The modern world is full of amazing
technology that makes our lives all the more easier. With
the rapid rate of growth of technology, it becomes
increasingly difficult to keep up with the ever changing
gizmos and gadgets.
One of the nicest technological
advancements of modern day is GPS. GPS allows you to know
where you are in the world at any given time with accuracy
from a few meters to even a few centimeters. Imagine the
possibilities. You can know exactly where you are, allowing
you to get directions and go to any location via the fastest
and safest route while getting constant tracking ensuring
you are on course. You can even know where you car is if it
gets stolen. They can even be put in cell phones. The
possibilities really are endless.
For people who are less techno-savvy, GPS may come as a
weird new gizmo that is difficult to understand. What
exactly is GPS? GPS stands for Global Positioning System.
GPS was made by the army for use in military applications,
but now it is being used for everyday life. It is basically
made up of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth. These
satellites orbit over 12,000 miles above us and circle the
Earth twice per day in extremely precise routes. The
satellites transmit low power radio signals that any GPS
device on Earth can receive and interpret. The satellites
relay information between each other giving a pinpoint
location on your signal. Think of it as giving every square
meter in the world a unique address. When you step into a
new area, it senses the change and relays it back to your
GPS device. The GPS device just takes the information sent
by the satellites and transforms it into geographic
information. To calculate your exact 2D location, the GPS
device must be in communication with at least three
satellites. If your GPS device is communicating with four or
more satellites, then your 3D location (Longitude, Latitude,
and Altitude) can be calculated.
GPS is very accurate, but exactly how accurate can they
be? Most affordable GPS devices on the market are accurate
up to a 15 meter radius. Newer more high-end receivers can
increase this accuracy up to a 3 meter radius, which is
great for all of your geographical needs. GPS Manufacturers
use different types of antennas that can play a part in
holding a satellite signal and its accuracy.
GPS devices are becoming increasingly more affordable as
time goes on. There are many great products that can suite
all of your needs for under $200, making GPS devices great
for all styles of life. There are handheld GPS units or
portable GPS units and there are also boat and car GPS
devices. Pick the one that suits your needs. As far as
brands go, Garmin and Magellan are the Coke and Pepsi of the
GPS wars.
