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Article #214: How GPS Works

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Global Positioning System (GPS) is a same route. They can add points of
navigational aid originally developed for interest such as water sources, possible
the military. The system simply receives campsites, and other items of interest on
signals. It is the applied technology their trail. However, the portability
that gives the GPS its versatility. demanded by hikers will also limit the
If you have ever used map and compass, functionality of the system as small
you will understand a little about how screens mean that some detail will be
the GPS works. In order to find your lost.
position on a map, you need to have three It is GPS technology that is used to
points of reference. The intersecting track individuals on home arrest, to
line from the reference points is where trace missing pets, stolen vehicles, and
you are. Map and compass work uses missing people. Small systems can be
triangulation (bearings), GPS uses incorporated into pet collars and
trilateration (distances) to calculate wristwatches. As long as the receiver is
location. Satellites orbiting the earth active, it can be found.
emit unique signals that can be received Marine and aviation GPS units are
by a GPS. The GPS software interprets the sophisticated and specialized. The
signal, identifying the satellite that it principles involved are the same as any
came from, where it was located, and the standard system the software is much more
time that it took for the signal to reach highly developed.
the system. Once the receiver has both Any fisherman, who is using a fish finder
time and distance it begins to determine on his boat, is using a GPS that is
position. enhanced by sonar and tracking devices.
Three satellites provide the intersection Units have been developed for use on
point and the fourth is used to check float tubes also -- as GPS technology
that the positioning is accurate. advances, the systems become more and
Accuracy depends upon the synchronization more compact and their uses more and
of atomic clocks in the satellites with more extensive.
the clock in the GPS system. Although the If you are considering purchasing a GPS,
clock in the GPS is not atomic, make sure that it can be updated easily.
utilizing the fourth satellite gives it This is especially true if you buy a
that functionality as the internal clock multi--function GPS or one that is used
adjusts itself to correct any discrepancy where conditions change regularly. An
discovered. in--vehicle GPS soon loses its usefulness
GPS has gone far beyond its initial if it is not updated as road systems
military application. Drivers can find change.
their way through city streets, long Updates vary according to the device
distance trekkers use the technology to being used. They can come in CD/DVD
cross unfamiliar terrain, mariners and packages or as computer downloads. The
pilots use GPS enhanced data to cross the user can purchase maps specific to the
seas and skies. area in which the GPS will be used or a
In--vehicle GPS can be integrated into range of maps and routes. These are
the car entertainment system or can be available from GPS software companies
installed as a removable device. These who will charge proportionally to the
systems need to tell the driver where he sophistication of the software.
she is and how to reach their GPS units vary in price according to
destination. The information includes their usefulness. It is possible to buy
road directions plus relevant features units for less than one hundred dollars
along the way such as rest stops, gas to units costing more than one thousand
stations, points of interest, etc. Auto dollars. What your needs are will be a
GPS uses voice commands so that the factor in the cost of your unit. If you
driver can concentrate on the road. are a backpacker then portability is a
Hikers and trekkers use similar major consideration. If you are a
technology, but normally without the trucker, you need to be able to find a
inclusion of road systems on their delivery point as quickly and
devices. Mapping software defines the conveniently as possible. Whatever device
territory that the hiker will encounter. you go for, cost is generally related to
The user can enter waypoints (points of quality. Buy the best you can afford.
reference) so they can return using the






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