GPS: Why Does It Work?

Posted by admin on April 27th, 2009 filed in GPS Systems, Other

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Global Positioning System System or Global Positioning system is an operational navigational system, which employs the use of navigational satellites. Primarily designed to track an individual’s location and is capable of providing real time reference within Earth or its orbit. The satellite navigation system was first started and used by the Department of the Defense of the United States but was later adopted by other states like Europe (Galileo) and Russia (GLONASS). In the U.S. any citizen is allowed to use the navigational system for free.

The satellite navigational system is primarily divided into three segments namely, space, control, user.

Space segment works through the Global Positioning System satellite constellation in an ICO or Intermediate Circular Orbit. The control segment on the other hand comprises of the control stations situated on the ground that are scattered throughout the Earth. These control the Global Positioning System satellites flight paths and the synchronization of the atomic clocks in the satellite. Ground stations also monitor the data uploading of the satellite transmissions. Meanwhile, the user segment is composed of the military and civilian GPS receivers.

Technically, GPS system is composed of 24 satellites (that is the minimum number of satellite in a constellation) orbiting around six orbital planes, this occurs twice every 24 hours. These satellites carry atomic clocks, which continuously transmit precise time to the ground observatories located in the Earth. Also, they send electronic messages to the earth, which may comprise of data on precise time based on the onboard satellite clocks, and information on their own orbital systems.

The receiver or the user does not necessarily have to equip himself with the precise clock, but depending on the need, a good short term clock may be needed in order to receive satellite transmissions that can be best used in determining his exact Earth location. 

Different satellites employ different sequencing modes. This allows the transmission of massages to be received by the user from the satellites using similar frequencies.

Primarily, the Global Positioning System system was created to provide control over the military forces of the United States, therefore improving the command capability and targeting and manipulation of missiles, smart bombs and other forms of ammunitions. The satellites are also apt to detesting nuclear detonators.

The GPS system is also intended for civilian use through their Global Positioning System receivers and hand-geld GPS and a range of GPS system softwares. In many cities of highly urbanized countries, GPS system has provided great improvements in the citizens’ lives so long as they are able to access on the free GPS system worldwide Standard Positioning Service. In addition to this, planes, cars and ships for navigation also employ the Global Positioning System system. Also, hikers, glider pilots, ordinary automobiles and mine trucks can also have access to the GPS system through low cost GPS receivers, the price of which may range form $100 to $200. More precise Global Positioning System Receivers are mostly used by land surveyors for measuring land surface area and to locate boundaries and to survey markers.

Moreover, Global Positioning System System provides accurate time for use of time code generators to provide reference for real time for events to be precisely recorded. Also, there had been attempts to create Global Positioning System system softwares for visually impaired individuals.

Popular among children and adults is the Geocaching, wherein hidden objects are located for recreational purposes using receivers through employing the use of Global Positioning System coordinates.

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