Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, are technologies that pinpoint the exact location of just about anything on this earth. Think of it more like a super-smart map that tells you where you are and how to get to where you want to go. You probably use GPS every time you use a map app on your phone or follow directions in your car.
Global Positioning Systems technology depends upon space technology for its operations. It all began with the American defense in the 1970s, which envisioned a system that can offer precise location of weaponry for military operations. They began to launch satellites into the space that sent the signals lower down to the Earth. These satellites could work in conjunction with each other giving the detailed information on the specific aspects regarding the location of different things on Earth.
That is where space technology comes in to make the GPS functional. Here is a simplified explanation of how everything falls into place:
- The Satellites in Space: Global Positioning Systems depends on a network through which these satellites are launched around Earth. The satellites are more like extremely sophisticated beacons that constantly send signals back to the ground. Normally, there will be about 30 satellites in the GPS network-allowing for at least four satellites being in view from any place on Earth at all times.
- Sending Signals: With an on position, a Global Positioning Systems unit receives signals from satellites. The satellites send a signal that contains the time the signal was sent and where that satellite is located. Your GPS picks up these signals and calculates just how long it took each to travel from the satellite to your unit.
- How Your Position is Calculated: By comparing how long it took the signals from several different satellites to get to your Global Positioning Systems unit, it’s able to calculate the distance between each satellite and you. After that the GPS unit can pinpoint your precise location by using the intersections of this information from several satellites. This process is called trilateration.
- Updates on the Go: The GPS receiver keeps on receiving signals and updating the location while on the go. This type of update leads to proper guidance and tracking.
Impact of Space Technology on Global Positioning Systems
Space technology has greatly improved Global Positioning Systems, making it essential for many everyday applications. A few of them are:
- Improved Accuracy: Early GPS systems were not that good in terms of their accuracy, but modern Global Positioning Systems is very precise with improvements in space technology. Today’s GPS can determine your location within a few meters. This level of accuracy aids everything, from driving directions to finding the nearest restaurant.
- Global Positioning Systems: Satellite technology allows GPSs to work anywhere around the world. Therefore, you can use GPS in exotic places that regular maps do not cover. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or exploring a new city, with a GPS in your hands, from point A, you can travel easily to point B.
- Integration with Other Technologies: Global Positioning Systems has found its way into many technologies, including smartphones, cars, and even drones. This is helpful in realizing features like traffic updates in real time, location-based services, and delivery tracking down to the very point.
Emergency services consider Global Positioning Systems an essential tool. Ambulances, police, and fire trucks use it to find the fastest route to emergencies. This helps save lives by increasing response time.
- Economic Benefits: Most business organizations work on Global Positioning Systems. Just like service delivery, Global Positioning Systems helps businesses optimize routes while reducing the cost of any fuel. The use of GPS by farmers for precision agriculture has apparently helped them manage their crop more effectively.
- Scientific and Environmental Monitoring: Global Positioning Systems technology finds application in the field of scientific research and environmental monitoring as well. Scientists use it to study the movement of tectonic plates and environmental changes.
Problems and Future of GPS
Although Global Positioning Systems technology has yielded significant benefits, it is not without a few problems—
- Signal Interference: GPS signals can be affected by buildings, trees, or even weather conditions; this can sometimes bring in accuracy or lead to signal loss.
- Security Concerns: GPS signals can be hacked or spoofed, i.e., sending false signals to confuse a GPS device. This would normally be a very big concern with critical applications like aviation and defense.
- Reliability: Most of the reliability lies in the technologies of space. Any problem in the satellites, such as damage or malfunctions, will hamper the performance of the GPS.
Baring all these problems, space technology is still moving forward with a big leap, and Global Positioning Systems is such an amazing tool in changing the navigation and perception of the world.
