I always hear about GPS devices. Is GPS a service or do i buy a GPS device and it just works after that?

Answer 1

A GPS device operates from a satellite signal and a general GPS device does not need a subscription, it picks up satellite signals automically when it is turned on.

If you are referring to a radio, or those mapping devices in cars, they require a subscription.

Answer 2

It is either. It depends on what device you have, and what you want it to do. I bought an older Garmin hand held unit at a yard sale, it works just fine. However, to upgrade GPS units (in other words, to get the most recent software and programs on them), you will likely have to buy a special adapter, then pay to download from the internet. To just use the device as is, you should not have to pay for it in anyway, unless you happen to have a surplus military/government issue model, then you might need to pay for access.

Answer 3

If you want to know about GPS, read this:

http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/gps/gps_f.html

Once you buy a GPS unit it will work anywhere (on this planet).
There are paid services that use GPS, there are DVD based navigational systems that use GPS, but GPS is everywhere and with the right tools, it can be very useful.

For additional GPS products, take a look here:

http://www.magellangps.com/

http://www.trimble.com/gps/

http://www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/

Answer 4

You buy a GPS device and it just works after that, if you're talikng about the ones for cars.

Answer 5

I know that our agency has this stuff. Its good and they pay a subscription for it, some devices in cars used are leased and some bought. One thing i like is you can track a fellow officer if he doesnt respond on his radio saving you the trouble of figuring out and guessign where the heck he his.

Answer 6

GPS service is free and available to anyone with a proper receiver.

Answer 7

Just buy one and figure out how to use it.You don't have to get in to anything else.It works with satalite.

Answer 8

It can be both.