The GPS, or Global Positioning System, has been operational since 1973. It functions through an intricate network of satellites in the orbit. This satellites help in determining the location as well as the present time of the device. Today, this cannot be called a niche technology as almost everyone possesses mobile phones and tablets with integrated GPS tracking in it.

A survey by the ATA (American Trucking Association) found that the productivity benefits to a trucking company ranged from 5% to more than 25% when the fleet management used real-time GPS tracking systems. As per the ATA, not only did customer service improve due to better on-time deliveries, but also customer pick-up requests were faster using GPS tracking.

Although using standalone GPS navigation systems in the car is quite convenient, the number of people using their smartphones for navigation is steadily increasing. In a survey conducted by the market research company J.D. Power and Associates in 2013, it was found that the number of car owners using smartphone navigation apps increased from 37% in 2011 to 47% in 2012.

Automotive navigation systems have come a long way; they are now smarter and more affordable than the GPS systems manufactured five years ago. The low production cost has led many auto manufacturers to incorporate built-in navigation systems in the newer car models. A good-quality dedicated GPS navigation device on a car’s dashboard gives the best driving directions and helps to reach the required destination without any glitches.

Garmin is a popular multi-national brand based in America, which runs on the basis of a technology developed by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in 1989. This brand was born in Kansas, Texas and has since taken over the global street pilot, fitness, communication and wrist wear markets, thanks to its tryst with technology and sleek good looks.

Tomtom GPS is a company well known for their traffic applications like navigation aids, maps, etc. One of their navigation aids is GO. The latest GO navigation aids seamlessly and integrates with smartphones. It can read out text messages and allows full use of the phone’s personal assistant. It can update the maps through the built in WiFi.