page_title: Satellite navigation device
section_title: GPS modules
hierarchical_section_title: Satellite navigation device / Consumer applications / GPS modules
caption_attribution_description: A GPS receiver equipped with Sirf Star III chip
context_page_description: A Satellite navigation device, colloquially called a GPS receiver, or simply a GPS, is a device that is capable of receiving information from GNSS satellites and then to calculate the device's geographical position. Using suitable software, the device may display the position on a map, and it may offer routing directions. The Global Positioning System is one of a handful of global navigation satellite systems made up of a network of a minimum of 24, but currently 30, satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense.
  GPS was originally developed for use by the United States military, but in the 1980s, the United States government allowed the system to be used for civilian purposes. Though the GPS satellite data is free and works anywhere in the world, the GPS device and the associated software must be bought or rented.
  A satellite navigation device can retrieve location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth. GPS reception requires an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites, and is subject to poor satellite signal conditions.
context_section_description: Other GPS devices need to be connected to a computer in order to work. This computer can be a home computer, laptop, PDA, digital camera, or smartphones. Depending on the type of computer and available connectors, connections can be made through a serial or USB cable, as well as Bluetooth, CompactFlash, SD, PCMCIA and the newer ExpressCard. Some PCMCIA/ExpressCard GPS units also include a wireless modem.
  Devices usually do not come with pre-installed GPS navigation software, thus, once purchased, the user must install or write their own software. As the user can choose which software to use, it can be better matched to their personal taste. It is very common for a PC-based GPS receiver to come bundled with a navigation software suite. Also, GPS modules are significantly cheaper than complete stand-alone systems (around €50 to €100). The software may include maps only for a particular region, or the entire world, if software such as Google Maps are used.
  Some hobbyists have also made some GPS devices and open-sourced the plans. Examples include the Elektor GPS units. These are based around a SiRFstarIII chip and are comparable to their commercial counterparts. Other chips and software implementations are also available.
caption: A modern SiRFstarIII chip based 20-channel GPS receiver with WAAS/EGNOS support
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