GPS devices have become commonplace in consumer electronics. GPS units and GPS technology is used in our cars, on our boats, in cell phones, in our personal computers and PDAs. GPS has improved the way we navigate, communicate, and move about the planet.

With this book, you’ll explore GPS: its history, how it works, and navigating with a GPS receiver. We’ll also examine how Amateur Radio operators (or “hams”) have made use of GPS technology. A popular ham radio application is in the Automatic Position Reporting System, or APRS*. By connecting inexpensive GPS receivers to their radio gear, hams transmit their positions and other information, which is then displayed on maps at the receiving stations. The result is an effective method of direction finding for public service activities such as search-and-rescue—and for fun!