Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the name for the U.S. global navigation satellite system. Originally created for use by the military, GPS is now appearing in a number of educational, institutional, and consumer products. Some educators and parents have expressed concerns about the impact of schools' use of GPS on student and employee privacy.

The current GPS network consists of 31 satellites in orbit around the earth. The satellite system is designed so that any global location is within sight of at least 6 satellites. Using a special receiver that can communicate with the satellites, individuals or vehicles can locate themselves on the globe within a range of a few meters. In 1996, President Clinton declared the GPS network a “dual-use” technology, allowing for civilian ...