GPS System Know Your Position

GPS System is a worldwide navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and the associated ground stations. There can be more than 24 operational satellites; new ones are launched periodically to replace older satellites. The GPS system uses “man-made stars” as reference points to parse accurate positions to within meters.

gps systems

The accuracy of location measurements using the global positioning system depends on the GPS receiver. High-end, survey-grade GPS receivers can determine locations precise to within centimeters. The first commercial global positioning system units were precise for only about 100 meters because the military scrambled the signal–a program called Selective Availability. Today, with additional information from ground based correction services such as WAAS WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) or U.S. Coast Guard differential GPS beacons, accuracy can be improved even further.

Decide Which Type of GPS System You Need

I think by now just about everyone knows about GPS devices. If you are looking for a specific location the GPS can take you there, if you don’t know where you are the GPS can tell you. The GPS tracking technology has come a long way with GPS devices available today that actually speak to you. First, you can break all of the devices into four main categories which are: automobile navigation, marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm now.

The automotive systems are primarily used by people who travel for a living or use their vehicles in outside sales. The handheld portable units are a great choice if you want flexibility and the option of using the unit outside of the car. Also look for programmable mapping features. As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore fisherman and wouldn’t even consider fishing offshore now without a GPS. The newer hybrid system now available offers a blend of the GPS technology with a PDA.

See also other GPS fleet tracking system guide on TomTom, Magellan and Garmin

Incoming search terms for the article:

Related posts:

1. GPS Systems