What is GPS?
The term GPS stands for Global Positioning System (GPS), which is a satellite-based navigation system consisting of approximately 24 satellites that accurately identify and locate the exact position of an individual or any object on earth.
GPS satellites work in all weather conditions anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, with no subscription fees or setup charges. The United States Department of Defense (USDOD) had initially launched some satellites into Earth orbit primarily for military use; They were made available for civilian use in the late 1980s. There are currently 31 GPS satellites orbiting the earth with 3 satellites ready to launch when needed.
How GPS was born
In 1973, the idea for a Global Positioning System (GPS), initially called NAVSTAR, was developed by the United States Department of Defense (USDOD). As mentioned above, this technology was primarily for military use and then became available for civilian use in the late 1980s. GPS technology owes its progress and advancement to three people who are recognized by the scientific community as clearly associated with the invention of this revolutionary technology.
Roger L. Easton, former director of the Space Applications Branch of the Naval Research Laboratory, was the mastermind behind several engineering applications and technologies that led to the development of GPS. Another luminaire in the development of GPS was Ivan Getting, who was the founding president of Aerospace Corporation in the U.S. Getting credited with improving the satellite system to enable precision data in tracking and monitoring of moving objects. on the ground ranging from vehicles to missiles. Another luminaire in the field of GPS is Bradford Parkinson, commonly known as the ‘Father of GPS’; Bradford was the chief designer and implementer of GPS with regard to its evolution and engineering development.
The components of GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) consists of 3 sections, the first of which are the satellites in Earth orbit; secondly, the command, control and monitoring centers responsible for the techno-management of GPS technology and the orbiting trajectories of GPS satellites; and third, GPS receivers operated by individuals and industries.
How GPS works
There are a total of 31 satellites orbiting the Earth in their predetermined orbits. At any given time on the planet, there are a minimum of 4 GPS satellites that focus on a given geographic area of planet Earth. Each GPS-enabled satellite takes pictures and records stationery as well as moving objects and then transmits the data about the current position of the objects, the speed of movement and the time from the video graph at regular time intervals. These GPS-enabled satellites transmit data signals to GPS receivers on various phones at the speed of light: digitized data is detected by the handheld GPS receiver and translated into visual images; the telephone receivers calculate the distance from the orbiting satellite based on the time interval of the received digital data, that is, between data transmission and data reception. Once the phone receivers acquire all the information from orbiting satellites focused on that particular geographic area, the GPS receiver can pinpoint the exact location of the terrestrial object or objects that may be stationary or mobile through a process called Trilateration. The more satellites that are focused on the given area, the more accurately the locations, images, and speeds can be determined.
What is GPS tracking?
GPS tracking is the enabled remote surveillance / monitoring of precise locations by using GPS technology to track and monitor the location and travel routes of one or more objects. GPS tracking is invaluable for law enforcement, fire, military, and businesses that require constant monitoring of moving objects such as vehicles, missiles, and individuals. GPS tracking systems typically use Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems that employ a network of vehicles, each of which is installed with a portable radio receiver, a GPS receiver, and a GPS antenna. In addition, GPS technology uses interactive maps instead of static maps to determine the current situation on roads and highways. GPS smartphones and other portable devices are frequently used for live tracking and monitoring of specific objects.
GPS Marketing
On May 25, 1989, the first commercial GPS trackers were released to consumer markets under the make and model number: Magellan GPS NAV 1000s. The waterproof handheld measured 8.75 x 3.5 x 2.25 inches in size, weighed 680 grams, and looked like a large calculator with a rotating antenna arm attached. The device featured a multi-line LCD screen, but had a comparatively low runtime of only a few hours. Similar to the case where simple handheld calculators were priced high at launch, the GPS device retailed for $ 3,000 (roughly Rs 54,000 at the time). In 1990, the celebrated automaker Mazda launched its Eunos Cosmo model with a built-in GPS navigation system, the first car to come with the GPS tracking function. Later, in 1999, Benefon, a mobile phone manufacturer, launched the first commercially available mobile phone with built-in GPS technology. In the same year, Casio released the first GPS wristwatch called the Casio GPS. Since then, GPS technology quickly became a household word with all smartphones and smart wristwatches that feature GPS-enabled technology.