GPS, which means a global positioning system, is a radio navigation system that allows land, sea, and air users to set their exact location, velocity, and 24 hours of the day in all weather conditions, anywhere in the world. Today’s system capabilities provide other well-known navigation and positioning “technologies” – usually magnetic compass, sextant, chronometer, and radio-based device—impractical and obsolete. GPS is used to support a wide range of military, commercial, and consumer applications.

GPS consists of the following  segments

1. Space segment (GPS satellites):

Many GPS satellites, at an altitude of about 20,000 kilometers (four GPS satellites in one orbit), are on six orbits around the Earth and roam around the Earth at intervals of 12 hours.

2. Control segment (Ground control stations):

Ground control station satellites orbit has to play the role of monitor, control, and maintenance to ensure that the deviation of satellites from orbit as well as GPS timing is within the tolerance level.

How GPS works?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a group of 32 satellites that are in orbit at an altitude of 26,600 km above the Earth. The satellites are owned by the US department, but one can use the signal of these satellites, provided they have a receiver.

For the receiver to work, he should be able to see four satellites. When you turn on your receiver, these satellites can take a minute or more to detect signals, then download data from the satellite before positioning starts. Waterproof GPS is probably the best gps in 2020.

Basically, it requires two things to work effectively:

1) The GPS receiver measures the distance itself from a satellite, so he measures the time of the signals that travel at the speed of light.

2) When the position of the satellite is detected, the GPS receiver should know that it is on a sphere with the radius measured with the satellite from its center.

The receiver only needs to have an intersect of three divisions, as shown in the image below.

This process is known as trilateration.

Imagine that you stand somewhere on earth and you have three satellites in the sky above you. If you know how far you are from Satellite A, you know you should be somewhere on the red circle then. If you do this for satellites B and C as well, you can find out where these three circles are being operated.

Use of GPS

Locating Positions:

Tracking a location from GPS is the main and most common use. Let’s say you’re having a long journey with your friends and if you’re separated, GPS can help you find each other’s location.

Emergency Road Side Support:

If you encounter an accident or emergency and need immediate assistance, you can call the pre-programmed emergency number on your smartphone. Even without giving location details, emergency teams will be able to locate your current location.

Preventing Car Theft:

GPS Tracker is an excellent anti-theft device. Applying a GPS tracking device to your car allows you to find your car when it’s stolen.

James Montano