The United States Department of Defense originally developed this global positioning system (GPS) to provide navigation and timing information to military personnel. The technology was made available for commercial use in the 1980s, and since then, GPS tracking devices have become increasingly commonplace.
Let’s take a brief look at the history of GPS tracking technology and how it has evolved over the years.
The Origins of GPS Technology
The US military first developed GPS tracking technology in the 1960s to keep track of missiles. In 1973, the Soviet Union launched the Sputnik satellite, which led the US Department of Defense to develop a system to track the satellite’s position to prevent nuclear war. This system eventually evolved into the GPS we know today.
The First GPS Receivers
The first GPS receiver was developed in 1978 by Dr. Brad Parkinson, who is now known as the “Father of GPS.” This receiver could accurately determine a satellite’s position, and the US military used it to track submarines during the Cold War.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued a directive stating that GPS should be available for civilian use after determining that the technology could be useful for air traffic control and search and rescue operations.
GPS Today
GPS receivers are now in various consumer products, from cell phones and automobiles to golf carts and laptop computers. For example, GPS equipment in an aircraft can automatically provide pilots with updated information about their position, which is especially useful in bad weather.
In addition, businesses use GPS tracking devices to keep track of company vehicles or monitor employee productivity. And because GPS receivers can work anywhere in the world, they have also become an indispensable tool for travelers.
GPS tracking technology has come a long way since the US military first developed it in the 1960s. What originally started as a way to keep track of missiles has now evolved into a versatile tool used in various consumer products and business applications.
GPS technology will undoubtedly become even more ubiquitous in our society as it continues to evolve. So the next time you use your GPS-enabled phone to get directions to a friend’s house or track your progress on a cross-country road trip, take a moment to think about the fascinating history of this incredible technology.
