The utility of the `global positioning system` or GPS as it is more commonly known is tremendous and GPS cell phones are the latest innovations using tracking system. These phones can identify your location as well as the nearby areas and also give step-by-step direction to your destination. Of course, the right software and service package has to be loaded on to it for the cell phone to become GPS enabled.

If used within the automobile, the GPS cellular phones work with a receiver. By subscribing to a navigation service and inserting the right software which is in conjunction with your phone, the system allows you to receive driving directions. If you wish to use the tracking system outside the automobile, then an integrated GPS cell phone is required.

People who are constantly on the move will find the GPS cellular phones a handy device as their movements can be tracked. It will allow you to call for assistance from anywhere and your location will be tracked. For instance, if your car has an accident in a remote area, emergency help can easily be reached to you with the help of this tracking system. Even for the average hiker in the mountains or the woods, this device has become indispensable as it means being able to call for help instantly if the person is injured or in any danger.

Cell phones are continuously transmitting and receiving signals to and from the operator tower which is nearest to its location. Wireless communication has made it possible that the cell phone is active even in the standby mode. GPS cellular phones work on the same premises as the navigation tool which is generally used for remote trips. Cell phones are thus equally easy to trace and both GSM as well as CDMA phones which are GPS integrated, can be tracked using the system.

The mechanism of the GPS devices is that the signals received from these cell phones are identified by the service provider by identifying the operator/operators nearest to the location. These numbers are then compared with the relative strength of the signals received and the strongest signal is then identified. This procedure enables the cellular phone to be tracked within 100 meters of its exact location. This is very useful if the person is lost or in danger or unfortunately, as has become more common in today`s times, to trace a potential terrorist or miscreant.

Another add on to this invention is the child GPS locater device which if integrated in your phone is going to give you immense peace of mind as a parent. You will know exactly where the child is all the time by just looking at your cellular phone and you can check on the child silently without having to call him up 20 times! Of course, parents, please be aware that, morally, this does not mean a license to snoop but is meant for keeping a genuine look-out for your child when he is away from home. And even when the child or children are with you, the GPS cellular phones are an amazing comfort in over-crowded places like amusement parks or shopping malls where children are likely to get lost.

Of course, with any advanced technology the issue of privacy always raises its ugly head. But, that is the price one may have to pay for convenience`s sake and regular check-up of the device for malicious software, updating cell phone features with the service giver and having a pre-determined tacking system with family and friends will help you make the optimum use of this technology.

You can have access to articles about cell phones in portuguese language from the article section of page Cell_Phone

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil