As the Global Positioning System – or GPS – continues to rise in popularity, a host of GPS-related products continue to hit the shelves. The GPS receiver is an interactive map that can show you exactly where you are at all times; this can be enormously helpful when finding your way around unfamiliar surroundings.
GPS was initially launched by the United States Department of Defense in the late 70’s when the first operational satellite was sent into space. By the mid-90’s, 24 satellites circled the earth and continue to be in operation today. What was originally designed for use exclusively for the military, now functions as a navigational system for military and civilians alike. More and more consumers, eager to take advantage of the timely and accurate information supplied by this network of satellites, choose to have GPS navigational systems included as standard equipment in their new vehicles.
But portable GPS has become just as popular. The GPS receiver is a compact navigational system that literally fits in the palm of your hand. The GPS receiver interfaces with the government’s network of satellites and can instantly perform a series of latitudinal and longitudinal calculations that can precisely target the user’s location. The screen of the GPS receiver displays a map of the area – including roads, landmarks, and other points of reference – and the user’s location in relation to it.
For outdoor hobbyists the GPS receiver has been enormously beneficial, allowing them to navigate possibly unfamiliar terrain without ever losing their bearings. Travelers who may not be using one particular car can still access satellite navigational information through the use of the GPS receiver.
The GPS receiver comes in a variety of styles and is manufactured by numerous companies. The models can be differentiated largely by price and included features. For anyone interested in a GPS receiver, certain things must be considered prior to purchase including manner and frequency of use. Those who plan to use their GPS receiver may be interested in those models that have a greater range of features. While this particular GPS receiver will likely come at a greater price, it could be well worth the investment to ensure safe and enjoyable travel. It’s wise to research each GPS receiver before you make a purchasing decision. But no matter which model you choose, you will likely find a GPS receiver to be a convenience you become used to very quickly.
By: Michelle Bery
Posts Tagged ‘United States Department’
Using A GPS Receiver
December 23rd, 2009Posted in Article
Tags: Bearings Civilians Department Of Defense Global Positioning System Gps Map Gps Navigational Systems Gps Receiver Hobbyists Interactive Map Landmarks Navigational System New Vehicles Operational Satellite Palm Of Your Hand Satellites Shelves Unfamiliar Surroundings Unfamiliar Terrain United States Department United States Department Of Defense
Understanding GPS Technology
December 3rd, 2009
Do you know what GPS is? It stands for Global Positioning System. It is a satellite based navigation system. This system consists of twenty four satellites. If you really want to truly understand how GPS works, you may want to go back to the reason it was first created.
Did you know that GPS was first created by the United States Department of Defense back in the 1980’s? The system was to be used for military operations. Over time, the Defense Department realized this Global Positioning System was much more valuable and could do much more than they first believed.
Soon it was allowed to be used by civilians. Plus, people could use it without paying for a subscription fee.
GPS can work in any weather condition. It also can be read anywhere in the world, twenty four hours a day.
How do these satellites actually work? Twice a day they orbit the earth. As they are orbiting, they can locate where each GPS device is being used. This means that the satellites can actually find the location of the device anywhere in the world. This allows people to find other people, as well as other objects that are lost or stolen.
The satellite is able to read the GPS’s signal. That signal can be compared by the time the GPS receiver sends an additional return signal. This time difference is then read and compared between the distance of the GPS and the satellite. This gives a distance measurement. Then more distance measurements are read from the other satellites and the GPS is located.
Many objects have GPS capabilities. Some of the most popular of these being: automobiles, boats, trucks, etc. Plus, GPS devices can be built into such items as: cell phones, laptop computers, stereo equipment etc.
Some people will actually buy what is referred to as GPS tracking devices which are used for the sole purpose of tracking a person. These products are often placed on the automobiles of suspected cheating spouses or the automobiles of teenagers, when parents are concerned about their safety.
Many parents have even bought some nifty GPS tracking devices that can even allow them to know what speed their teenager is driving. This is especially nice for the parent of a newly licensed driver.
New and well equipped laptop computers are generally always equipped with a GPS tracking device. The device can be triggered once the laptop is reported stolen. Then when the stolen laptop is placed online the GPS is able to track the location of the stolen merchandise. This is a great insurance to many business people that stores important information on their computers.
As the computer and electronic world keeps growing, so will the use of Global Positioning Systems. It is evitable that we will need these systems not only to monitor our belongings, but to help keep our world a little safer. For these reasons we all should, at least have a basic understanding of GPS’s and understand that they can benefit us more than help predict our weather.
By: Jeffrey Meier
Posted in Article
Tags: Cheating Spouses Distance Measurement Global Positioning System Gps Capabilities Gps Device Gps Devices Gps Receiver Gps Tracking Devices Laptop Computers Military Operations Navigation System Return Signal Sole Purpose Stereo Equipment Subscription Fee Time Difference Twenty Four Hours United States Department United States Department Of Defense Weather Condition
