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GPS became available in the 1980s. For a long time the technology was only used by the military. It then became popular as a tracking system in cars. GPS Trackers are used for a variety of purposes, such as in cars, trucks and cell phones. Companies that have a large fleet of vehicles, such as a trucking companies or taxi cab and limousine services use GPS to track the locations of their drivers. They are also used as a safety precaution in the event that one of their vehicles is stolen or if a driver radios in that they are hurt or in danger, the problem of figuring out their location will be eliminated. The most common consumer use of GPS tracking systems is seen in automobile digital maps - a good resource for planning trips or helping drivers find new places without getting lost.

The use of GPS trackers is not limited to digital automobile street maps. GPS trackers are now being anonymously used to track a people. This is especially popular in families where a teenager drives the family car, and the teenager is suspected of doing things or going places they have been told not to go.

Choosing a GPS tracking system can often be overwhelming. Googles directory lists over 200 companies that provide GPS systems. Here are some brand names to consider when buying a GPS unit: Garmin, Navam, Magellan, Tele Type, Rocky Mountain Tracking, GPS Tracker. Many popular cell phone brands now have GPS functionalities built in.

Science is also beginning to use GPS trackers as a way to help conduct experiments and learn more about animal movements. Researchers can put collars with GPS trackers on nearly any kind of animal ranging from a bear to a mountain goat. Dog owners are also starting to buy dog collars with GPS trackers built in, to make it easy to find their pet in the event it gets lost, stolen or runs away. They are also being used as safety devices to track young children and even older patients suffering from Alzheimers and other similar physically disorienting diseases. Even the GPS built into cell phones come in handy in search and rescue missions for emergency personnel, who can use a GPS tracking device to locate anyone whose cell phone has GPS built in.

Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://gps.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on GPS units and tracking systems.