What Is GPS Used for Today?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an integral part of daily life for many individuals and businesses, as well as for the government and military.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Prior to the initialization of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in 1993, when the last GPS Satellite was launched, navigation was conducted using charts and hand held instruments. Navigators used sextants to determine their position relative to the sun. In later years, cartographers created maps based on measurements. Often these maps contained inaccurate information, due to the inability of the creator to have an accurate overhead view of the area being detailed. The GPS system replaced those tools, and enabled cartographers to create highly detailed, extremely accurate maps. These maps were integrated into hand held devices, so that users could see exactly where they were on a map, and could see the route that they were traveling in real time.
Usage
-
The GPS system is used by millions of people every day. Consumers have GPS receivers in their cellular phones that allow 911 dispatchers to determine their location in emergencies. Modern smartphones use GPS receivers to provide directions. Businesses use GPS to provide routes to drivers, as well as track their progress. Law enforcement and the military use GPS to efficiently get to their destination for emergencies. Farmers use the GPS system to ensure they are using the most amount of land possible.
-
Military Use
-
Because the GPS system was originally developed by the United States Government for use by the military and NASA, the US government has the ability to restrict the system in emergencies so that only the US military can use the system, preventing foreign militaries from being able to take advantage of it.
Restrictions
-
GPS signals are line of sight. This means that your receiver must have an unobstructed view of the sky. If you go through a tunnel, or are around very tall buildings, you may lose signal to your device.
-
References
- Photo Credit handheld gps image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
