User:David.stonegross/Rough Draft-Stansell Writ 2E

Digital mapping is the software that runs behind most G.P.S Global Positioning System navigation devices. It works hand-in-hand with G.P.S. coordinates to provide the user with relevant information based on the location one is currently located by producing real-time visual maps and data. The user can then use this position to map out other places of interest, such as another address.(In-car navigation matures beyond 'Point A to Point B'. insert source a to b) In addition to these basic features, digital mapping has a wide range of other possibilities, inviting users to interact more fully with G.P.S.(link).

Beginnings
While the concept of mapping dates back thousands of years to its Greek(link) origins, traditional paper maps, such as the Thomas Guide,(link) have seen a dramatic transformation as the digital-computing age has revolutionized the way information is received. Beginning with the launch of the first G.P.S. test satellites (United States Updates Global Positioning System Technology. ) in the 1960s by the United States military, digital mapping has gradually emerged into mainstream society. Contrary to original mapping software used for commercial purposes, modern day digital mapping software has become more “user-friendly” for the average person.

Developments
Recently, G.P.S., in addition to digital maps have taken the world by storm as the technology has now been implemented within many personal forms of transportation and computing devices. As technology has improved, the price of these once costly mapping products has steadily declined, thus making them more affordable and easier to obtain for the average user. This has enabled more developments and improvements in the way of G.P.S equipment and enhancements in mapping features.

Brief Overview
G.P.S.(Global Positioning System) is the foundation behind digital mapping. The coordinates and position as well as atomic time obtained by a terrestrial G.P.S. receiver from G.P.S. satellites orbiting Earth interact together to provide the digital mapping software points of origin in addition to the destination points needed to calculate distance and moreover, create a map that provides the easiest and most efficient way to reach a destination.

Functionality
Digital mapping software operates in the following manner:
 * 1) 	G.P.S. receivers collect data from at least twenty-four G.P.S satellites orbiting the Earth, calculating position in three dimensions(How Does GPS Work? ).
 * 2) 	The G.P.S. receiver then utilizes position to provide coordinates, or exact points of latitudinal and longitudinal direction from G.P.S. satellites.
 * 3) 	 The points, or coordinates, output an accurate range between approximately 10-20 meters of the actual location.
 * 4) 	The beginning point, entered via G.P.S. coordinates, and the ending point, (address or coordinates) input by the user, are then entered into the digital mapping software, outputting a map usually equipped with a visual representation of the route and options to display written directions and voice prompts for safety.

Capabilities
While navigation devices have come far in the way of features over the past decade, new uses for digital mapping systems are on the rise. Users can now use digital mapping to receive live traffic information and determine the fastest route to designated locations. Users can be informed of accidents or detours that may lie ahead, and seek alternate routes before encountering them. Furthermore, G.P.S. technology has been incorporated into cellular telephones and other devices that heavily rely on cellular networks and G.P.S. satellites for data. (Nokia source here). Some cellular telephone companies such as Sprint/Nextel have adopted platforms for users to track remote phones. Tracking in this form has enabled companies to track remote users, which has lead to much ethical debate.