Users can use a GPS device to accurately locate their position and navigate to their destination. According to the National Space- Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Coordination Office: "GPS has become the backbone of transportation systems by providing navigation for aviation, ground, and marine operations. Disaster relief and emergency services depended upon GPS for location and timing in their life-saving missions."

As stated by the United State President George W. Bush:

“The United States Government shall provide a continuous, worldwide basis civil space-based positioning, navigation, and timing services free of direct user fees for civil, commercial, and scientific uses and for homeland security through the Global Positioning System and its augmentations, and provide open, free access to information necessary to develop and build equipment to use these services.”

President George W. Bush, U.S. National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Policy, December 2004