2. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was
developed by the U. S. Department of Defense
(DOD), Ivan Getting, and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT).
Originally consisting of 11 orbiting satellites, the
GPS--official name NAVSTAR (Navigation
System with Timing And Ranging)--was
launched by DOD in 1978 strictly for military use.
4. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a
space-based satellite navigation system that
provides location and time information in all
weather, anywhere on or near the
Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of
sight.
It is maintained by the United States
government and is freely accessible to
anyone with a GPS receiver.
5. Nowadays, about 30 active satellites orbit the earth in
a distance of 20200 km. GPS satellites transmit signals
which enable the exact location of a GPS receiver
GPS is being used in aviation, nautical navigation and
for the orientation ashore. Further it is used in land
surveying and other applications where the
determination of the exact position is required.
The GPS signal can be used without a fee by any
person in possession of a GPS receiver.
The correct name of the system is NAVSTAR
(Navigation System for Timing and Ranging), but
commonly it is referred to as GPS (Global Positioning
System).
7. Remember that horrible bombing in Oklahoma City. Well
surveyors used GPS to measure how much the buildings
had shifted.
The GPS system has settled disputes between land
owners.
The GPS system has aided marine archaeologists and
research vessels in hunting and locating shipwrecks.
8. You can get 2D a 3D GPS systems.
The GPS system and its data have revealed that Mt. Everest is getting taller!
The GPS is in fact the only system today that can show your exact position on
Earth anytime, in any weather and it doesn’t matter where you are at the time. At
first GPS was strictly for military uses.
What about if you think your spouse is cheating? Now there is a key that can be
put in your or his vehicle and will track exactly where they are going on any given
day.
Animal tracking devices are also being placed in pets to keep track of them.
One man trusted his GPS so much that he turned right when directed and drove
right into a lake!
TRUST IT?
9. GPS for Hiking and Hikers
Most of the GPS units for hikers are compact, lightweight and some are waterproof as well
GPS for Tourists and Tourism
Mark the location of your hotel and places to visit, like local museums and other
attractions. Think about all the saved time you would have to enjoy yourself, rather than
finding your way around.
GPS Software
If you have been using computers for awhile, you know that there are different applications
(software) that virtually do the same thing. GPS is no exception. While some applications
will offer somewhat limited maps with major roadways for a particular country, others have
very detailed street maps along with marked locations such as hotels, restaurants, gas
stations, airports, and the list just goes on and on. Almost anything you can think of, you
can find.
Voice Guided GPS
If you are doing alot of driving, it's hard to keep your eyes on a GPS screen, therefore, the
developers came up with a solution of creating a "Voice Guided GPS" to make it more safe
for the driver.
Golf GPS Devices-
Notes de l'éditeur
Now the GPS tells you where to turn, how far you are from your destination, etc. Other units are voice controlled. You can give voice commands, such as, "Find an alternative route," and voila, you're avoiding all the traffic! This quite amazing technology makes you wonder what's next.