It's probably a good idea to have a basic understanding of what GPS is, and how it works, if you are interested in covert GPS vehicle tracking systems. Covert GPS vehicle tracking is possible nowadays because technology allows us to place a device the size of a cigarette pack in a vehicle and monitor those vehicles movements remotely.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was originally conceived and developed by the US DoD (Department of Defense) in the 1970's as a way of keeping track of enemy movements and allowing the military to know where they were at all times. 24 orbiting satellites make up the system and they orbit the earth twice every day. Originally the system was purely intended for military use, but Ronald Reagan, the then President of the United States, announced that it would be made available for civilian use also, after Korean Airlines KAL 007 was shot down by Russian fighter jets when it strayed into Soviet restricted airspace - so you can thank Ronnie that it's possible for you to own a covert GPS vehicle tracking device, because without GPS that just couldn't be done.

GPS Timeline

In 1978 the experimental Block I satellite was first launched.

In 1983 the shooting down of KAL 007 after it flew into Soviet restricted airspace because of a navigational error, led to Ronald Reagan deciding that the system would ultimately be made available for both military and civilian use.

In 1993 the system finally reached initial operating capacity.

In 1994 the last of the 24 satellites were finally placed into orbit.

In 1995 after almost 20 years, NAVSTAR was declared as fully operational.

In 1996 US President Bill Clinton issued a directive to make the GPS system available to civilians and military personnel.

How GPS Works

All 24 satellites that make up NAVSTAR circle the earth in a preset orbit twice a day. They transmit signals to ground stations which plot the exact time the signal was sent, the orbital position of the satellite, and the proximity of other satellites. Armed with the information from these signals, a GPS receiver can work out its own position to within 10 metres. Actually that's not entirely accurate, because a GPS device needs signals from 3 satellites to work out a 2 dimensional position (longitude and latitude), and 4 satellites to calculate a 3 dimensional position (longitude, latitude and altitude), using triangulation to plot positions.

In spite of the huge resources in terms of money and time that were poured into creating the GPS system, it is free to use and without any restrictions. When you equipment for covert GPS tracking vehicle, you are paying for the development and manufacture of your receiving device, not for the use of NAVSTAR.

The Author's website Covert GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems features articles and advice about Covert GPS Tracking Vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Brown