It seems that almost everyone has heard of GPS (Global Positioning System) in one form or another. The most well known GPS device is the car navigation system that shows and tells the driver through voice commands how to get to their desired pre-programmed destination. But if you’re wondering how these little technological wonders work then you’ve come to the right place.
A GPS receiver is an electronic device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine its exact location on earth with pin-point accuracy. This system is made up of the three parts; 27 satellites that send out continuous positioning signals, ground stations around the world that help synchronize the satellites, and various types of GPS receivers.
In this article we’re going to concentrate on how a GPS receiver works within this system since it’s the piece of the GPS puzzle that keeps you from getting lost. Its main function is to calculate its position on the earth using the signals that it receives from the satellite system.
To do this the receiver needs to lock onto the signals of at least 3 satellites. Once 3 or more satellites have been detected it then needs to determine the distance between the satellites and the distance between itself and each satellite. It then uses the basic math principles of triangulation or trilateration to compute its location on the earth’s surface.
The signals a GPS receiver uses to figure its location are radio signals transmitted by the satellites. These radio signals have three bits of information embedded in them; ephemeris data, almanac data, and a pseudorandom code. Using this information the GPS unit is able to triangulate its position and report that back to its user.
Accuracy is another question many first time users wonder about. The good news is GPS receivers are very accurate with the ability to pin-point your location to within a radius of 20 meters. There are ways to increase accuracy through the use of DGPS (Differential GPS) and WAAS (Wide Are Augmentation System) which can get within 3 meters of accuracy. Units with these two features normally cost more but the increase in accuracy can be well worth the cost.
There are many factors that can and do affect how accurately a GPS unit reports its position. These include:
1. The number of visible satellites
2. Signal delays caused as they pass through the earths atmosphere
3. Signals bouncing off of objects
4. Inaccurate clock in the GPS unit
5. Ephemeris errors
6. Satellites in poor positions
7. Satellite signals that are blocked because of terrain or manmade features
GPS is a great technology that has found its way into many everyday applications. Depending on your needs for keeping track of where you are there is sure to be a GPS receiver that fits the bill.
By: Andrew Bicknell
Posts Tagged ‘Radio Signals’
Protect Your Construction Equipment With GPS Auto Tracker Technology
October 29th, 2009
The theft of construction equipment is big business for criminals that have access to international shipping. In the past year law enforcement officials have found large dump trucks completely buried in South Florida by thieves who were waiting for their ship to make a port of call at Miami. In one case a check of serial numbers found that all the equipment being used by a construction company was in fact stolen. Whenever the company needed a piece of equipment they would just drive up to a nearby construction site and load it up and truck it away.
The cost of insuring construction equipment has steadily risen as a result of equipment losses. Some companies are fighting back through the use of GPS auto tracker technology. GPS tracking devices are becoming smaller and smaller allowing them to be hidden. Unlike the Lojack system that uses short range radio signals to help police locate stolen equipment, GPS tracking devices can be located in just about any location with a clear view of the sky and many cases inside building.
If you have equipment at multiple worksites and need to manage your equipment resources then GPS auto tracking technology will help you. New GPS tracking units will not only give the location of each piece of equipment but also tell you when it is being used and for how long. You can also monitor the status major mechanical systems as well. A simple check of your data base will tell you how many hours you have on each unit thereby assuring that proper maintenance is scheduled and completed. All of which will protect your valuable investment.
Real time GPS tracking is accomplished through the use of a GPS tracking device that is attached to your equipment in a hidden location. Information from this device is then uploaded to a GPS tracking service provider either by cell phone or satellite phone systems. The service company then provides your company with the tracking information that is displayed on your company computers.
In the advent that you lose track of a piece to equipment you can immediately located it. In addition you can apply geo fencing features that will send an alarm to you and law enforcement when your equipment leaves its assigned area. You can quickly stop the loss of your equipment and also the loss of income due to equipment downtime due to the loss. Finding a replacement for a key piece of equipment will take time and time is something that you cannot replace.
Protect your valuable equipment resources through the use of GPS auto tracker technology. You may find that your insurance company will be able to give you significant discounts when you use GPS tracking technology to protect your valuable equipment. You will not only save money but also peace of mind knowing your have control of your construction equipment 24 hours a day.
By: Jim Kesel
