Using the United States global positioning system to map the location of apiaries

Commercial and hobbyist beekeepers can use the public accessible Defense Department satellite network (United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System or GPS) to establish, find, map and then relocate their apiaries. By employing inexpensive hand-held satellite signal receivers, beekeepers can instantly obtain latitude, longitude and elevational information for their apiaries. These receivers also allow beekeepers to locate and map apiary or individual hive locations with greater accuracy than is possible using topographic maps or mileage and directional information. Additionally driving routes between home, work place and apiaries can be registered with ''waypoints'' allowing new employees to quickly find a distant apiary without first being shown the way. The GPS signals the end of lost apiaries and wasted time and money trying relocate distant sites.