There probably aren’t many people who’ve not heard of or even used GPS. Short for Global Positioning System, this smart invention by the Defense Forces of the US has changed the way we all now travel and commute long and short distances. 

But did you know that navigation isn’t the only possible use for GPS? In fact, there are at least 37 GPS applications. Surprised? We bet you are. Read on to explore all the ways you might not know about using GPS in your daily life.

Definition of GPS

Before we get down to applications, let’s first briefly answer the question of what GPS actually is and how it works. GPS, as you know, is a navigation system that operates based on the network of orbiting satellites, from which it receives signals and then transfers them to receivers. 

At the core of GPS systems is the process known as trilateration. Just like the name suggests, it uses two-three satellites and a receiver to determine the position of an object or people based on the distance between them. 

GPS Applications

The emergence of GPS has brought convenience to modern life. From enhanced transportation systems to robust surveillance systems, GPS technology has revolutionized the way we navigate and interact with the world around us. And, as there’s no slowdown to technological advances, we can only expect it to refine and have an even greater impact on our lives.

However, this article isn’t about predictions. It’s about existing applications, many of which, we bet, you haven’t heard of! So, let’s get started.

1. Planning Trips and Navigation

Travel has changed dramatically since the advent of GPS. And in a good way. If earlier on, people had to rely on passers-by to get directions to new places, today all you have to do is enter the coordinates of a place into a GPS device and it will show you with impeccable precision how to get there, whether on foot or by car. 

However, it’s not only the exact location that GPS navigators can show you. They can calculate the travel distance up to one minute, giving you a clear idea of how long the trip will last. They can also prompt the quickest routes by analyzing the road situation in real time.

All these apps, like Go Navigation, Waze, and Google Maps that people now can’t imagine their lives without have been made possible thanks to GPS. 

2. Geocaching

Most likely, you’ve heard of a famous geocaching game played by travelers from all corners of the world. The idea behind this game is simple. One group of travelers leaves Tupperware containers in certain locations, and another one finds them. These containers got the name “geocaches” and can only be found using GPS devices with exact coordinates at hand. 

Once a geocache is found, people put their names on a log sheet hidden inside, passing the baton to other travelers. Although these containers do not contain any treasures, travelers love the adventurous spirit of the game and eagerly take the challenge. Just so you know, geocaching is played in over 200 countries, with millions of people taking part in it. 

3. Wildlife Observation and Conservation

Not all animals are friendly to people, and there are some that can actually attack if they notice a stranger in their habitat. However, the advent of GPS trackers has solved this issue. Now, instead of risking their lives, researchers can use technology to monitor the life of wild animals from safe locations and make important decisions regarding their conservation.

It is thanks to the use of GPS that so many advancements in the field of wildlife have been made. By tracking migration routes, behavior patterns of animals, and their responses to changing environments, conservationists take the necessary measures to safeguard vulnerable areas and ensure that the journeys of the animals continue uninterrupted.  

4. Precision Farming

GPS technology has given rise to a new era in agriculture known as precision farming. By utilizing GPS-enabled devices, along with a range of other technologies such as GIS, sensors, and data analytics software, farmers can gather valuable insights into the soil conditions, topography, and spatial variations within their fields.

Armed with this information, they can spread resources such as fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation pointwise, avoiding waste and increasing crops. This modern approach to agriculture helped not only enhance productivity but also minimize the damage to the environment, which was caused by the overuse of chemicals.  

5. Emergency Services

Everyone knows that in case of a fire, it’s vital to activate a fire alarm. However, before the emergence of GPS, it could take a while before emergency service would pinpoint the incident on a map. These days, when an alarm is activated, firefighting stations receive the exact coordinates of a place at the same moment, enabling them to swiftly navigate to the scene.

Of course, firefighting isn’t the only service where GPS is used. All other services monitoring catastrophic situations like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, rely on GPS to inform people of danger and maintain safety. 

6. Fleet Management

GPS has also made its way into fleet management, providing businesses with the opportunity to track their assets. By equipping vehicles with GPS trackers, managers gain access to important information such as fuel consumption, location, speed, and maintenance needs. 

This way, if they notice any discrepancies or issues, they can take proactive measures to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. What’s more, because the movement of vehicles can be tracked in real-time, fleet managers now can have peace of mind knowing that the delivery arrives on time and there are no hazards along the way.

Let’s also not forget about vehicle safety. The hijacking was a common occurrence many years ago when vehicles were not protected, but with GPS, locating a stolen car has become a matter of minutes. 

7. Fitness Trackers

Another area where GPS technology has found use is sports. Millions of enthusiastic sportsmen from all over the world rely on fitness trackers to assess their health and performance. From speed and steps to heart rate and calories burnt, these trackers provide all the necessary metrics to help people monitor and improve their physical well-being. 

To encourage people to work out, many great applications have been created, including Garmin Connect, Strava, and many others. Using these apps, people can share their results with others, this way motivating them to constantly improve. 

8. Mapping and Surveying

A lot has changed since the emergence of GPS in the field of surveying and mapping. With GPS-enabled devices, cartographers and surveyors can gather accurate spatial data, allowing them to create highly detailed and precise maps of both natural landscapes and built environments, all without the use of traditional tools.

On top of building maps, the use of GPS devices has led to advances in natural resource management. In addition, many remote areas, including the seabed and deserts, which were previously inaccessible to humans, can now be explored and studied using GPS. This allowed researchers to make informed decisions that have a positive impact on the planet’s ecosystems.

9. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) experiences are taking the world by storm, infiltrating into various industries. However, not everyone knows that it’s become possible, in large part, thanks to GPS technology.

At its core, AR involves overlaying digital information such as graphics, sounds, or other sensory enhancements onto the user’s view of the physical environment. GPS acts as a key component in this process by providing accurate location data, which is essential for aligning virtual elements with real-world surroundings. 

This alignment ensures that AR experiences are contextually relevant and accurately anchored to specific physical locations. A good example of an application making extensive use of GPS is Pokemon Go. What has attracted so many people to this app is that all the creatures from the game could seamlessly walk through the screen right into the player’s environment. 

10. Drones

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as they are also called, are another breakthrough invention that has emerged from the evolution of GPS technology. This self-controlled aircraft can accurately navigate the air, knowing exactly where to land and how to return to the point of launch, rendering them useful in a wide range of applications.

Currently, drones are commonly used for investigations, which eliminates the need to get too close to the object of interest. In addition, they’ve completely transformed photography and videography. All those spectacular bird’s-eye views that thrill the public now are made possible by UAVs. 

11. Weather Forecasting

Meteorologists and scientists have long used GPS satellites to make weather forecasts. By analyzing radio signals, they can measure humidity, pressure, and atmospheric conditions, and predict weather changes over a certain period of time.

In addition, all changes occurring in the world, such as global warming, ice coverage, sea level, etc. are being closely scrutinized with the aid of GPS-derived data. Thanks to this, scientists can adjust climate policies to urgently address global changes. 

12. Asset Tracking

Another common use of GPS is asset tracking. Most often, it is used by businesses to track the status and location of their valuable assets, such as vehicles, equipment, inventory, or even personnel. By tracking these assets in real-time, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights and optimize their operations in various ways.

For example, in the realm of logistics and supply chain management, GPS-enabled asset tracking makes it possible to keep a close eye on the movement of goods throughout the entire distribution process. Thanks to this, companies can not only effectively plan routes but also make accurate time predictions, foreseeing and addressing any delays and disruptions. 

13. Maritime Navigation

No longer do ships need to watch stars or the sun to know the direction. GPS technology has brought convenience into maritime, making sea voyages safer, more efficient, and less reliant on traditional celestial navigation methods. 

By receiving signals from a network of satellites orbiting Earth, ships can accurately determine their precise positions and heading at any given moment. This real-time information empowers sailors to chart optimal routes, navigate through challenging waters, and adjust course swiftly in response to changing conditions.

14. Self-Driving Vehicles

Self-driving vehicles, a concept that had been discussed for years, finally became a reality thanks to the advancements in GPS technology. The integration of GPS-enabled sensors along with mapping systems and other advanced algorithms allowed vehicles to accurately determine their location, perceive their surroundings, and plan routes, all without human intervention. 

Looking to the future, GPS will play an even more important role in autonomous vehicle manufacturing and operation. As the technology continues to evolve, GPS systems will become increasingly sophisticated, enabling vehicles to navigate in a wider range of environments, including complex urban landscapes, rural roads, and challenging weather conditions. 

15. Geofencing

Geofencing is a technology based on GPS that enables the creation of virtual boundaries within real-world geographic areas. Most often, it is used in marketing and advertising, enabling businesses to display personalized ads once the target audience enters the designated area. 

However, where geofencing particularly shines is in security. With GPS-enabled devices, businesses can set access restrictions, ensuring that sensitive data, whether it’s the movement of supplies or employee information, remains within authorized zones. 

16. Air Traffic Control

GPS technology plays a pivotal role in air traffic control. Using GPS-derived data, pilots can accurately calculate the distance from other aircraft, allowing them to stay on the flight path and avoid accidents. 

Besides, GPS has improved all aviation operations. Knowing the exact travel distance between different points of destination and the best routes to reach them, companies could provide their customers with direct flight paths and significantly reduce fuel waste. 

17. Time Synchronization

Not many people are aware of the fact that GPS satellites come with atomic clocks. This means they can receive time signals from GPS-powered devices from all over the world and sync their internal clocks accurately. 

This ability renders GPS useful in a number of applications where precision timing is essential. From financial marketing to telecommunication, any industry that heavily relies on precise timekeeping or time-sensitive transactions can benefit from GPS.

18. Crime Prevention

Another area where GPS is widely used is law enforcement. With the help of GPS trackers, locating a suspect or a stolen vehicle has become a matter of minutes whereas even a decade ago it would take at least a few days, if not more. 

In addition, GPS-derived data about the suspect’s whereabouts can also be used as evidence in criminal cases for investigators and prosecutors. By cross-referencing GPS data with witness testimonies, CCTV footage, and other records, law enforcement agencies can create a comprehensive timeline of events, leaving little room for doubt.

19. Urban Environment Planning

The capability of GPS to determine the exact coordinates of locations has transformed urban infrastructure development and planning. One of the key contributions of GPS in urban planning is accurate data collection for creating digital maps. 

These maps serve as a foundation for understanding the existing layout of a city, including roads, buildings, parks, and other features. With precise information like this, urban planners and designers can analyze traffic patterns, identify congestion points, and plan efficient road networks to alleviate bottlenecks. 

GPS also enhances the creation of “smart cities” by enabling the integration of various services and systems. With real-time tracking of public transportation vehicles, traffic lights, and even waste management trucks, cities can optimize resource allocation, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall efficiency, 

20. Space Exploration

GPS is used not only on Earth but also in outer space, playing a crucial role in tracking and communicating with satellites and spacecraft. GPS receivers on satellites enable precise determination of their positions relative to Earth, ensuring accurate navigation, orbit determination, and alignment of instruments. 

Furthermore, GPS technology aids in the synchronization of data and communication between ground control stations and spacecraft. This ensures that instructions and data are transmitted at the right time and received with precision, which is especially critical for activities like remote sensing, scientific research, and human spaceflight. 

21. Outdoor Recreation

A lot has changed in adventure tourism since the emergence of GPS. With GPS being present on virtually any gadget, tourists now can travel to just about any location, be it an off-road landmark, mountains, river bank, and whatnot without worrying about cellular coverage.

Surely enough, the travel industry has made use of this data, too. By collecting data on users’ favorite or desired locations, tour operators can come up with unique offers that are tailored to the specific needs of travelers. 

22. Public Transportation

GPS has transformed public transportation. With GPS devices, transport operators can accurately track the movement and location of buses, trains, and other vehicles in real time. As a result, they can provide timely and efficient services, improving the overall experience for passengers. 

This accuracy in vehicle tracking has also given rise to the popularity of mobile-sharing services. Now, thanks to GPS-enabled apps, users can better plan their routes, knowing exactly when the next bus is about to arrive and where they should get on it to get to the destination faster. 

23. Earthquake Monitoring

GPS monitoring capabilities have laid the foundation for advanced earthquake monitoring and early warning systems. By tracking the subtle movements of tectonic plates and the Earth’s crust, GPS technology allows seismologists and geologists to detect areas of heightened seismic risk and prevent disasters. 

In regions prone to earthquakes, like Japan, Peru, Turkey, China, and Mexico, GPS networks are strategically placed to continuously collect data. By detecting P-waves, GPS-enabled systems can provide several seconds to tens of seconds of advance notice before the more destructive waves arrive, allowing enough time for people to take cover and prepare for impact. 

24. Hydrographic Surveying

Before the advent of GPS, exploring the seafloor topography was a time-consuming process, to say the least. It could take weeks or even months to accurately map and chart the intricate details of the ocean bottom relief using traditional methods. However, with the introduction of GPS technology, hydrographic surveying has undergone remarkable changes.

Now scientists can predict the movement of currents, tide levels, and even the behavior of underwater geological features with much greater accuracy. With this information, they can make informed decisions about the use of marine resources and take strategic measures to protect fragile marine ecosystems.

25. Archaeology

Obviously, not only do tourists take advantage of GPS to locate geocaches; archeologists heavily rely on this technology as well. With GPS-tracking systems, they can accurately record the coordinates of excavation sites, artifact discoveries, and other significant features, allowing them to create highly accurate maps with a comprehensive view of historical sites. 

Furthermore, using the data retrieved from GPS satellites, archaeologists can monitor the movement and shifts of artifacts, structures, and landscapes over time, helping them understand the impact of natural processes and human activities on these sites.

26. Mining Exploration

GPS technology is essential in the mining and resource exploration sectors. The GPS-driven data can be used for a range of purposes, from creating maps of exploration sites to determining deposit locations and depths to arranging drilling operations, all of which have given the resource exploration field a significant boost in accuracy and efficiency.

Aside from that, the use of GPS contributed to the safety of mining operations, a paramount concern in the industry. Using GPS tracking devices, mining companies can track the movement of vehicles, machinery, and personnel in real-time and be sure that all activities are coordinated and comply with safety protocols. 

Additionally, the ability of GPS to “sense” hazardous areas can be used to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of accidents. 

27. Art 

It might seem that there’s nothing special about GPS technology in terms of creativity, but the many works of art that are created around the world prove the opposite. Artists are excited about the unique capabilities of GPS and are finding innovative ways to incorporate it into their creative processes.  

One exciting application is geo-located virtual or augmented reality artworks. By using GPS data, artists can anchor digital elements to physical locations. When viewers use their smartphones or other devices to access these artworks at those locations, they can see virtual objects or animations overlaid in the real world through their screens. 

28. Social Networking

Once GPS technology has been integrated into smartphones and other devices, it revolutionized the landscape of social networking. 

GPS-enabled devices provide users with the ability to “check-in” at specific locations, sharing their whereabouts with their friends and followers. This feature is particularly popular in apps that allow users to broadcast their visits to restaurants, landmarks, events, and other places, or interact with other people online.

As you can imagine, geotagging is being widely used in marketing, too. Instead of showing the content to a broad audience, the largest part of which won’t ever come to visit a brick-and-mortar store, GPS technology has made it possible to segment users according to their locations, thus significantly improving the efficiency of marketing campaigns. 

29. Indoor Positioning and Navigation

When talking about navigation, most people associate it with outdoor activities, such as driving, hiking, or using GPS to find their way in unfamiliar places. However, the potential of GPS is so big it in no way is limited by environments. For example, if used along with Wi-Fi, UWB, and Bluetooth, GPS can enhance customer experiences in indoor settings as well. 

One example of GPS being used indoors is when people are searching for location-based services located within large buildings such as shopping malls, airports, and so on. By equipping premises with GPS-enabled trackers, companies can increase their foot traffic and save their customers from a lot of frustration. 

As an added bonus, the managerial staff can use GPS-retrieved data to optimize the indoor space, ensuring that everything within the layout is placed with the customer’s convenience in mind. 

30. Location-based Health Monitoring

GPS technology has also found its footing within the healthcare industry, playing a pivotal role in enhancing communication between patients and doctors while streamlining their interactions for improved efficiency. 

An array of devices and cutting-edge apps have surfaced in the market, offering not only simplified monitoring of health conditions but also enabling the seamless real-time transmission of this crucial data to physicians. 

As we move into the future, GPS will play an even more important role, allowing researchers to establish relationships between the effect of air quality and the physical capabilities of individuals, based on their age, gender, and location.

31. Personal Safety

In the same way that law enforcement agencies employ GPS trackers to monitor criminals or stolen assets, ordinary people can use GPS technology for their own security as well. By doing so, they establish a mechanism through which emergency services can accurately pinpoint their location should a hazardous situation arise. 

Even ruling out emergency services, GPS applications can trigger notifications to be sent to friends and family members. In the event of a potential threat, this system ensures that those close to you are promptly informed, enabling them to offer assistance, support, and a sense of security. 

32. Geotagging and Geo-referencing

Geotagging is the term used to refer to the process of adding geographical coordinates to different points of interest on photos, videos, and social media posts. Geo-referencing, in turn, refers to the practice of associating digital data with specific geographic locations.

Both processes play vital roles in enhancing location-based information and understanding, allowing users to create highly engaging, geotagged content that directly speaks to the public. This content can be used across a range of industries, but the travel industry benefits from it the most. 

33. Supply Chain Management

Another area that benefits from the use of GPS technology is supply chain management. By implementing GPS into the operations of supply chain management, businesses can gain better visibility, control, and optimization over the movement of goods, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The integration of GPS technology allows businesses to track the location of shipments in real-time, from the point of origin to the final destination. This real-time tracking provides valuable insights into the progress of deliveries, enabling accurate estimated arrival times and proactive response to delays or disruptions.

Considering how quickly the market is growing, GPS will most definitely continue to be the driving force behind advances in supply chain management. 

34. Environmental Monitoring

Climate change has a strong impact on the environment and, if not monitored closely, can lead to detrimental consequences for ecosystems and communities. That’s where GPS technology struts in.

By providing real-time data on various environmental variables such as water temperature, humidity, biodiversity, and animal behavior patterns, it can help researchers track the shits in ecosystems, make informed decisions to protect biodiversity, and restore ecosystems prone to ecological disruptions. 

35. Construction Management

Construction management has undergone a remarkable transformation with the integration of GPS technology. By utilizing GPS-enabled equipment and machinery, companies can track their locations and construction activities in real-time. With this information at hand, project managers can monitor progress, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that timelines are met. 

Tasks like excavation, grading, and foundation work particularly benefit from precise GPS-guided movements, leading to increased accuracy in project execution. 

Safety on construction sites has significantly improved due to GPS technology, too. With GPS tracking devices, site supervisors can monitor the movement of workers and equipment, identifying potential hazards and congestion areas and quickly locating and assisting workers.  

36. Scientific Research

Scientific research across various disciplines has been greatly empowered by the integration of GPS technology. This technology has provided researchers with invaluable tools for data collection, analysis, and understanding in fields ranging from ecology and geology to astronomy and archaeology. 

Another application of GPS in the field of science is the creation of visualized maps, which offer researchers and the public an immersive and informative way to present data about their findings. 

37. Mobile Workforce Management

Companies that have mobile employees working in fields use GPS technology to streamline their workforce management processes and enhance productivity. By equipping employees’ vehicles or devices with GPS tracking, companies can monitor the real-time location and movement of their workforce, allowing them to allocate tasks based on proximity. 

GPS also provides visibility into employee activities, helping managers ensure that tasks are being performed accurately and on schedule, which is especially important in a digital landscape where many companies have shifted to remote work. 

In Conclusion

As you can see from the examples above, GPS technology has found uses across a wide range of industries, from healthcare and supply chain management to science, geology, construction, aircraft, and whatnot. And as technologies continue to evolve and refine, the potential applications of GPS are likely to expand even further.