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Many of us are already familiar with the benefits of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Systems. The most notable of these, of course, is their use in navigating in unfamiliar areas. While some people consider GPS technology an invasion of privacy, the overall sentiment is that the benefits of GPS systems outweigh the negatives.

GPS vehicle tracking devices perform a wide variety of different monitoring functions that can determine where the vehicle is located, the speed, and how many miles that car has been driven. This information is all variable since the system and device determine the different functions.

At times, individuals perceive this as an invasion of privacy. For instance, most customers fail to read the fine print on car rental contracts that states additional charges will be accrued if the driver exceeds a speed of 79 miles per hour. The GPS tracking mechanisms employed by rental companies could record the incidence and frequency of times when drivers do exceed this limit, and charge the credit card on file an added wear and tear fee based on this information.

Although some people worry about the invasion of privacy issues with GPS devices, most parents find that knowing that their child can be found if necessary trumps the privacy issues. Parents have been known to use cell phones to track a child's actions and movements. If the parents find that the child has disobeyed, they might lose privileges, such as driving or going out.

GPS cell phones allow people to track their loved ones with a much smaller investment. There are now options available for this from cell phone companies. However, the GPS data is not usually directly accessible to the user and an accurate determination of location needs assistance from the wireless network, thus the GPS data is only transmitted if a 911 call is made.

Greater peace of mind and comfort are important when it comes to cellular telephones. Most folks don't realize they can actually be traced with their cells. The cops can use these to find crime doers and their victims, and even stolen cars. Each year there are more innovative versions of these devices with new bells and whistles. These gadgets can make us, and our families and friends feel safer and more connected. One caveat, however is that the data these devices contain might be subject to abuse.

Although the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) has many benefits, one of the major concerns that both proponents and opponents of this technology voice is that of gps security and privacy. For example, car rental agencies can utilize gps vehicle tracking devices to determine whether and how often customers exceed speeds of 79 miles per hour. Most individuals who rent cars do not read the fine print in the contract that states customers who exceed this speed can be charged fees in addition to the contract price. This technology can be useful, however; GPS cell phones can monitor the whereabouts of a loved one.