GPS technology is a relatively new advancement in society – however, when it comes to studying the impact using GPS has on spatial cognition, the research is relatively limited. The present study aimed to study the specific ways GPS is used in various navigational scenarios (as well as general dependence on using GPS) and their relations to spatial ability. Here, we operationalize GPS dependence as an individual’s perceived need to use GPS in navigational scenarios, whereas GPS usage is the frequency at which they are utilizing GPS. We also assessed whether people modulate use of GPS as a function of the familiarity of a navigation scenario. Generally, we found that using GPS more for turn-by-turn directions was most strongly associated with lower perceived sense of direction, higher spatial anxiety, and greater overall GPS dependence. People additionally reported using GPS most frequently for time and traffic estimation, which is assumed to augment navigation and spatial knowledge (as people have less direct insight into events impacting route selection, such as a crash or rush hour). Objective navigation performance was significantly negatively associated with overall GPS dependence, but only approached significance for turn-by-turn use. Finally, it was generally found that as people become more familiar with an environment, they use GPS less (regardless of perceived sense of direction). This provides preliminary evidence of overall moderation of GPS use in the general population, and gives insight as to what types of GPS use are associated with poorer levels of spatial ability (i.e., turn-by-turn directions).