GPS technology enables to be
tracked, mapped and watched.
GPS
allows missing persons to be located faster and more efficiently as opposed to
searching for them blindly. Animal tracking collars can be used on both wild
and domestic animals. This enables scientists to study migratory patterns of
birds, so we can understand more about the animal world, and even see
indications of changes in the ecosystem. GPS prevents the possibility of
getting lost on the way to a destination. Even people with lousy sense of
direction are able to follow Google Maps and get to the place they need to be.
For the business world, vehicle tracking allows companies, especially those who
are involved in outbound logistics, to track the movement of their
transportation vehicles resulting in more on time delivery and therefore
creating more efficiency within the company. Law enforcement utilizes this
technology as well. Convicted criminals on parole are strapped with GPS
bracelets so their movements can be monitored, which improves overall civilian
safety. Emergency response is faster than ever. When a distressed caller is
unable to describe the location of the accident or problem, the phone’s
position can be triangulated and help can arrive quickly.
There are many abuses of GPS
technology, and they are prevalent in the U.S.
Even
though GPS proves to be extremely helpful, it’s technology is abused and can be
detrimental to society in many ways. Invasion of privacy is a huge issue. Being
tracked down by an unknown person for the purposes of stalking, blackmail, and
even murder is more possible than ever with the availability of GPS. Identity
theft is another problem. Countries have implemented RIFD chips in their citizens’ passports
for the purpose of security to be tightened up. Hackers can break the
encryption codes on the chips and obtain all personal information about anyone
with a passport. Another hacker problem
is swapping a products price for a lower one.
They can tamper with prices for a cheap and illegal bargain. Finally,
one of the most possible and potential abuses of the GPS: If worse comes to worst, the
government itself could potentially use the captured information from different
tracking devices. It could monitor every movement, business decision, and
purchase a person has ever made and could do so at any distance. Clearly, there
are dangers that come with such advanced technology.
The military and
government utilize GPS for missions and timekeeping.
For the military, GPS
allows soldiers to find objectives, even in the dark or in unfamiliar
territory, and to coordinate troops and supply movement. The military also
utilizes this technology for target tracking, missile and projectile guidance,
and rescue missions. Another use of GPS is timekeeping. GPS time is
theoretically accurate to about 14 nanoseconds. Most clocks are set to
Coordinated Universal Time, but satellites are in sync with GPS time.
There are pros and cons to
GPS, but it is essential to society.
Since
GPS can be used for so many things, it is one of the most aiding technologies
today. But because of its incredible sophistication, it can be used for actions
and crimes that are detrimental to society. Some of the benefits that this
technology provides have become essential to the functioning of our modern
society, which makes us weigh the pros and cons, but regardless of the outcome,
GPS will remain and progress.
Not only was this a great topic to work on, but it is very well written and covered. I do think that it could have been organized a little better and written a little friendlier for the audience.
ReplyDeleteAs for the tone of this entry: it is a little bland. It was a very quiet description and analysis of the current state of GPS. I couldn't really 'hear' what you thought on this matter or what it means to the world.
However, I did find what you wrote about to be quite interesting. It was interesting to read about the negative side of GPS and how identify theft and being tracked down by unknown people are two prevalent issues. I also enjoyed reading about the military aspect of GPS and how it is a great help for troop coordination and supply movement. This was a very insightful page that detailed the impact and effects of GPS on this world and on our society.
This was definitely a great topic to write about. I definitely agree with your pro argument for the use of GPS technology because, as a person with a lousy sense of direction, I do not know how else I would be able to get around—I grew up learning how to drive with a GPS in the car. However, this was a well-written post. You touched upon both sides of the argument of the pros and cons of GPS technology. Your subheadings were also a great guide to what to expect in the following content. One comment I wanted to make was based on your images; it could just be me, but I was not able to see them.
ReplyDeleteAlong with your argument of emergency response times, it is a little scary to think about being able to be tracked to your exact location through your phone. With an ever-growing population of users with smartphones and GPS enabled phones, we are essentially all walking beacons of information. I am personally fearful of the abuse that can occur through using this technology to invade people’s Fourth Amendment right, and an expected right to privacy.