GPS
Short for Global Positioning System, GPS is a network of satellites that helps users determine a location on Earth. The thought of GPS was first conceived after the launch of Sputnik in 1957. In 1964 the TRANSIT system became operational on U.S. Polaris submarines and allowed for accurate positioning updates. Later this became available for commercial use in 1967.
On September 1, 1983 Soviet jets shoot down a civilian Korean Air Lines Flight 007 flying from New York to Seoul and kill all 269 passengers and crew. As a result of this mistake President Ronald Regan orders the U.S. military to make Global Positioning System (GPS) available for civilian use.
Today, with the right equipment or software, anyone can establish a connection to these satellites run by the U.S. government to establish his or her location within 50 to 100 feet.
Also see: Absolute location, Geocaching, GIS, LBS, Satellite