From Satellites to Side Streets: How GPS Transformed the World and Changed the World

What began as a Cold War military project is now the invisible force powering your smartphone, your car, your farm equipment—and even your bank account.

From Satellites to Side Streets tells the remarkable story of how the Global Positioning System (GPS) evolved from a secret Pentagon initiative into a global utility woven into every aspect of modern life.

In this engaging and deeply researched book, author Kevin Shelton explores the origins, engineering, and astonishing reach of GPS. From battlefield breakthroughs and orbiting atomic clocks to self-driving tractors and rideshare apps, GPS has reshaped how the world moves, works, plays, and thinks about place and time.

Inside, you'll discover:

• How the launch of Sputnik accidentally inspired satellite navigation
• The military rivalries and engineering genius behind the NAVSTAR GPS system
• Why GPS was secretly degraded for decades—and how a presidential decision unlocked it for the world
• How GPS fuels everything from aviation to agriculture, logistics to location-based apps
• The hidden risks of GPS dependence: jamming, spoofing, and the race for resilience
• What’s next in positioning tech—from quantum navigation to AI-enhanced maps

Whether you’re a history buff, a technology enthusiast, or just someone who relies on Google Maps, this book will change the way you see the world—because now, you'll understand how it sees you.