What do GPS and AGPS mean

GPS stands for Global Positioning System and was initiated by the US military for the purpose of navigation and the tracking of military units. This technology relies on a

network of satellites

that are spotted by a GPS device that determines location through triangulation. Depending on the clarity of the signal GPS devices can often determine location by a degree of inches.

In order to get a good signal, a GPS unit must have a clear view of the skies in order to

communicate with satellites

. This means that GPS units will often get poor signals indoors and don't work well when they're wedged in between canyons of rocks or buildings. Antennas can be used to boost signal also.

Now that GPS isn't simply a military project, it has been adopted by people ranging from athletes to those in the business of managing commercial fleets. GPS can be used to keep track of fleets of vehicles or to determine the average speed of a cyclist, or to plot routes. Those who aren't truckers or athletes can use GPS technology to search for stores, find deals or communicate with friends.

In addition to GPS, there is also AGPS or Assisted GPS which uses earthbound signals and networks to help improve location identification and add precision.