Global Positioning Systems tell you your location within a few yards. Globalstar's GPS SPOT GPS system tells other people where you are and what sort of shape you're in. SPOT can keep you in touch even when you don't have cell-phone service. To do its job, SPOT uses both Globalstar's communications satellites and the federal satellite network all GPS devices rely on.
GPS
As they circle the Earth, each federal GPS satellite broadcasts its location to Earth, along with the exact time it transmits each signal. The lag between sending and receiving the signal tells your GPS unit how far away each satellite is. To determine your position, your unit needs four satellite signals: One signal provides an exact current time, which makes it possible to triangulate with the other three based on the time of their signals. GPS satellites carry atomic clocks, so their timing is always accurate.
SPOT
SPOT is a combination GPS and messaging unit. When you turn it on, it uses GPS to identify your location. If you activate SPOT's SOS function, it automatically contacts an emergency center with your location, which the center forwards to the nearest emergency responder. The Help function sends text messages, along with your location, to designated contacts. SPOT can also send a "check in" message that shares your location with up to 10 contact and informs them you're doing well, so they need not worry.
Tracking
If you want your contacts to follow your activities, set up a SPOT page for them to follow your trip. Once you activate SPOT's Track Progress feature, it sends your GPS coordinates to your account every 10 minutes. If you create a shared page to accompany your account, SPOT will place a Google map of your location on the page and mark your position on the map. You can share the URL with anyone you choose, leaving them free to map your progress.
Phones
GlobalStar also provides a SPOT app for smart phones. The SPOT Connect app syncs your phone with the SPOT unit, allowing you to use some of SPOT's messaging features through your phone, including sending emergency messages, texting contacts and updating your status on social networking sites. Globalstar says by using SPOT's connection to the company's satellite network, your cell phone should be able to provide those services even in areas you normally can't get coverage.
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