Global Positioning Systems (GPS) - The World Has Grown Smaller
(GPS) Global Positioning Systems - The World Grows Smaller
Gary Mialocq, Ph.D.
As a young child in the first grade not long after the end of
WW2, I remember looking at a globe in the classroom and seeing
"Unexplored Territory" in several places. Well, times have
certainly changed. Now, with the new technology, GPS, it is
becoming very difficult to get lost.
GPS, or global positioning system, is a tool that is used to
measure distance and to help pinpoint location any place in the
world. The fact is that it is an excellent tool that can do so
much more than just tell you where you are. And, it is being
used in everything from heart rate monitors to automobiles. This
is amazing technology.
There are 24 satellites orbiting the earth at various locations
at an altitude of 12,000 feet. They are always transmitting
information through digital radio signals that tell the
transmitters where they are and the exact time. They are so
precise that they transmit time to the billionth of a second in
accuracy.
Although first developed by the Department of Defense for
military purposes, the GPS has found its way into society with
many non-governmental functions. Let's examine a few:
Automobiles. You can use this system to drive from one location
to another without getting lost. it can help to track a car that
has been stolen. It works by transmitting data to the satellite
receivers that are then sent to the authorities. Within seconds,
you can know your car's location. It can also be of great help
in emergency situations. The transmitted information can be sent
to the authorities to alert them that you are in trouble. GPS
jumps in and helps to find your location. Many vehicles are now
being outfitted with this as standard equipment.
GPS devices are now use for recreational uses for the outdoor
sportsman such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, or boating
and can be an excellent way to make sure that you don't get lost.
Companies are putting GPS to use as well. It virtually
eliminates moonlighting with company vehicles. It reduces
accidents and lowers insurance premiums by promoting safe
employee driving habits and even creates reports of miles driven
by each vehicle.
Think your spouse if being unfaithful? Don't hire a high priced
private investigator. These devices work so well because they
are covert. Some are small enough to hide in a purse or in the
car. There now have cell phones equipped with GPS devices. Not
only can you locate someone right now, but you can also pull up
a history of where the unit has been.
In summary, you won't be finding any more maps as I did as a
child marked "Unexplored territory". GLOBAL POSITIONING
SYSTEMS