What Is GPS
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Web Development.
What is GPS?
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based radio navigation system developed by the United States Department of Defense. The research began in the 1960s, and the first GPS satellite launched in 1978. It became fully operational on April 27, 1995. Initially for military use, the U.S. government allowed public access in the 1980s.
Components of the GPS Network
The GPS system comprises:
- Satellites
- Earth Monitoring Stations
- GPS Receivers
GPS Satellites
There are 24 satellites orbiting Earth in six distinct paths, each completing two orbits daily at about 7,000 MPH, reaching over 12,000 miles above Earth. This altitude allows their signals to cover a large portion of the Earth. A GPS device determines its position by receiving signals from these satellites and using triangulation. Most locations on Earth can access signals from at least four satellites, although terrain can obstruct signals.
Earth Monitoring Stations
In the U.S., there are four unmanned monitoring stations and a master station in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These monitoring stations relay satellite data to the master station, which corrects and synchronizes this information before sending it back to the satellites. This ensures your GPS receiver gets accurate data.
GPS Receivers
GPS receivers pick up low-power radio signals from satellites, requiring a direct "line of sight." These signals can penetrate some materials like glass and clouds but are blocked by solid structures. A GPS device calculates its position by comparing signal timing from at least three satellites. With signals from four satellites, it also determines altitude and can report trip details such as distance and speed if equipped with an altimeter.
GPS Accuracy
The precision of a GPS unit depends on its ability to lock onto satellite signals. Typically, more expensive models offer greater accuracy, with some consumer units accurate to a few feet, while less expensive ones might have a margin of error up to 30-40 feet. The terrain affects your choice: flatter areas may not require top-of-the-line models, but dense forests or urban environments might benefit from more accurate units.
Now you understand the basics of GPS and can confidently answer "What is GPS?"
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