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ok, my father in law wants a gps system that he and his 3 friends can each purchase where it will show their locations on all 4 gps systems...is this possible? and if so, what is the name of this technology so i can research this further

any responses are greatly appreciated

GPS receivers are just that, receivers. They do not communicate with each other. In order to communicate they would need some means of sending messages, like a cell network. However, if you're out in the boonies fishing, you might not get any cell reception anyway. The Garmin Rhinos can communicate, but I think it's just for voice. There are systems that can have the GPS report back to a central location, they are used for tracking trucks and such, including your kids.

Actually the Garmin Rino series (link) will do what you want using FRS/GMRS radio technology. They are limited to the range of this type of radio service.

Position Reporting lets you send your exact location to other Rino users in your group so that everyone can see your position on the map page. And, because Rino is a standard FRS/GMRS radio, you can use it to communicate with any other conventional FRS/GMRS radio around.

I have two RINOs and I specifically bought two so that me and a buddy could keep track of each other while paddling a river.

Unfortunately.. they were not rock-solid reliable. They did not have the sensitive chipsets on them and so they'd blink out from time to time and the units do not tell you that.. instead they show the icon at the last location or it suddenly disappears without warning...

The concept is great.. the execution was .. underwhelming..

perhaps they have gotten better...but buying two of them is a lot of money to put down.. and not have them provide that core functionality - which is the reason that I chose them over other receivers.

You might look at the Garmin HCx series of Rino models. Added High sens receivers + 2 way radio and companion location info capable.