Difference between revisions of "GPS"
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The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 | The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their [[ground stations]]. | ||
GPS uses these "man-made stars" as reference points to calculate positions accurate to a matter of meters. In fact, with advanced forms of GPS you can make measurements to better than a centimetre! | GPS uses these "man-made stars" as reference points to calculate positions accurate to a matter of meters. In fact, with advanced forms of GPS you can make measurements to better than a centimetre! | ||
In a sense it's like giving every square meter on the planet a unique address. | In a sense it's like giving every square meter on the planet a unique address. | ||
GPS receivers have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits and so are becoming very economical. And that makes the technology accessible to virtually everyone. | GPS receivers have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits and so are becoming very economical. And that makes the technology accessible to virtually everyone. | ||
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Revision as of 16:35, 21 March 2006
GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations.
GPS uses these "man-made stars" as reference points to calculate positions accurate to a matter of meters. In fact, with advanced forms of GPS you can make measurements to better than a centimetre!
In a sense it's like giving every square meter on the planet a unique address.
GPS receivers have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits and so are becoming very economical. And that makes the technology accessible to virtually everyone.