The Wonders Of GPS
By: Jay Ashley -
Anyone who has a mobile phone should be familiar with GPS. GPS
or global positioning system is the way to survive the modern
lifestyle, especially for the travelers and navigators out
there.
What is GPS?
GPS makes navigation possible today even with the use of the mobile
phones. This operates through a satellite system. Basically, a set
of satellites and devices are utilized to estimate various
positions and points in the earth.
At present, half a million mobile phone owners have GPS services.
This population is continuing to grow each day. More and more
people are enjoying the benefits of having a global positioning
system in their hand phones.
What Are the Good Things about GPS?
GPS makes navigation cheaper today. On the average, subscribing
today to a GPS service will only cost more or less $10 a month.
This is way lower compared to thousands of dollars needed to
install a navigation system in the car.
GPS makes traveling easier. People can easily get access to maps
and directions with the simple use of their cellular phones.
The directions and information are provided by a voice message.
Thus, there is no need to worry of reading from the mobile phone
while driving.
The GPS service can function in any given weather condition. There
is no need to worry if a storm suddenly came. GPS will stay within
access.
This service is available 24 hours a day and it can be accessed at
any point in the world.
How Does GPS Work?
There are GPS satellites that circumnavigate near the surface of
the earth two times a day. They stay on a specific orbit. Through
this, they are able to send out information from and back to the
earth.
Basically, there are GPS receivers of the information from the
user. These will then compare the time of the transmission of the
signal to the time the signal was received. Any difference will be
interpreted by the GPS for determining position and distance.
The GPS receiver will then calculate the latitude and longitude of
the signal by using three satellites. If there are at least four
satellites, the GPS receiver can determine as well the
altitude.
With all these information at hand, the GPS device can immediately
indicate distance, speed, orientation, distance to the point of
destination and more.
Is It Accurate to Use GPS?
Modern technology has allowed GPS signals and data to be
exceptionally accurate. There are designs and receivers
manufactured to maintain the precise outputs. However, there are
just some atmospheric conditions that may get in the way.
Fast Facts
Here are some GPS trivia:
GPS satellites are 12,000 miles above the surface of the earth.
One satellite is able to travel around the earth at about 7000
miles per hour.
A GPS satellite has an average weight of two tons.
It is the sun that supplies energy to these satellites. They only
have back-up fuel in case a solar eclipse takes place.
A satellite can last for about a decade before it has to be
replaced.
The first ever GPS satellite to orbit the earth was unleashed in
1978.
Conclusion
There are so much wonders that technology can offer to us today.
GPS is one of the biggest breakthroughs made in science. Even
better is the fact that this service can be made available in our
own hand phones. So in case of need, do not hesitate to use your
GPS.
All rights reserved. This content may be reprinted as long as the
links remain intact and active.
Jay is a recreational outdoorsman with a love for technology. If your interested at all in GPS and how you can use it you should really checkout gpstrackers.com for more info.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com