History of GPS (Global Positioning System)
GPS, or Global Positioning System has been operational since December 1993, but its history lies much further back to the 1940s when ground based navigation systems such as Decca Navigator began. This, while it planted the seed of inspiration would not take another step forward until the 1957 launch of the first Sputnik by the Soviet union showed that satellites were a possibility.
In the beginning the system was only intended for military use, but that changed in 1983 when a Soviet interceptor plane shot down a civilian aircraft in restricted Soviet space killing all on board, after the craft had mistakenly wandered off course. This was something that GPS could have prevented, and so President Reagan soon announced that GPS would be available for all once it was complete.
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Indisputably, Garmin is the world’s biggest manufacturer of consumer gps and the name has almost become synonymous with the product. The company has a long and envious history of producing quality and versatile GPS. Garmin has produced many kinds of GPS – some for automobiles, hikers, etc. Within each category there are different models to suit every activity.
Can you remember taking trips by car trying to read those directions while trying to drive? Or perhaps you carried a bulky atlas or relied on your own intuition to get you where you wanted to go. Fortunately, your driving experience can be better now.
If you have installed a GPS auto navigation system in your car, then you should follow a few simple rules when driving in order to maximize your safety on the road. It doesn’t matter whether you are a long distance driver using the GPS auto navigation system to plan the most efficient route possible, or just using your satellite navigation system to find a route around the traffic problems in your home town, the rules for using GPS systems safely are the same.
By now, you’ve likely heard about this hot new technology called GPS. Handheld GPS receivers are popular items that are being used by everyone from outdoors enthusiasts to average drivers. But, how many of us really understand the technology behind these modern-day marvels?
Garmin, established in 1989, has lead the way when it comes to creating the most innovative GPS products. The first Garmin GPS unit was geared towards a specialized group of consumers: mariners. The next Garmin GPS units created were designed for military use. 
