THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES in the twentieth century have brought revolutionary changes in our day-to-day lives, especially the way we communicate. Apart from interpersonal communication, Internet and satellites have enabled us to keep track of people, places and things, no matter in which part of the world we are. GPS is one among the valuable technological innovations that are now being used for a variety of purposes, be it civilian or military. The technology has given us new means of navigation in the new age.
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system, which was developed by the US Department of Defense for providing accurate positioning and timing of objects on earth. Primarily developed for military use, GPS is now one of the most popular technologies used in mobile phones, transportation, air navigation, mapping, land surveying, emergency service and various other recreational activities.
Established in the year 1978, Global Positioning System consists of 29 earth-orbiting satellites that transmit radio signals that a GPS unit receives and determines its own position coordinates with latitude and longitude. The system calculates the position information and speed in real time with utmost accuracy by following the trilateration and triangulation methods.
Application
GPS with normal cellular network is now used frequently in the transportation industry for better fleet management thereby saving time and money. The automatic vehicle-locating device attached in motor vehicles updates particular vehicle’s location, time, speed, and also send alert messages to drivers. In case of air-navigation, its enhances flight safety by directing the pilot to the exact airport for landing irrespective of bad weather like fog.
In developed countries, cops use it for tracing stolen vehicle. People also use it for getting the nearest emergency services like fire and medical etc. As far as personal uses are concerned, one can attach a GPS enabled tracking unit in his/her vehicle to track its movement all the time through Internet and tracking no matter where the person is.
This technology is also used for various recreational activities like fishing and hiking, for storing coordinates of different places that help in returning back to the same place again without any difficulty. In sports like cycling, motor racing and running, GPS devices constantly monitor routes, speed, and location of the athletes. However in India, GPS is only known in mobile phone industries and it’s yet to serve as a full time tracking device.
The GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) of Russia and Galileo (developed by European Union) are committed to provide same and even better positioning and timing services, which will end the monopoly of US in having the right to restrict its services. Both the systems are going to function within the next couple of years, which will further make the use of this technology cheaper and easier for civilian. As far as India is concerned, it is one of the most successful countries in satellite development and launching technologies. It may thus play a major role in GLONASS project which in fact will generate unlimited opportunities in the process of satellite navigation.
GPS is one of the most amazing technologies in the world today that is evolving with many new applications. Now its not difficult to track an object or lose your way provided you can utilize the services of GPS. It may tell you the nearest hotel, hospital, airport or a railway station in a totally strange place just on the display of your mobile phone. This technology covers a vast area related to navigation and is going to play a major role in common mans life by saving time, life and money.
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