Global Positioning Systems And Their Applications

Satellite technology has made possible Global Positioning Systems, also known as GPS. GPS systems are guided by 24 satellites originally put in orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense, for military operations. The U.S. government made the system available for civilian use in the 1980′s. The popularity of Global Positioning Systems has been progressively rising since that time.

GPS technology works in almost any location, at any time and under all weather conditions. The only exception is areas where signals do not penetrate, such as inside buildings, caves, tunnels or under water. A subscription or setup fee is not required as service is freely available to all users.

Applications

GPS is now a built-in feature of many automobiles. Garmin and other GPS manufacturers build auto GPS units with emergency assistance, location and direction information. Occupational applications of GPS continue to multiply. It has increased the efficiency and decreased the cost of surveying by reducing site setup time and dramatically improving accuracy. GPS is heavily used by forest rangers and farmers. Geologists, biologists, and other scientists use it for its precision timing capability and for accurate position information. Professional mariners and commercial fishermen use GPS excessively also.

Drivers and dispatchers use it to improve customer service and fleet tracking. GPS is an essential component of emergency response, disaster relief and public safety. In the air, GPS improves pilot communication, navigation, and hazard avoidance. GPS is also revolutionizing space exploration.

Recreational uses of GPS navigation systems continue to expand. Hikers, hunters, snowmobile drivers, fishermen, and boaters use it. In fact, anyone who wants to keep track of where he or she is or figure out how to get from one place to another will find a GPS useful. The worldwide activity of geocaching would not be possible without GPS. Even golf has not been left unaffected by GPS as it tells golfers how hard they have to swing for reaching the holes.

Equipment

Sophistication ranges from entry-level devices appropriate for recreational use, to cutting edge technology for high Earth orbit missions. Enhanced technology is making GPS more available within heavy foliage environments. Another popularity boost for GPS is its integration into cell phones, which has enhanced emergency response.

The newest auto GPS units are both more sophisticated and more user friendly than earlier systems. Manufacturer support services enhance the accessibility and availability of the technology.

With many choices of GPS receivers now available, consumer reviews also inform purchases. To purchase a new or refurbished receiver, one can turn to the Internet which is a authoritative resource for information on GPS technology. For this growing technology that is fast becoming part of every day life, a lot of technical websites are dedicated to inform the public.

Michael D. Torc is an enthusiast of auto GPS units and a member of Mensa. To learn more about automotive GPS, visit his website: http://www.auto-gps-units.com.