Dear friends, in this article we are going to discuss the History of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Definition of Global Positioning System(GPS), What is a global positioning system and how a GPS works, Elements of GPS, Uses of GPS and Future of GPS. We will discover everything about the GPS.
History Of Global Positioning System(GPS):
The global positioning system is a navigation technique that is also known as GPS. GPS is the part of technology that we are using right now.
Thousand years ago, humans have been using navigation technology by using natural resources like; The Sun, Moon, Stars etc.
They were using these natural resources to find the location. Later on, With the help of space-age technology, GPS technology was improved in the 20th century.
In the 20th century, the Global Positioning System (GPS) was mostly used in the Defence forces for security reasons and to track geo-locations. Later on, in 1983 US government made it publically available.
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Definition Of Global Positioning System(GPS):
The Global Positioning System(GPS), is a navigation-based technology. It is primarily used in navigating, positioning and monitoring space-based applications.
The GPS is a space-based radio navigation technology used to monitor and control the satellite broadcasting navigation signals.
The satellite-based GPS technology is governed by the Department of Defense for security reasons.
The most common use of the GPS technology, that we are using in our day-to-day life is to provide geographic information to increase our knowledge collected in real time but at a very low cost.
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How Does GPS Works?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that operates through the networks of satellites for transmitting radio signals from the medium of the earth’s orbit.
It operates through an algorithm to match the location, velocity and time for air, sea and land-based medium.
The GPS is a system of more than 30 navigating satellites around the earth. We can identify their location by receiving the signals sent by satellite.
A GPS receiver in our mobile receives these signals and then it starts to calculate the distance to track the location where exactly we are.
Satellites in the sky act like a star, to track the exact location at any given time. The land stations use radar to give us confirmation they are actually at the same position where we think they are.
A GPS receiver in our mobile or our car system always listens to the signals from the satellites for tracking the exact location and distance.
To know our exact location, the receiver calculates the distance from four or more satellites.
The GPS plays an important role in human life to track the nearest location around us. It also helps in calculating the distance from one place to another within a few seconds.
An internet connection is a must for operating the GPS independently and to work effectively. It works in all weather conditions.
Initially, when it was launched for the military system, 24 satellites orbit the earth every 12 hours.
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Elements Of Global Positioning System (GPS):
The Global Positioning System(GPS) is made up of 3 important elements. These elements are explained below:
Space Segment:
The Space segment consists of more than 30 satellites, that rotate the earth approximately at a height of 20000 Kilometres.
These satellites contain ultra atomic clock systems synchronised with ground clocks.
These ultra atomic clocks are accurate to one billion of a second. Each satellite emits the signal that is captured by the receivers on Earth.
GPS Ground Segment:
The GPS ground system helps to perform the proper functioning between the satellite and the entire GPS system.
It contains a host of ground facilities in one Master Control Station, An alternative Master Control Station for backups, 11 command antennas and 15 monitoring sites.
These different elements work together to track the performance and control the work of satellites.
Receivers:
The receivers are electronic devices containing a receiver processor and antennas to match the frequency of signals sent by satellites.
Our Smartphones are the best example for receivers.
Uses Of Global Positioning System:
The GPS is a powerful tool of technology. It works anywhere, anytime in almost all weather circumstances. So, GPS is an important part of individuals, businesses and other commercial uses.
There are 4 important uses of GPS explained below:
1 Location Tracking:
The GPS can be used to track any location at any time. It is used to determine the position.
2 Navigation System:
Used to track the distance and exact location of one place to another.
3 Mapping:
Used to create world maps of different places.
4 Movement Tracking:
It helps to track the movement of a personal object.
The Future Of GPS And Tracking:
A Global Positioning System is not just a way to track the location only. GPS helps is in monitoring the parameters like speed, distance and real-time tracking.
GPS technology is mainly used in smartphones, transportation systems, automobiles etc as well as it is becoming more popular in personal safety devices for GPS tracking in smartwatches.
The future of GPS tracking looks very advantageous and we can expect some interesting improvements in this area.
The GPS devices are compact and they have a long lifespan. The GPS trackers are affordable for every person, because of their low price points. It is an efficient and affordable technology.
So, this is the information about Global Positioning System (GPS). We hope that you get a clear understanding of GPS in this article.
If you want to ask anything then please feel free to contact us by commenting.
How accurate is the GPS?
GPS satellites broadcast their signals with certain accuracy but their accuracy depends on the medium of signals that you are receiving. These receiving mediums could be a signal blockage, bad weather conditions and the features or qualities of receiving devices.
The accurate results with a GPS-enabled smartphone could get under an open sky.
What are the factors responsible for GPS measurement?
As with a global positioning system, the speed accuracy of GPS depends on many factors.
These measurement factors are outside of our control, including satellite geometry, signal blockage, atmospheric conditions, and receiver design features/quality, to calculate the receiver’s speed accuracy.
How does GPS tracking work?
A GPS tracking system works by using the Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) network.