Global positioning system ----- Geography

 

 

Global positioning system (GPS):

Ans:The global positioning system (GPS) is a technology for determining locations on Earth. This high-tech system was created for military applications .But today, it is being adapted to many public uses, from surveying to navigation. 

         The global positioning system (GPS) is a space - based satellite navigation system. It provides location and time information. 

The current GPS is managed by the US Air Force for the Department of Defence.

             Source: Google image 

Components of  global positioning system : 

The global positioning system is basically composed of three parts:

 These are - satellites , ground stations and receivers.

Importance of Global positioning system: 

a)The global positioning system uses radio signals, transmitted by a network of satellites orbiting 17,700 kilometers (11,000 mi) above Earth . 

b)It  is based on the principle of triangulation, which means that if we can find the distance to our position, measured from three or more different locations , in this case we can determine our location. The distances are calculated by measuring the time it takes for a signal, broadcast at the speed of light from a satellite, to arrive at the receiver.

c)A GPS receiver displays a location in latitude, longitude, and elevation, or on a map display. Small GPS receivers are useful to travelers, hikers, and backpackers who need to keep track of their location.

d)In mountain areas, hikers can also use a GPS to understand

the relationship between changes in elevations and environments.

e)Map-based GPS systems are becoming popular and are widely used in vehicles, boats, and aircraft. 

f)GPS applications also support map making from data gathered in the field. With sophisticated GPS equipment and techniques, it is possible to find locational coordinates within small fractions of a meter .

Related Question:

1. What is GPS?

Ans:The global positioning system (GPS) is a technology for determining locations on Earth. The global positioning system (GPS) is a space - based satellite navigation system. It provides location and time information.