How Gps Works
By Anne King, Fri Dec 9th
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigational aid originallydeveloped for the military. The system simply receives signals.It is the applied technology that gives the GPS its versatility.
If you have ever used map and compass, you will understand alittle about how the GPS works. In order to find your positionon a map, you need to have three points of reference. Theintersecting line from the reference points is where you are.Map and compass work uses triangulation (bearings), GPS usestrilateration (distances) to calculate location. Satellitesorbiting the earth emit unique signals that can be received by aGPS. The GPS software interprets the signal, identifying thesatellite that it came from, where it was located, and the timethat it took for the signal to reach the system. Once thereceiver has both time and distance it begins to determineposition.
Three satellites provide the intersection point and the fourthis used to check that the positioning is accurate. Accuracydepends upon the synchronization of atomic clocks in thesatellites with the clock in the GPS system. Although the clockin the GPS is not atomic, utilizing the fourth satellite givesit that functionality as the internal clock adjusts itself tocorrect any discrepancy discovered.
GPS has gone far beyond its initial military application.Drivers can find their way through city streets, long distancetrekkers use the technology to cross unfamiliar terrain,mariners and pilots use GPS enhanced data to cross the seas andskies.
In--vehicle GPS can be integrated into the car entertainmentsystem or can be installed as a removable device. These systemsneed to tell the driver where he/she is and how to reach theirdestination. The information includes road directions plusrelevant features along the way such as rest stops, gasstations, points of interest, etc. Auto GPS uses voice commandsso that the driver can concentrate on the road.
Hikers and trekkers use similar technology, but normally withoutthe
inclusion of road systems on their devices. Mapping softwaredefines
the territory that the hiker will encounter. The usercan enter
waypoints (points of reference) so they can returnusing the same
route. They can add points of interest such aswater sources, possible
campsites, and other items of intereston their trail. However,
the portability demanded by hikers willalso limit the functionality
of the system as small screens meanthat some detail will be lost.
It is GPS technology that is used to track individuals on homearrest, to trace missing pets, stolen vehicles, and missingpeople. Small systems can be incorporated into pet collars andwristwatches. As long as the receiver is active, it can be found.
Marine and aviation GPS units are sophisticated and specialized.The principles involved are the same as any standard system; thesoftware is much more highly developed.
Any fisherman, who is using a fish finder on his boat, is usinga GPS that is enhanced by sonar and tracking devices. Units havebeen developed for use on float tubes also -– as GPS technologyadvances, the systems become more and more compact and theiruses more and more extensive.
If you are considering purchasing a GPS, make sure that it canbe updated easily. This is especially true if you buy amulti--function GPS or one that is used where conditions changeregularly. An in--vehicle GPS soon loses its usefulness if it isnot updated as road systems change.
Updates vary according to the device being used. They can comein CD/DVD packages or as computer downloads. The user canpurchase maps specific to the area in which the GPS will be usedor a range of maps and routes. These are available from GPSsoftware companies who will charge proportionally to thesophistication of the software.
GPS units vary in price according to their usefulness. It ispossible to buy units for less than one hundred dollars to unitscosting more than one thousand dollars. What your needs are willbe a factor in the cost of your unit. If you are a backpackerthen portability is a major consideration. If you are a trucker,you need to be able to find a delivery point as quickly andconveniently as possible. Whatever device you go for, cost isgenerally related to quality. Buy the best you can afford.
About the author:Anne King is a sports and recreation writer
in Boise, Idaho. For
more GPSinformation, visit Maps GPS Info.com which providespractical
information on GPS and maps that everyone can use. Thewebsite
includes product reviews and a maps/GPS glossary.
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