What is GPS (Global Positioning System) - How does GPS function?

Introduction to GPS, How does GPS works, Accuracy of GPS?

What is Global Positioning System (GPS) 

You all must have heard about Global Positioning System (GPS),  as it is extensively used almost everywhere. It is very important for us however, our level of understating about GPS needs to be enhanced, as what most people know about GPS is just the tip of the iceberg. Let's analyze and know more about GPS in this article. We are hopeful, this article will throw more light on GPS. 

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GPS emanated from the need to obtain pinpoint accurate information about geographical locations. Its connotation is very significant for the military. It is used by civil users as well. GPS can be described as a satellite-based navigation system consisting of at least 24 satellites. It is capable of working round the clock irrespective of the environment. It can work under very harsh conditions. There are no setup charges or subscription fees involved with it. It can work across the globe. At the outset, satellites were put into orbit for military observation or use by The U.S.Department of Defense. Later on in the 1980s, the civilians were also allowed to take advantage of GPS. 

How does GPS function?

GPS satellites circle the Earth twice a day in a precise orbit. It works on a method called trilateration. For calculating location, velocity, and elevation, this technique is used as an effective means. What it does is that it gathers information from the satellites to generate location information. To calculate location, a GPS device must be able to read the signal from at least 4 satellites. 

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To calculate your 2-D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement, a GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least 3 satellites. With 4 or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine your 3-D position (latitude, longitude, and altitude).

Usually, a GPS receiver track as many as 8 or more satellites however, that is again governed by certain factors like time of the day or where are you present on Earth. 

Post determining your position , GPS unit can calculate other factors like speed, track, show Sunrise & Sunset time as well as distance to your destination. You can get a lot of key information about a geographical location based on the guidance of a GPS. It is very handy, especially if you want to track places new to you or if you wish to move around in a place about which you have very little idea. It does come good in plenty of ways for the users. We are using this facility pretty frequently. It is a beneficial tool, as it guides us immensely.

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Accuracy of GPS? 

Since modern-day GPS uses parallel multi - Channel design therefore, they offer  pinpoint accurate information. Often very precise, to speak the truth. The receivers are quick to lock into satellites when first turned on. They maintain a tracking lock, let it be in densely populated places with clusters of buildings around or in dense tree cover. Having said that GPS-based information is largely very accurate,  it is relevant to highlight the fact, at times due to atmospheric factors and other sources there might be a bit of an error. The degree of accuracy may vary a bit in some cases owing to the factors discussed out here, in this paragraph. We must mention,  that  Garmin GPS receivers are usually accurate to within 10 meters. You will be astonished to know that accuracy is likely to be even more pinpoint in water. 

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We must bring to light that some Garmin GPS receiver's accuracy gets a boost with Wide Area Augmentation System also known as WAAS. This can improve accuracy to better than 3 meters by giving corrections to the atmosphere. The best part is, that it neither requires any additional equipment nor any extra amount is charged for using the assistance of WAAS for this purpose. 

We must let you all know, that another means by virtue of which users can expect to get better accuracy is known as Differential GPS.

The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most common DGPS correction service. It incorporates a network of towers meant to receive GPS Signals and then it transmits a corrected signal by beacon transmitters. 

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Segments of GPS?

It consists of three segments :

• Space ( satellites).
• Ground control.
• User equipment.

SPACE ( SATELLITES )

The role of such satellites moving around the Earth is to send across signals to users pertaining to geographical locations.

GROUND CONTROL

Earth-based monitor stations, master control stations & ground antennas come under the purview of ground control. It carries out activities related to tracking & operating the satellites in space. 

USER EQUIPMENT 

The following items can be considered as GPS transmitters and receivers in regards to the users and they are as follows :

1.Smartphones.

2.Watches & 

3.Telematic devices. 

Conclusion

This article has provided us plenty of information about GPS. It is used by us in our day-to-day life. We are one of the beneficiaries of this system therefore, it is imperative for us to have the necessary information regarding it. It extends support to us in various manners. It makes sense for us, to have a fair bit of idea about GPS and its way of functioning. We have incorporated this article specifically for the purpose of letting our readers know more about this topic, as it has been observed that a lot of people want to know more about it. 

Before we wrap it up, we would like to thank our esteemed readers for extending their support and for sharing their valuable feedback.

Looking forward to the support and cooperation of all our esteemed readers. 

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