GPS was originally created to be of use to the military, but the general public readily embraced the new advancements. Around 20% of the population use GPS services on a regular basis, the majority of which are via smart phones, which nowadays offer a number of features that utilise the technology. GPS does however offer more than consumer travel solutions; it also has a lot to offer commercial enterprises.
Fleet management
For companies whose business revolves around the use and upkeep of a large number of vehicles, the monitoring of each particular unit is an important issue. GPS management can give managers and supervisors information on the location of specific vehicles, help plan more efficient routes, and also cut down on unauthorised vehicle use by employees, which all ultimately means that costs are brought down.
Taxi services
Using GPS in taxi cabs makes it easier for both drivers and passengers, whilst at the same time cutting costs for the company. GPS systems can calculate the quickest route, help drivers out with unusual locations, and also allow customers to simply dictate the postcode they wish to travel to as opposed to having to direct the driver to locations they themselves might never have even been to. It also saves fuel on routes and on end fares, as the route taken is in theory always the shortest most efficient one, benefitting the passenger as well as the company.
Deliveries, freight and shipping
Freight makes the world go round, and as one of the biggest industries around, it can benefit probably the most from GPS, in a wide variety of ways. The business models of most delivery companies either use or could benefit from GPS. GPS tracking can help the company doing the delivering, and also the client, have more accurate information about the current location and estimated arrival time of any goods, making planning easier for both parties – a supermarket for example can more precisely order in perishable goods, knowing exactly when new deliveries will arrive to coincide with foodstuffs turning rotten.
GPS trackers on crates can also let companies know if a palette has been opened before it should’ve been, cutting down on theft and therefore money, and also if drivers have been taking unauthorised routes.
Cartography
Number five on this list, and probably the most obvious commercial use is that of cartography. With the primary use of the technology being navigation, then it comes naturally that the map-makers themselves employ the equipment in their field of work. Thanks to trilateration and the pinpoint accuracy of some systems, maps have never been more accurate, which in turn spills over into other areas of study such as geology, geography and also other industries, like aviation and seafaring.
