Planet Malaysia Blog

I used to have Global Positioning System (GPS) installed in my rental car from Hertz during US trips.

What is GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is currently the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). More than two dozen GPS satellites are in medium Earth orbit, transmitting signals allowing GPS receivers to determine the receiver’s location, speed and direction.

Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become an indispensable aid to navigation around the world, and an important tool for map-making and land surveying. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging Global Positioning System). The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year,[1] including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite this fact, GPS is free for civilian use as a public good.

I was thinking why we don’t have GPS in our country - [tag]Malaysia[/tag]? Do we have? I guess we should have GPS in Malaysia but I’m not sure(please correct me if I’m wrong). I know our country is not that big, but do you used to get to wrong way, wrong road, wrong direction, lost direction during drive in Kuala Lumpur or any other place before? Personally, I have few times of experience but I know this is not a big issue

Frankly speaking, sometimes the GPS is not that accurate but at least it’s useful for me here. It can tell me and show me the ‘correct’ direction & destination. I never think of lost, even left hand drive. You just have to be very careful, no speed up & give way to peoples. You’re the king when you walk around here, every driver must give way to you. But please be careful when you walk in Malaysia, especially your hand bag.

If you’re interested with GPS, please check Garmin web site. I know they are well known in GPS. I know my colleague bought one in US and bring it back to Malaysia recently. I hope it will be useful for him.

What do you think about GPS in Malaysia?

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