Advantages and Disadvantages Global Positioning System

GPS stands for global positioning system which was created by US department of defense for the navigation of military in any part of world under circumstances. But with the time, this system is now being used for many other purposes and GPS system has proved to be a revolutionary technology in today's world. There are several advantages of GPS at present and in contrast to that there are some disadvantages also. Some of them are:

Disadvantages of Global Positioning System:

1. Sometimes the GPS may fail due to certain reasons and in that case you need to carry a backup map and directions.
2. If you are using GPS on a battery operated device, there may be a battery failure and you may need a external power supply which is not always possible.
3. Sometimes the GPS signals are not accurate due to some obstacles to the signals such as buildings, trees and sometimes by extreme atmospheric conditions such as geomagnetic storms.

Advantages of GPS:

1. GPS is extremely easy to navigate as it tells you to the direction for each turns you take or you have to take to reach to your destination.
2. GPS works in all weather so you need not to worry of the climate as in other navigating devices.
3. The GPS costs you very low in comparison other navigation systems.
4. The most attractive feature of this system is its100% coverage on the planet.
5. It also helps you to search the nearby restaurants,HOTELS AND gas stations and is very useful for a new place.
6. Due to its low cost, it is very easy to integrate into other technologies like cell phone.
7. The system is updated regularly by the US government and hence is very advance.
8. This is the best navigating system in water as in larger water bodies we are often misled due to lack of proper directions.

Some more Advantages about GPS:-

Directions

A device taking advantage of GPS is equipped with maps and locations from around the world. Smartphones and tablet PCs are able to pinpoint a location and provide accurate step-by-step directions from Point A to Point B. If you make a wrong turn, devices like these will provide an updated route based on your new location. They can save you a considerable amount of time navigating foreign areas, finding a local restaurant or locating the nearest emergency service facility.

Avoiding Traffic

Devices that use GPS receive real-time updates, allowing them to monitor traffic and re-direct you to a faster, more efficient route. In some instances, it can provide you with traffic flow information so you can assess for yourself whether a specific route is worth the expected traffic. Both TomTom and Garmin produce models that feature frequently updated traffic information. Models that include the letter T in their names are generally receiving traffic updates.

Crime Prevention 

Law enforcement is finding numerous uses for GPS technology. Some law enforcement agencies have used GPS devices to monitor vehicles and individuals suspected of a criminal or terrorist activity. By doing so, law enforcement officials have prevented heinous crimes and caught criminals that would have otherwise gotten away. According to the Congressional Research Service, law enforcement used GPS to catch a convicted rapist who had served 17 years in prison. The man was a suspect in 11 attacks on women in Virginia over a six-month period, and authorities attached a GPS device to his van. "By tracking his movements with the device, police were able to intercept him in Falls Church, VA, where he was dragging a woman to a remote area, according to the report." The ability to stop criminals in their tracks, before further crime is committed, makes GPS technology valuable to law enforcement officers.

Emergency Relief 

During a tornado, hurricane or other natural disaster, emergency services and law enforcement officials need to find stranded motorists. GPS technology provides tracking information and helps predict the natural disaster’s damage severity for emergency relief. With GPS, ambulances and law enforcement officers track and locate victims of natural disasters quickly and efficiently.

Construction and Development

Before construction and development can begin, land surveying must be completed. This is costly and time-consuming and requires a variety of individuals. The GPS has slowly replaced traditional land surveying techniques with the Federal Highway Administration for more accurate surveying. By using GPS, companies have reduced labor costs and increased accuracy and survey an area in a matter of a few hours – rather than days. 
For parents, it takes some of the worry out of your kids driving long distances home from college. You know where they are and when to expect them home.

• For parents of teenagers, you never have to wonder if your son or daughter is where they say they are. No more late night phone calls asking – “Where are you?”

• For baby-boomers, the shoe is on the other foot - it helps to take some of the worry out of your elderly parents driving home from vacation or just driving around town. You know where they are and this allows them to be more independent.

• GPS tracking is customer service at it’s finest. You know instantly which of your drivers is closest to the customer needing help.

• Imagine how thrilled your customers will be when you can tell them exactly when to expect their delivery!

• For employers, using GPS tracking allows you to know how fast your employees are driving, how long a break they are taking (vehicle hasn’t moved), and if they are where they say they are!

• GPS tracking also allows you to monitor fuel usage based on how fast your employee is driving and the automatic mileage feature reminds you to schedule, regular preventative maintenance.

• GPS tracking is customer service at it’s finest! You know instantly which of your drivers is closest to the customer needing help. And Imagine how thrilled your customers will be when you can tell them exactly when to expect their delivery!

• GPS Tracking can eliminate the need for having your truckers fill out driving logs.

• Many insurance companies now offer discounts for vehicles protected with tracking systems.