What is GPS and How Can It Be Used?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System and wasreceived by a receiver, the farther away the
initially designed to be used by the U.S. military andsatellite is. If a GPS is receiving signals from three
is operated by the U.S. Defense Department. Thissatellites it can calculate latitude and longitude.
system consists of 24 satellites, these satellitesAltitude can be determined if the GPS is receiving
are 12,000 miles above us, are constantly movingsignals from four satellites.
in a precise orbit, have an atomic clock, and areGPS can be used for navigating your car through
solar powered. They do have a battery backuptraffic day-to-day or tracking a fleet of vehicles.
so they will continue to run in the event of a solarNot only can a driver use a GPS for directions the
eclipse, and each satellites has a small rocketmain office knows where that vehicle is and the
booster to maintain their orbit. The first satellitespeed of the vehicle. GPS can be used while on
was launched in 1978 and it wasn't until 1994vacation for activities such as hiking, camping, or
when there were a total of 24 satellites. Eachhunting. Is your passion fishing but get frustrated
satellite has a life expectancy of about 10 years,trying to find the fish? With a fish finder which
so new satellites are constantly being built anduses both GPS technology and sonar you'll know
launched. Each satellite weighs about 2,000 poundsexactly where to go to find those fish. GPS
and is approximately 17 feet in width when thetechnology is also being used as a way to track
solar panels are extended. In the 1980s the GPSyour pet if he wanders off or to safeguard a pet
became available to the public, and although it isfrom being stolen.
still maintain by the U.S. Defense DepartmentAnother use for GPS is as a child finder with a
there is no charge for its usage by the public.receiver in a child's cell phone or wristwatch to
These 24 satellites orbit the earth twice a dayensure a child's safety. It can be used in a
and continuously sends the location of the satellite.teenager's car in order to both know where they
A GPS system can tell how far a satellite is awayand how fast they are driving. This could also be
by comparing the time difference between theused to keep track of someone who tends to
time a signal was transmitted and the time it was'roam' but is not capable enough to find there
received, the longer it takes the signal to beway back; i.e. someone with Alzheimer's disease.