Editor's Note: Brian Westbrook is filing for KOMOTV.com from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

With 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space and booths that themselves have more square footage than the largest homes (to say nothing for the temporary structures in the parking lot) - it's easy to get lost here at CES.

Fortunately, there are dozens of companies offering new ways to use Global Positioning System (GPS) data to help us find our way out of the woods, around town and even to locate pets or those in our care that have become disoriented.

The GPS is a military-run network of satellites capable of working together to pinpoint a location within a few feet, and receivers have become small and affordable in recent years. They're finding themselves in cars, phones and even on the family dog. 

Judging on sheer quantity alone, these so-called location-based devices are fast-becoming an essential accessory. I took three such gadgets for a spin with mixed results.

First up: the Location Based Technologies' PocketFinder. It easily wins the convenience category sporting an indestructible (don't think I didn't try!) design slightly larger than an Oreo TM cookie. For around $130 once available plus a monthly service fee, the gizmo is completely sealed in a waterproof case. An inductive-based charging tray (look mom, no wires!) will keep this locater beacon going for 10 days. 

Now the real neat thing about the PocketFinder (and what set it apart from the others I tried) is the tracking interface. Using an intuitive website, you can program an alarm when a device passes enters or exits a "zone" or travels over a certain speed. These alarms could be useful for keeping tabs on teen drivers or adventurous canines.

The PocketFinder is able to transmit only where GSM-based cellular service is available so, while it might be useful in the neighborhood, it won't alert rescuers if you're stuck on Mt. Rainier or stranded on an abandoned highway.

For a cellular network-independent device, I tried the SPOT Satellite Messenger. The world's first such device, this handheld unit - in fashionable safety orange - has buttons to request assistance, inform loved ones that everything is okay, and even a "911" button for emergencies. 

On a good day you can use the device to trigger an email to pre-determined recipients with a link to your precise location at that time. When you're in trouble, the SPOT command center notifies the appropriate local emergency services. In tracking mode, friends and family can watch your progress using Google Maps.

Grab a SPOT Satellite Messenger at retailers such as REI and Cabella's before your next outdoor adventure or private flight.

Finally, asking for directions is quickly becoming old-fashioned. New GPS navigation systems by Garmin, TomTom and others on display here in Las Vegas are increasingly portable, easier to use, and sport full-color turn-by-turn directions.

I think I'm set!  With turn-by-turn directions I can find my way through this maze of Taj Mahal-like structures, I've got a personal locator beacon in case I get lost - and should things really go wrong the National Guard Search & Rescue is a button away.

Now if only these gadgets would help me decide what to see and do here at the show first.

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Brian M. Westbrook covers the Internet, the latest technology and the hottest gadgets. To reach Brian send an e-mail to techexpert@brianwestbrook.com .