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The Basic Of Gps
By Charles Godbout
By now, you've likely heard about this hot new technology called GPS. Handheld receivers are popular items that are being used by everyone from outdoors enthusiasts to average drivers. But, how many of us really understand the technology behind these modern night and day receivers?
There is a whole lot of power and capability packed into a receiver. They are linked to complex satellite systems in outer space, providing a reliable navigational system to users on earth. Many new cars have receivers included as standard equipment. Hikers, Fisherman, Bickers, Truckers, Pilots, and much more, use them to find their destinations, and treasure hunters rely on them for Geocaching excursions.
Simply, a is an electronic device that can determine one's precise location on earth. The entire system is anything but simple; and the receiver is but a single and minute part of this immense network. is the short form of Global Positioning System. This very large navigation system was developed and implemented by the United States' Department of Defence (DOD). The system is composed of a network of 24 operating satellites; various ground stations located at points throughout the world and individual receivers. All of the 24 satellites in the network are active, and continuously send out Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio signals. receivers use these signals to determine their geographical location. It is important to note that there are other satellite system as Glonass (Russia) and Galileo (Europe), but for the moment, (USA) is the only fully functioning satellite navigation system.
The primary function of a receiver is to pinpoint its actual location on earth using the signals it intercepts from satellites. To do this, the receiver must be able to locate and intercept signals from three or more satellites. After intercepting the signals, receivers use basic principles of mathematics called triangulation or trilateration to compute its actual position. Before any triangulation calculation can be implemented, however, the receiver must verify two points:
1- The positions of at least 3 satellites.
2- The distance between each satellite and the receiver.
GPS receivers decode the signals in order to determine the locations of at least three satellites. The signals transmitted by satellites are radio signals, and each contains three different bits of information: ephemeris data, almanac data and a pseudorandom code. The ephemeris data is the information that the receiver needs to be able to determine the actual position of the satellite transmitting the signal. The distance of a receiver to a satellite is measured using
the signal's speed, or the time delay from the initial transmission of the signal, to its reception by the GPS. From this speed or time difference, the receiver calculates the satellite's distance. With information about the location of at least three satellites, along with their individual distances, a receiver utilizes the basic principle of triangulation to calculate its actual position in terms of altitude, latitude and longitude.
GPS receivers are incredibly accurate, usually to within ten meters of radius. It is possible, however, to increase this accuracy level using supplemental technologies; for example, receivers using multiple parallel channels can achieve an accuracy level to within two meters. More complex systems such as DGPS (Differential GPS) and WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) can reduce this range to an impressive one meter precision.
Despite the use of these supplemental technologies, there are still many factors that can cause even the best receivers to display inaccurate locations or no location at all. Among these factors are:
* Number of visible satellites
* Radio signal delays caused by the passage through the ionosphere and troposphere
* Signal multipath (bouncing of the signal as it hits an object)
* Inaccuracy of receiver clocks
* Ephemeris errors (inaccuracy of the satellites' reported locations)
* Poor positioning of satellites (i.e.: satellites in a linear position, or in a tight grouping)
Some, but not all, of the errors caused by these factors can be remedied by the software included with personal receivers. This software is there to reduce the amount of task and research the use has to do, knowing how to use the software properly may also fix or avoid some problems. If you are having difficulty with the accuracy of your receiver, your user guide may also help you.
Technology has given us wonderful gifts and powers beyond imagination. A receiver is one technological wonder that is so accessible, that millions of people use them on a daily basis. If you travel locally or across country, or enjoy exploring the great outdoors, pick up a receiver and you'll always be able to find your way home.
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http://www.GPSMadeEasy.com
Charles
http://www.GPSMadeEasy.com
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