The GPS consists of many satellites orbiting the Earth in a very precise pattern. The system is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) for use by both the military and the general public.
2. How it works
The GPS satellites broadcast microwave signals that are received by GPS receivers on or near the Earth’s surface. The receiver device then calculates the location. If the receiving device is moving it can make additional calculations such as displacement/distance, speed, average speed and more. A device may be within the range of more than 10 satellites at any time and must be connected to a minimum of three at all times to function.
GPS signals include ranging signals, used to measure the distance to the satellite and navigation messages. The navigation messages include ephemeris data, used to calculate the position of each satellite in orbit and information about the time and status of the entire satellite constellation called the almanac.
3. Mathsing
Essentially lots of triangulation must take place.
The Cartesian coordinate system consists of a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis.
On a Cartesian plane (2 dimensions) we can use x and y coordinates to make measurements based on plot points using Trigonometry and stuff.
“Distance between two points is the length of the line segment that connects the two points in a plane. The formula to find the distance between the two points is usually given by ” [1]
4. Applications
Military use.
GPS-enabled navigation units for motor vehicles, boats and aircraft.
GPS-tracking for safety and security measures.
Personal GPS units for sports tracking.
A Garmin GPS sports model showing an altitude of 2000m above sea level, Matroosberg Peak.
5. Limitations
GPS signal requires direct line-of-sight and will not penetrate a dense tree canopy, or when the receiver is under (even very shallow) water or near the base of a cliff/in a deep ravine.
Mister Fox AKA @MisterFoxOnline is an ICT, IT and CAT Teacher who has just finished training as a Young Engineers instructor. He has a passion for technology and loves to find solutions to problems using the skills he has learned in the course of his IT career.
