How Is GPS Used Scientifically?

Global positioning system (GPS) technology has many scientific uses because of its ability to give highly accurate location and time data. After the U.S. military made GPS available for non-military uses, the technology began being used for advanced tracking purposes in science.

NASA

In 2010, researchers from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were developing a system that used GPS technology to analyze earthquake activity and predict the size of a resulting tsunami.

Wildlife Tracking

In Minnesota, scientists have used GPS technology to track and analyze the movements and feeding activity of deer. In the United Kingdom, scientists used GPS to help pinpoint and preserve a rare ant during deforestation. In South Africa, wildlife scientists used GPS devices to track rhinos and protect them from poachers.

Other Uses

GPS is also used to study changes in landscape, such as the shifting of cities and islands in Chile after a 2010 earthquake. Scientists used GPS to help determine that Mount Everest is increasing in height. In addition, marine archaeologists use GPS technology when searching for shipwrecked vessels.

References

• BBC: "Rhino Horn GPS Used to Deter Poachers"
• BBC: "GPS Used to Preserve Ants' Nests"
• GreenFudge.org: GPS Used to Track Shifts Caused by Chile's Earthquake
• Library of Congress: What is GPS?
• NASA: NASA Demonstrates Tsunami Prediction System