Global Positioning System

What I want to talk about?

Definition of GPS. Determining position. Applications in military, navigation, surveying...

Definition:

The Global Positioning System, usually called GPS, is the only fully-functional satellite navigation system allow small electronic devices to determine their location (Longitude, Latitude, and Altitude) in within a few meters using time signals transmitted along a line of sight by radio from satellites. Receivers on the ground with a fixed position can also be used to calculate the precise time as a reference for scientific experiments.

NAVSTAR:

The United States Department of Defense developed the system, officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System), and launched the first experimental satellite in 1978.

This taxi in Kyoto equipped with GPS navigation, is an example of how GPS technology can be applied in routine activities.

This is a great little GPS receiver that lets you know where you are, and where you need to go. It's Bluetooth so you can use it in your pocket, with your iPAQ or laptop, and with whichever software your choose.

Accuracy:

The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of at least 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit around the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 1 to 100 meters depending on the type of equipment used . In coming years it reduce into 1cm with DGPS. The

DGPS eliminates selective availability (SA) and provides a much more accurate determination of time and position. The GPS is owned and operated by
the U.S. Department of Defense, but is available for general use around the world.

Determining Position

A GPS receiver "knows" the location of the satellites. By estimating how far away a satellite is, the receiver also "knows" it is located somewhere on the surface of an imaginary sphere centered at the satellite. It then determines the sizes of several spheres, one for each satellite. The receiver is located where these spheres intersect.

Applications:

GPS has different uses such as:

Military Navigation Mobile satellite communication Surveying

Military:
GPS allows accurate targeting of various military weapons including cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions, as well as improved command and control of forces through improved location awareness. The satellites also carry nuclear detonation detectors, which form a major portion of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System. Civilian GPS receivers are required to have limits on the velocities and altitudes at which they will report coordinates.

Navigation
GPS is used by people around the world as a navigation aid in cars, airplanes, and ships. Personal Navigation Devices(PND) such as hand-held GPS are used by mountain climbers and hikers. Glider pilots use the logged signal to verify their arrival at turn points in competitions. Low cost GPS receivers are often combined with PDAs, cell phones, car computers or vehicle tracking systems.. The system can be used to automate harvesters, mine trucks, and other vehicles.

Mobile Satellite Communications :

Satellite communications systems permit "remotes to communicate with "hubs" via satellites. A typical system uses satellites in geosynchronous orbit: this requires a directional antenna (usually a "dish") that is pointed at the satellite. When the "remote" is portable, as on a ship or a train, the antenna must be pointed based on its current location. Essentially all modern antenna controllers incorporate a GPS receiver to provide this location information.

Surveying:

More costly and precise receivers are used by land surveyors to locate boundaries, structures, and survey markers, and for road construction. There is also a growing demand for Machine Guidance such as Automatic Grade Control systems that use GPS positions plans to automatically control the blades and buckets of construction equipment.

Thank you!
By:

Sunetra sadhu