GPS ( GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM )

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.

The GPS program provides critical capabilities to military, civil and commercial users around the world. In addition, GPS is the backbone for modernizing the global air traffic system.

The GPS project was developed in 1973 to overcome the limitations of previous navigation systems,^[1] integrating ideas from several predecessors, including a number of classified engineering design studies from the 1960s. GPS was created and realized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and was originally run with 24 satellites. It became fully operational in 1994.

Advances in technology and new demands on the existing system have now led to efforts to modernize the GPS system and implement the next generation of GPS III satellites and Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX).^[2] Announcements from the Vice President and the White House in 1998 initiated these changes. In 2000, U.S. Congress authorized the modernization effort, referred to as GPS III.

In addition to GPS, other systems are in use or under development. The Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS) was in use by only the Russian military, until it was made fully available to civilians in 2007. There are also the planned European Union Galileo positioning system, Chinese Compass navigation system, and Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System.

 integrated mobile gps system

 gps reciever

gps reciever installed in vehicles

Long before Global Positioning System (GPS) arrived, researchers worked hard to arrive at a feasible solution to aid travellers from getting lost. Earlier, travellers used to rely on elaborate maps to track and monitor the route to their destination. But today, GPS technology has ensured hassle – free trips and increased safety for vehicle owners. The figure below illustrates a GPS satellite in orbit. 

GPS technology became a reality through the efforts of the American military, which established a satellite-based navigation system consisting of a network of 24 satellites orbiting the earth. GPS is also known as the NAVSTAR (Navigation System for Timing and Ranging).

GPS works all across the world and in all weather conditions, thus helping users track locations, objects, and even individuals! GPS technology can be used by any person if they have a GPS receiver.

Applications

This technique was initially developed for military applications. During 1980, the government decided to make it available for the civilian use as well. GPS has become an efficient tool in the field of scientific use, commerce, surveillance and tracking. GPS is used except in locations where it is difficult to detect the signal for example, underwater, subterranean location, inside the building and caves.

Civilian Applications

·         Navigation – Used by navigators for orientation and precise velocity measurements.

·        Geotagging – Map overlays can be created by applying location coordinates to photographs and other kind of documents.

·         Surveying – Surveyors create maps and verify the boundaries of the property.

·         Map-making – Used by civilians and military cartographers.

·         Tectonics – Detect the direct false motion measurement in earthquakes.

·        Geofencing – Vehicle, person or pet can be detected by using GPS vehicle tracking system, person tracking systems, and pet tracking systems.

Military Applications

·         Navigation – Soldiers can find objectives in the dark and unknown regions with the help of GPS.

·         Search and Rescue – Knowing the position of a downed pilot, its location can be traced out easily.

·         Reconnaissance – Patrol movement can be handled.

·         Target tracking – Military weapon systems use GPS to track air targets and potential ground before they are flagged as hostile.

·       GPS carry a set of nuclear detonation detectors (such as optical sensor, dosimeter, electromagnetic pulse sensor, X-ray sensor) which is a part of United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System.

·         Missile and projectile guidance – Targets military weapons such as cruise missiles, precision – guided munitions.