As is commonly known, many cell phones now come with GPS technology that can be used by first responders to track your location in the case of emergency. However, GPS-enabled cell phones are becoming increasingly common in the United States (in many other countries all mobile phones are GPS-enabled).

What does GPS-enabled mean? The GPS receiver (a chip inside the phone) is made available for applications beyond safety, such as navigation. If you need a general location of where you are in the world, a GPS-enabled cell phone may work nicely for you. In other countries, this comes as a feature of the phone. In the United States, it is often a service that is part of your provider plan. If your phone is Java-enabled, it is possible to enable the GPS through freeware (e.g.,Amaze.)

Keep in mind the accuracy of your location that is determined by your cell phone may not be as accurate as stand-alone GPS units. Cell phone GPS capabilities vary widely. Consult the manufacturer's information for your cell phone to help you decide whether or not your phone meets your needs—whether you're just trying to find your way from Point A to Point B or whether you are trying to collect data about a specific location in the world.