GPS Technology

By Tomarr Sanders

What is GPS Technology?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a

network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was

originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the

system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the

world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

GPS Development GPS or the Global Positioning System was invented by the U.S. Department of Defense (D.O.D) and Ivan Getting, at the cost of twelve billion taxpayer dollars. The Global Positioning System is a satellite navigational system, predominantly designed for navigation. GPS is now gaining prominence as a timing tool.

GPS Locations

GPS Devices/Receiver.

A GPS receiver's job is to locate four or more of these satellites, figure out the distanc e to each, and use this information to deduce its own location. This operation is based on a simple mathematical principle called trilateration.

GPS Devices/Receiver.The use of Global Position System (GPS) has become quite diverse from automobiles, mobile phones, tourist facilities, city maps, and even pet collars. GPS works through a network (often called constellation) of 27 satellites that move around the Earth in geo synchronous orbit. These satellites exchange relative data to fix the position of one particular object on the surface. Similar to the Internet, the technology was original implemented for military use in order to help precise control of troops as well as getting accurate information about enemy troops and armament placement and movement. And like the Internet it was soon the commercial use that would dominate global reliance on GPS.

GPS Devices/Receiver.WHAT DOES A GPS RECEIVER DO? A GPS receiver (GPSR) is a RECEIVER of radio signals and it does not transmit anything to anywhere. The GPSR provides, as its primary function, the ability to locate your CURRENT POSITION anywhere on the planet. Normally, it can do this to an accuracy of perhaps 6 to 8 meters with 95% certainty depending on obstructions to the sky. Some models also have built in (or up loadable) maps to allow you to view on the GPSr's screen your current position. Also selected models will receive WAAS corrections, resulting in accuracies of 3 to 4m 95% of the time as shown PROVIDED your are in the clear. WAAS is more susceptible to tree cover than non-WAAS.

What can GPS do?ESSENTIAL MAP READING SKILLSCreating GPS technology that is readily available; our younger generation is losing the essential ability to read maps. With any computer devise, all can have problems that may cause the devise to malfunction or break. If you are someone who relies heavily on a devise that tells you which route to take and it happens to malfunction, you may not a map available as an alternative.

Advantages / Disadvantages Advantages:-fast speed-leads u in right direction-helps improve mapping skills-makes navigation easier-has panic buttons built in-you can be found easier if in danger or in accident-plugs into your car cigarette lighter

Disadvantages:-cellular devices can track other cellular device users- not very cheap-people focus on GPS more than road = accidents-should be used as backup map but used as 1st resource-needs good care and handling-external power-needs batteries (handheld ones)If anyone has found more information please add on!!!!!!

Sources Cited.www.Goolgle.comwww.Garmin.com

www.gpsinformation.net