GPS

Short for Global Positioning System, GPS is a network of satellites that helps users determine a location on Earth. The thought of GPS was conceived after the launch of Sputnik in 1957. In 1964, the TRANSIT system became operational on U.S. Polaris submarines and allowed for accurate positioning updates. Later this became available for commercial use in 1967. The picture shows an example of the GARMIN nuvi 350, a GPS used to find locations while driving.

On September 1, 1983, Soviet jets shot down a civilian Korean Airlines Flight 007 flying from New York to Seoul and kill all 269 passengers and crew. As a result of this mistake, President Ronald Regan orders the U.S. military to make GPS available for civilian use.

Today, with the right equipment or software, anyone can establish a connection to these satellites to establish his or her location within 50 to 100 feet.