GPS: A Tool To Fit Our World's Need
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. If
you haven't heard of GPS, you need to get caught up. It could
help to benefit your life in one way or another.
First, understand how GPS works. Circling the globe are 24
satellites. They are orbiting the Earth at different locations
and make a complete orbit around the Earth in about 12 hours.
They are located about 12,000 miles above the surface of the
Earth. They correspond with receivers that are scattered around
the world. They are always transmitting information through
digital radio signals. These signals tells 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.
How They Work
Each of the satellites that work in the GPS network will send
these signals to the transmitters down on Earth. They travel at
the speed of light in fact. By knowing the length of time that
it takes for the signal to get to the receiver, the receivers
can get precise measurements. In other words, the longer it
takes the receiver to receiver the signal from the GPS
satellite, the farther away the GPS satellite is at that moment.
This all helps the receiver and the transmitter to convey where
they are on a longitude and latitude basis. When four receivers
are used, this can also tell the altitude as well.
It was first developed and used by the United States Government
in the Department of Defense. It allows for accurate, all
weather navigation for such things as military ground, sea and
air forces to work and communicate.
Today, though, it is used in much different circumstances. In
fact, you will see it used throughout the world in many non
governmental rolls.
Today's Uses
There are many uses of the GPS system today. In many cases, the
GPS is a great way for finding and keeping track of just about
anything. It has the ability to communicate within seconds and
with precision that is unmatched in any other application
available. It is also simple to use and inexpensive in many
cases as well. Here are some examples to think about.
You may have heard of cars and other vehicles using GPS
tracking. This is one of the largest and most beneficial uses
for the system. First, it allows for the car to be kept safe.
For example, it can help to track a car that has been stolen. It
works by transmitting data to the satellite receivers that then
are sent to the authorities. The end result is that within
seconds, you can know where your car has been taken.
But, that is far from all it can do on a car. In many
of today's cars, there are GPS tracking systems that can be used
to help navigate the car. For example, if your system is
working, it can tell you how to get from point A to point B
without a problem. It will even tell you when you should be
turning.
Yet another example of its use in the car is its
ability to 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.
But, cars are not the only thing that uses GPS. Any
device can be equipped with one if there is a need for it. An
example would be the heart rate monitor. Many use these for
exercise to let them know when they have reached a targeted rate
and how long they are holding it for. Well, how about a watch
that is equipped not only to monitor the heart rate, but to tell
you where you are running, how long it took you to get from one
place to the next and the distance that you just traveled? GPS
allows for this!
GPS is a system that is useful and convenient. It allows for
many uses and it has a real fit within the world. You'll find it
in all sorts of unique products.