There are people who always know which way is north. Many of the rest of us are only sure at sunrise and sunset, but if it's cloudy, we're lost. To reduce the risk of getting lost yourself, there are GPS Systems that serve people who get lost. There are even GPS systems that can help people suffering from a visual or audio impairment as well. GPS functions by coordinating two mobile objects (you and 29 satellites above the earth) against one fixed object or control segment, operated by the U.S. Military. While you are out and about, trying to get directions, you are covered by 4 different satellites simultaneously. The response you get from GPS is nearly instantaneous. These four different satellites can easily track simple shifts, such as from one lane of traffic to another, and they will let you know right after you take the wrong exit that you need to re-route.

Use Your Smart Phone

For a lot of in-town driving,Google Maps or other direction apps on your phone can provide a lot of real time information. Even better, you have multiple settings that can provide you with an estimated time of transit and arrival time. Whether you're walking, bicycling or driving, your smartphone can get you to many places safely and accurately.

Be aware that GPS can make errors. If you live in an area with many cul de sacs, GPS can struggle to find your house. This is particularly true if the street numbers change but the house numbers repeat. If you constantly get your neighbor's pizza or your Uber driver can never find you, carefully review where GPS is directing people.

Cars With GPS Built In

Many new cars come with GPS built right into the dashboard. These tools can provide you location data in a variety of ways, including providing a display screen of where you are in relation to your destination or a list of upcoming directional changes you need to make. Adjustable audio settings can make it possible to play music or listen to the news with only brief interruptions for directions.

GPS settings can also allow you to see other features on the display screen as you travel. For example, you can review what restaurants are between you and your location. If you're looking for a gas station on the way, GPS can tell you. Best of all, GPS can reroute you in the case of an accident or traffic jam.

Tracking Tools If You Need Help

In addition to help you get where you need to go, there are GPS tools that can help track where you started. The Seek Informational Navigational System offers the deaf and hard of hearing a way to track their previous locations to provide this data to their family or helpers via the Pinpoint device.

Once you can label your starting point, users of this device can use it as a regular GPS. Businesses along the way will be labeled, the final destination will be mapped out and this data can be shared by the user to confirm a safe trip from origin to destination.

GPS Tools Designed for the Visually Impaired

It should be noted that there are many GPS systems that talk. However, tools such as Trekker are specifically designed for the visually impaired. In addition to talking to you, this tool has a feature that will listen, answer questions, and map out new paths to nearby features as needed.

There are many positive options to using such a device. For the elderly in need of mobility training, a concern about safety in a new neighborhood can get in the way of getting moving again. With a GPS tool that offers real communication, these worries can be lessened. Such tools also offer tracking to family and helpers, so your last location can be checked while the traveler journeys to the next stop.