Before getting into the technology part, let me first tell you what GPS is. The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a space-based satellite navigation system that was developed by the United States Department of Defense, specifically for military use. It is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. In 1983, a Presidential directive by the then President Ronald Reagan made it available for civilian use. Though the main purpose of GPS System is navigation, the GPS Technology has been widely used in cartography, land-surveying, study of geographical areas, and so on. Now, let’s get into the technical part.
In simple words, the GPS is made up of three parts, GPS satellites orbiting the Earth, control and monitoring stations on Earth, and the GPS receivers. The GPS satellites (numbering between 24 and 32) in the space, send out precise microwave signals that are picked up by the GPS receivers. These GPS Receivers provide you their current three-dimensional (latitude, longitude, and altitude) location, the precise time, and the velocity at which the receivers are moving.
It is interesting to know that the time reference provided by a GPS navigation system plays a key role in day-to-day activities, like banking, cellular networks, mobile phone operations, and even in controlling power grids.
As far as transportation systems are concerned, a GPS System serves like a route map, providing navigation not only for road transport but also for marine and aviation purposes.
There are certain factors that can affect the accuracy of a GPS signal. Ionosphere and troposphere slow down the signals passing through them. Tall buildings or large rock surfaces can reflect off GPS signals before it reaches the GPS receiver. GPS units are not equipped to work indoors, underwater or underground.
Still, a GPS system is considered as the best way of navigation, especially in emergencies to locate and help people.
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