Short for Global Positioning System, a worldwide MEO satellite navigational system formed by 24 satellites orbiting the earth and their corresponding receivers on the earth. The satellites orbit the earth at approximately 12,000 miles above the surface and make two complete orbits every 24 hours. The GPS satellites continuously transmit digital radio signals that contain data on the satellites location and the exact time to the earth-bound receivers. The satellites are equipped with atomic clocks that are precise to within a billionth of a second. Based on this information the receivers know how long it takes for the signal to reach the receiver on earth. As each signal travels at the speed of light, the longer it takes the receiver to get the signal, the farther away the satellite is. By knowing how far away a satellite is, the receiver knows that it is located somewhere on the surface of an imaginary sphere centered at the satellite. By using three satellites, GPS can calculate the longitude and latitude of the receiver based on where the three spheres intersect. By using four satellites, GPS can also determine altitude.
GPS was developed and is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. It was originally called NAVSTAR (Navigation System with Timing and Ranging). Before its civilian applications, GPS was used to provide all-weather round-the-clock navigation capabilities for military ground, sea, and air forces.
GPS has applications beyond navigation and location determination. GPS can be used for cartography, forestry, mineral exploration, wildlife habitation management, monitoring the movement of people and things and bringing precise timing to the world.
GPS Systems
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Global Positioning System
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GPS Resource Library
This is a page of links containing information about the Global Positioning System (GPS) and handheld GPS units.
Amazon
101.83Magellan RoadMate 1212 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Built-in pre-loaded maps enable you to navigate the Unites States, Canada, and Puerto Rico Smar...
Zappos.com
549.99You'll always be able to find your way with the Humminbird 785C2 Chartplotter. Features ; 5.0 256 Color TFT screen. ; Intuitive, simple-to-use buttons...
TeamStore
999.99The 798c SI external GPS fishfinder combo from Humminbird& features a brilliant, ultra-high resolution 5" color display, side imaging and dual-beam PL...
Amazon
103.28Magellan Maestro 3225 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Pre-loaded with North American maps enabling you to travel all 50 United S...
Zappos.com
620.00Developed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use, safety, and value, TomTom products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable ...
