobilers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers.  GPS is now widely used in automobiles.  More sophisticated systems that show your position on a street map are also available.

Basically anyone who needs to keep track of where he or she is, to find his or her way to a specific location, or know what direction and how fast he or she is going can utilize the benefits of the global positioning system.

Product Subcategories: GPS Receivers  Marine GPS  GPS Accessories

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth.  GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location.  Essentially the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received.  The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is.  Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the units electronic map.  Once the position is determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

Product ID: 010-00631-00 GARMIN ETREX® H COMPACT GPS RECEIVER GARMIN 010-00631-00 ETREX® H COMPACT GPS RECEIVER List Price: $109.99 Price: $99.99