One of the most useful characteris-
tics of the GPS is its utility as a map-
ping tool. GPS has revolutionized
cartographyby enabling data on fea-
tures to be gathered in the field
instantaneously and downloaded into
a mapping program orGeographic
Information System (GIS),which
maythenbeusedforlocational
analysis, or other types of studies.
Data points may be gathered by sim-
ply recording the GPS receiver’s
location and storing these points in
the unit. These data can then be trans-
ferred to existing spatial information
already held in a GIS, which can then
display the data points on a map.
Many navigation systems available for use in automobiles now use GPS technol-
ogy, such as TomTom GPS or Garmin. These systems make it nearly impossible
to become lost in an automobile in the United States. Similar systems that auto-
matically notify emergency personnel in the event of an accident also use GPS
technology. The military applications of GPS have been illustrated in several recent
conflicts, dating to the Gulf War of 1990. American cruise missiles, equipped with
the GPS coordinates of enemy targets, have been guided directly to those locations
by GPS technology. Such accurate delivery of ordnance, achieved without endan-
gering American pilots and directed with pinpoint precision to limit civilian casu-
alties, has obvious military advantages. It is likely that GPS receivers will become
more affordable and even more precise as the technology becomes more widely
applied and utilized.
Global Warming
“Global warming” are the two words identifying the most controversial scientific
topic of the early 21st century. The concept has such vast societal, economic,
and governmental implications that it receives major attention in public media
outlets. Geographers have become fully engaged with their suite ofclimate
change studies and also with their assessments of possible impacts. There are three
salient points that a reader must appreciate when learning about global warming:
Global Warming 157The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an array of
satellites that provide a highly accurate means of
identifying points on the earth’s surface. (NOAA)