8 Best-Selling GPS Books Millions Trust

Discover GPS books by acclaimed authors like Bob Burns, Mike Burns, and Elliott Kaplan, featuring best-selling titles that deliver trusted knowledge and practical guidance.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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When millions of readers and top experts agree on a book's value, you know you're holding something special. GPS technology touches nearly every aspect of modern life, from outdoor adventures to precise surveying and navigation. These 8 best-selling GPS books have earned their place by offering reliable, expert-backed insights that readers find indispensable.

Authored by specialists like Bob Burns, known for his practical outdoor navigation skills, and Elliott Kaplan, who brings rigorous technical expertise, these books blend theory and practice. Their proven impact spans from guiding wilderness explorers to aiding engineers and scientists in mastering satellite navigation technology.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific GPS needs might consider creating a personalized GPS book that combines these validated approaches into a customized learning experience.

Best for outdoor navigation enthusiasts
Bob Burns is an experienced navigator and educator in outdoor skills, known for his comprehensive approach to wilderness navigation. His proven track record and deep knowledge led him to update this popular textbook extensively, offering you a valuable blend of traditional techniques and modern GPS technology to help you find your way confidently in the wilderness.
2015·176 pages·GPS, Cartography, Map, Navigation, Map Reading

Bob Burns' decades of expertise in outdoor navigation shaped this extensively revised third edition, which dives deeply into mastering traditional and modern tools for wilderness travel. You get clear guidance on everything from adjusting compass declination to leveraging smartphone GPS capabilities, with chapter objectives and mini-quizzes that reinforce learning. The expanded GPS section thoughtfully covers interfacing devices with computers and maximizing battery life, reflecting practical challenges you’ll face in the field. If you want to build reliable navigation skills that blend old-school map reading with today's tech, this book delivers without fluff, making it ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts and educators alike.

Over 100K copies sold
Official textbook for outdoor education courses
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Best for geodesy and surveying professionals
This book distinguishes itself in the GPS field through a unique collaboration of authors combining theoretical rigor and practical experience. Its proven appeal stems from covering a broad spectrum of GPS topics, from orbital theory to geodetic surveying, making it valuable for professionals seeking a deep understanding of GPS technology. The authors’ diverse backgrounds ensure that you gain insight into both the mathematical foundations and real-world applications, addressing the needs of geodesists and surveyors alike. As a resource, it stands out by bridging detailed theory with practical techniques, reinforcing its contribution to GPS knowledge and practice.
Global Positioning System: Theory and Practice book cover

by B. Hofmann-Wellenhof, H. Lichtenegger, J. Collins·You?

2001·406 pages·GPS, Satellite Navigation, Geodesy, Orbital Theory, Geodynamical Phenomena

What started as a collaboration sparked by a 1988 GPS meeting in Germany evolved into a definitive resource authored by experts with distinct yet complementary expertise. B. Hofmann-Wellenhof, H. Lichtenegger, and J. Collins bring together theoretical foundations, geodetic astronomy, and practical surveying applications, providing you with a well-rounded grasp of GPS technology. You’ll find detailed explanations on orbital theory, geodynamical phenomena, and surveying techniques, making complex concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. Whether you're involved in geodesy, surveying, or satellite navigation, this book offers a thorough grounding that bridges theory with practice, though it assumes some technical background to fully appreciate its content.

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Best for personal navigation plans
This AI-created book on GPS navigation is tailored to your background and specific goals. By sharing your experience level and areas of interest, you receive a personalized guide focusing on GPS techniques that matter most to you. This makes learning more efficient and enjoyable, as the content matches your unique navigation challenges and objectives.
2025·50-300 pages·GPS, Satellite Navigation, Signal Processing, Positioning Accuracy, Error Correction

This tailored book explores proven GPS techniques that enhance your navigation accuracy and reliability. It covers key principles of satellite positioning, signal interpretation, and error correction, focusing on your interests and skill level. By combining widely validated knowledge with insights personalized to your background, it reveals how to apply GPS technology effectively in diverse environments, from outdoor exploration to technical applications. The book examines advanced navigation concepts and practical tips tailored to your goals, ensuring you develop confidence in using GPS tools. Its personalized approach helps you learn efficiently by targeting the aspects most relevant to you, making mastery of GPS navigation both accessible and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Precision Navigation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for engineers mastering GPS technology
Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications, Second Edition offers an extensive systems engineering perspective on GPS technology, making it a go-to resource for those involved in navigation and telecommunications engineering. The book’s detailed coverage of satellite signals, orbit patterns, and tracking mechanisms provides a solid foundation for understanding how GPS and other global navigation satellite systems operate. With practical insights into integration with sensors and networks, as well as exploration of international systems like GLONASS and BeiDou, this text benefits engineers and scientists seeking comprehensive technical knowledge in the GPS field.
Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications, Second Edition book cover

by Elliott D. Kaplan, Christopher Hegarty·You?

2005·726 pages·GPS, Navigation Systems, Satellite Technology, Signal Processing, Systems Engineering

What started as a detailed systems engineering challenge became a definitive guide through the intricate world of GPS technology. Elliott D. Kaplan and Christopher Hegarty leverage their deep expertise to walk you through satellite signal structures, orbit mechanics, and the nuances of signal acquisition and tracking. You’ll find chapters that explain PRN codes, time-of-arrival ranging, and how GPS integrates with other sensors and networks, including insights into global systems like GLONASS and BeiDou. This book suits engineers, scientists, and students eager to grasp the technical foundations and practical applications of GPS and GNSS navigation.

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Best for beginners seeking clear GPS concepts
This edition of Introduction to GPS stands out by offering an accessible yet detailed look at the global positioning system, a cornerstone technology in modern navigation and telecommunications. Ahmed El-Rabbany presents the material in a way that makes complex satellite navigation concepts understandable without heavy mathematical demands, covering up-to-date topics like satellite orbits and precise point positioning. The book’s clear explanations and current coverage make it a trusted resource for students, engineers, and anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of GPS technology and its applications in today's location-based services.
2006·230 pages·GPS, Satellite Navigation, Positioning Systems, Location Services, Orbit Mechanics

Ahmed El-Rabbany, an expert in satellite navigation systems, crafted this updated edition to bridge the gap between complex GPS theory and practical understanding. You gain clear insights into core GPS concepts, from satellite orbits to modern applications like precise point positioning and location-based services. The book's approach favors accessibility, avoiding heavy math while still unpacking critical technical details, making it ideal if you want to grasp how GPS functions and how it’s evolving. Whether you're an engineer, student, or tech enthusiast, this book offers a solid foundation in GPS technology without overwhelming you with jargon or equations.

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Best for receiver design and signal processing
This book stands out in the GPS field by focusing on software-defined radio techniques to build flexible, reconfigurable satellite navigation receivers. Its approach bridges foundational theory and current research, guiding you through receiver architecture that supports both GPS and Galileo systems. With a clear, accessible style, the book suits applied mathematicians, electrical engineers, and geodesists aiming to master single-frequency receiver design. It addresses the evolving need for adaptable navigation hardware, making it a valuable reference for both coursework and professional development in satellite navigation technology.
A Software-Defined GPS and Galileo Receiver: A Single-Frequency Approach (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis) book cover

by Kai Borre, Dennis M. Akos, Nicolaj Bertelsen, Peter Rinder, Søren Holdt Jensen·You?

2006·197 pages·GPS, Signal Processing, Receiver Design, Software Defined Radio, Satellite Navigation

Drawing from their combined expertise in satellite navigation and signal processing, the authors present a detailed examination of software-defined radio techniques applied to GPS and Galileo receivers. You gain a layered understanding starting from foundational concepts moving toward advanced receiver architecture, emphasizing the flexibility of a single-frequency approach. Chapters delve into the practical construction of reconfigurable receivers, making it ideal if you seek to deepen skills in receiver design or signal analysis. This book particularly suits applied mathematicians, electrical engineers, and graduate students engaged with GPS technology, offering clear explanations without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for rapid GPS mastery
This custom AI book on GPS proficiency is created based on your current experience and learning goals. By sharing what you already know and what aspects of GPS you want to master, the book delivers focused content that matches your background and interests. Personalizing the learning journey in this way makes mastering GPS concepts and practical skills more efficient and engaging, helping you build confidence quickly.
2025·50-300 pages·GPS, GPS Fundamentals, Satellite Navigation, Signal Processing, Device Operation

This tailored GPS learning book explores the essentials of satellite navigation through a personalized lens that aligns with your unique experience and goals. It covers fundamental GPS concepts, signal interpretation, device handling, and practical navigation techniques, all adapted to focus on what matters most to you. By matching well-established knowledge with your specific interests, it reveals how to quickly build competence and confidence in GPS use. Through this personalized approach, the book examines both technical details and real-world applications, offering a clear path to rapid proficiency. It fosters an engaging learning experience that connects core principles with customized insights, crafted to accelerate your mastery in this dynamic field.

Tailored Content
Rapid Proficiency
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for technical professionals deepening GPS knowledge
Understanding GPS Principles and Applications by Elliott Kaplan stands out in the GPS field by offering a detailed, expert-driven examination of satellite navigation systems. This guide is grounded in technical rigor yet approachable for senior undergraduates and professionals, presenting continuous, three-dimensional positioning and velocity data with clarity. It addresses a broad spectrum of GPS applications—from air to marine and land navigation—while also contemplating future market developments. The book’s comprehensive approach makes it invaluable for engineers and technical professionals seeking to deepen their command of GPS technology and its practical uses across industries.
1996·576 pages·GPS, Satellite Navigation, Positioning Systems, Velocity Data, Navigation Technology

Unlike most GPS books that focus solely on theoretical aspects, Elliott Kaplan's guide offers a thorough yet accessible exploration tailored for technical professionals and engineers with an undergraduate background. The book delves into the intricacies of satellite navigation systems, providing clear explanations of three-dimensional positioning, velocity data, and the evolving applications of GPS across air, land, and marine environments. Chapters cover foundational principles as well as future market projections, equipping you with a solid understanding of both current technology and emerging trends. If you seek a deep technical grasp of GPS mechanisms and their practical implications, this book serves as a solid reference; however, it may be dense for casual enthusiasts.

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Best for practical GPS applications and general users
Gps for Everyone offers a unique blend of technical detail and practical insight that has resonated with a broad audience since its release. The book’s straightforward approach to explaining GPS fundamentals, from satellite systems to signal processing, makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in how this technology shapes modern navigation and commerce. Its inclusion of historical context and vendor information further enriches your understanding, positioning it as a reliable guide for both newcomers and professionals seeking to deepen their GPS knowledge.
1998·359 pages·GPS, Navigation, Technology, Cartography, Surveying

What started as a need to demystify the increasingly widespread technology of GPS became a detailed yet accessible manual by L. Casey Larijani. This book walks you through everything from basic satellite mechanics to practical applications in transportation and surveying, making complex concepts understandable without oversimplifying. You gain insights into GPS signals, navigation history, and technical uses like defense and cartography, alongside commercial implications and cost considerations. Whether you’re a technology enthusiast, a professional in related fields, or simply curious about how GPS integrates into daily life, this book offers a solid foundation and reference point.

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Best for users needing practical GPS device guidance
Joel McNamara is a technology consultant and author whose unique career spans from archaeological work with LANDSAT satellite data to practical GPS applications in search-and-rescue, firefighting, and disaster response. This diverse background informs his clear and confident approach to explaining GPS technology, making this book a solid resource for anyone looking to move beyond basic usage and truly harness the potential of their GPS device.
GPS For Dummies book cover

by Joel McNamara··You?

2008·416 pages·GPS, Mapping, Navigation, Digital Maps, Coordinate Systems

Joel McNamara wrote this book from a deep well of experience, blending his background in archaeology and technology consulting with hands-on use of GPS in critical fields like search-and-rescue and disaster response. You’ll learn to navigate the intricacies of GPS devices, from understanding waypoints and coordinate systems to leveraging online mapping tools like Google Earth and TopoFusion. The book demystifies the technology behind GPS satellites and radio systems, explaining how accuracy can vary and what factors influence readings. Whether you own a GPS device or plan to buy one, this guide equips you with practical know-how to confidently explore and utilize GPS technology beyond basic navigation.

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Conclusion

This collection highlights the power of GPS knowledge shaped by experts and validated by widespread readership. Whether you're drawn to the practical wilderness navigation skills in "Wilderness Navigation" or the deep technical foundations in "Global Positioning System," these books offer proven strategies that stand the test of time.

If you prefer well-established methods, start with "Introduction to GPS" for a clear, accessible foundation, then deepen your expertise with "Understanding GPS Principles and Applications." For practical device use and everyday applications, "GPS For Dummies" and "Gps for Everyone" provide hands-on guidance.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized GPS book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering GPS technology and applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Introduction to GPS" for a clear and accessible overview. It lays a solid foundation without heavy math, perfect for beginners eager to understand GPS basics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to GPS?

Not at all. Titles like "GPS For Dummies" and "Gps for Everyone" are designed for newcomers, offering practical guidance without assuming prior experience.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with accessible introductions like "Introduction to GPS," then explore specialized books such as "Global Positioning System" for theory, and "Wilderness Navigation" for practical applications.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

They cover both. For theory, "Understanding GPS Principles and Applications" offers technical depth, while "Wilderness Navigation" emphasizes hands-on navigation skills.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast GPS changes?

While GPS technology evolves, foundational principles remain stable. These books balance enduring concepts with up-to-date insights, making them relevant for lasting understanding.

Can I get GPS knowledge tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! While expert books provide broad insights, you can create a personalized GPS book to focus on your unique experience, goals, and areas of interest for faster, targeted learning.

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