How GPS works?
The Global Positioning System works by collecting cumulative data from around 30 satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of 20,000 km to locate an object anywhere on earth’s surface. At any given time, every position on earth is exposed to at least four GPS satellites. These four satellites send information to that object concerning its position relative to each satellite and scheduled time intervals. The GPS receiver then uses this information that is essentially beamed towards it from the satellites to calculate the position on earth. The receiver actually only needs to receive data from three satellites which then allows its position to be determined through a mathematical process called trilateration.
Image result for gps
Relativity in GPS
The GPS would not be able to function properly without the genius advances in our understanding of the universe that Albert Einstein made in the early twentieth century. We give our thanks to Einstein in realizing that time is relative, and will tick slower or faster dependent on your speed and your location relative to forces of gravity. Because the satellites have slightly less gravitational pull from Earth, and are also moving relative to the earth, scientists have to calculate these factors in order for the Global Positioning System to work properly which is proof of the Theory of Special Relativity. History
The interest was sparked for developing the system what would later be known as GPS in 1957 when American scientists were able to track Sputnik 1, Russia’s first satellite launch. They were able to track its location using the Doppler affect, and wanted to do the same thing similarly but in reverse which would be to track an object on the ground. This would prove to be a huge advantage to the United States military if they could develop this theorized technology.
The Department of Defense in the 1970’s proposed a robust navigation system using satellites based on previous findings. NAVSTAR was the first navigational system that could give time and location and was launched in 1978. And fifteen years later, we had twenty-four satellites in orbit and the system was fully operational. Most of these advances in technology, as they often are, were probed by military interests. It is intriguing to think of what we could accomplish if we worked together globally around the clock with the same kind of vigor seen when countries are pushing for technological advancements for military purposes.
Image result for gps history
To this day, the GPS system we know and love is still owned by the United States government which is operated by the United States Air Force. It is a multifunctional spaced-based system that fills national defense, homeland security, commercial, and scientific needs. It’s impacts on almost every aspect of our lives are clearly evident. Impact Military Advancements
The GPS, having been originally developed for military purposes, has been a massive success in improving our military strategies in the past and is used to this day. It could be said that it is the single most influential military technology ever created. It allows us to pinpoint where our forces are at an extremely accurate rate, and also program satellites to locations to see where enemy activity could potentially be.
The Gulf War was the first time that the GPS’s potential was shown in the military. The terrain of the war was difficult to navigate for American soldiers due to a lack of landmarks. The Global Positioning System allowed troops to hit targets successfully and navigate the terrain in a precise manner. The technology also decreased the amount of friendly fire incidents during the war. Businesses
The Global Positioning System has also had profound impacts on businesses by providing crucial information in growing and providing satisfaction for customers. Whether it be figuring out more direct routes to save fuel for airplanes, or mapping out the best locations for a new restaurant chain location. And, of course, people would be in turmoil if Pokémon Go wasn’t around, which is only possible thanks to GPS technology.
GPS System
SATLOC M3
GPS System
and AG-NAV moving map GPS systems provide precision application and the capacity to utilize GIS shape files and create post-work downloads to memory stick, floppy disk, CDROM and a hard-copy paper print out. Files can also be converted for use with ARCInfo GIS. .
GPS Map Small
Law Enforcement
In the recent years GPS trackers have been used by the police to keep track of what unit is in which area in order to beat serve the community. It is also used to find missing officers on duty and also provide backup to their comrades at the exact location. The police have an operation called slap and track where they attach GPS trackers to the suspect's car so that it can be easily followed and monitored. This prevents accidents that are involved in car chases.
Criminal Usage It is easy to point out all of the positive outcomes that GPS has brought forth, but it should be mentioned also that the technology is also used daily for some not so positive practices.
How GPS works?
The Global Positioning System works by collecting cumulative data from around 30 satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of 20,000 km to locate an object anywhere on earth’s surface. At any given time, every position on earth is exposed to at least four GPS satellites. These four satellites send information to that object concerning its position relative to each satellite and scheduled time intervals. The GPS receiver then uses this information that is essentially beamed towards it from the satellites to calculate the position on earth. The receiver actually only needs to receive data from three satellites which then allows its position to be determined through a mathematical process called trilateration.
Relativity in GPS
The GPS would not be able to function properly without the genius advances in our understanding of the universe that Albert Einstein made in the early twentieth century. We give our thanks to Einstein in realizing that time is relative, and will tick slower or faster dependent on your speed and your location relative to forces of gravity. Because the satellites have slightly less gravitational pull from Earth, and are also moving relative to the earth, scientists have to calculate these factors in order for the Global Positioning System to work properly which is proof of the Theory of Special Relativity.
History
The interest was sparked for developing the system what would later be known as GPS in 1957 when American scientists were able to track Sputnik 1, Russia’s first satellite launch. They were able to track its location using the Doppler affect, and wanted to do the same thing similarly but in reverse which would be to track an object on the ground. This would prove to be a huge advantage to the United States military if they could develop this theorized technology.
The Department of Defense in the 1970’s proposed a robust navigation system using satellites based on previous findings. NAVSTAR was the first navigational system that could give time and location and was launched in 1978. And fifteen years later, we had twenty-four satellites in orbit and the system was fully operational. Most of these advances in technology, as they often are, were probed by military interests. It is intriguing to think of what we could accomplish if we worked together globally around the clock with the same kind of vigor seen when countries are pushing for technological advancements for military purposes.
To this day, the GPS system we know and love is still owned by the United States government which is operated by the United States Air Force. It is a multifunctional spaced-based system that fills national defense, homeland security, commercial, and scientific needs. It’s impacts on almost every aspect of our lives are clearly evident.
Impact
Military Advancements
The GPS, having been originally developed for military purposes, has been a massive success in improving our military strategies in the past and is used to this day. It could be said that it is the single most influential military technology ever created. It allows us to pinpoint where our forces are at an extremely accurate rate, and also program satellites to locations to see where enemy activity could potentially be.
The Gulf War was the first time that the GPS’s potential was shown in the military. The terrain of the war was difficult to navigate for American soldiers due to a lack of landmarks. The Global Positioning System allowed troops to hit targets successfully and navigate the terrain in a precise manner. The technology also decreased the amount of friendly fire incidents during the war.
Businesses
The Global Positioning System has also had profound impacts on businesses by providing crucial information in growing and providing satisfaction for customers. Whether it be figuring out more direct routes to save fuel for airplanes, or mapping out the best locations for a new restaurant chain location. And, of course, people would be in turmoil if Pokémon Go wasn’t around, which is only possible thanks to GPS technology.
GPS System
SATLOC M3
and AG-NAV moving map GPS systems provide precision application and the capacity to utilize GIS shape files and create post-work downloads to memory stick, floppy disk, CDROM and a hard-copy paper print out. Files can also be converted for use with ARCInfo GIS.
.
Law Enforcement
In the recent years GPS trackers have been used by the police to keep track of what unit is in which area in order to beat serve the community. It is also used to find missing officers on duty and also provide backup to their comrades at the exact location. The police have an operation called slap and track where they attach GPS trackers to the suspect's car so that it can be easily followed and monitored. This prevents accidents that are involved in car chases.
Criminal Usage
It is easy to point out all of the positive outcomes that GPS has brought forth, but it should be mentioned also that the technology is also used daily for some not so positive practices.
Sources:
http://www.cropjet.com/equipment/gps.htm
http://www.physics.org/article-questions.asp?id=55
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gps/en/
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/communications/policy/GPS_History.html
http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/holms/2E_Social_Impact_Essay2.pdf
https://trackimo.com/how-gps-helps-police-force/