Basic Guide on GPS System

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a technology whereby satellites orbiting the earth send down radio signals which GPS units and receivers use to work out their current location. This information is designated by latitude and longitude elevation coordinates.

Definitions

Longitude: Angular distance on the earth's surface, measured east or west from the prime meridian at Greenwich, England, to the meridian passing through a position, expressed in degrees (or hours), minutes, and seconds.

Altitude: The measurement of how high something is. It can be measured in meters or feet and is benchmarked by sea level.

Latitude: Angular distance north or south from the equator ofa point on the earth's surface, measured on the meridianof the point.


How does GPS Work

There are approximately 24 low earth orbiting satellites circling the globe at any given moment. A GPS navigational system or GPS tracker searches for the transmission signal from at least three satellites. The receiver measures the time the signal was sent, the time it is received and then multiplies both numbers by speed of light, which is 186,000 miles or 300,000 kilometers per second, to work out how far the satellite is away from the receiver. This calculation is done at least three times with the results be using used to calculate the specific device location, i.e., your location on the globe.

The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978 and by 1995 the US Department. However, it was not until year 2,000 that civilian-use of GPS systems became popular.

Satellites transmit on L1 - L5 signal bands but, the L2 frequency is primarily used by civilian GPS devices which broadcast on frequency range of 1227.6 Mega Hertz. The military did not necessary want GPS devices being made broadly available to the consumers for reasons of national security or defense.

Some GPS satellite frequencies, outside of the L2 frequencies are designated as top secret for secure military transmissions only. The L2 signal was incorporate because it provided an improved accuracy for navigation and signal transmitted is easy-to-track among other features.

In essence GPS devices are gadgets based on very high-tech electronics. Some devices are used for navigational purposes while other GPS systems are designed as tracking devices.

Essentially GPS Trackers, GPS Loggers or GPS receivers are devices which records your location when:

• A) A button on the device is triggered

• B) The device is triggered remotely

The above are useful features to have if you want keep track of where you have been or keep family members and loved ones safe.

There are different types of GPS systems, for example:

GPS Location Finders

A GPS location finder is similar to a GPS receiver with the only difference being the device works in an instant. A GPS finder comes in handy if you are in large parking lot and forget where you parked your car. Using a GPS finder you can instantly located your car by following the directional arrows on the LED screen of the tracker to your car.

Handheld GPS Navigation Units

GPS maps and GPS mapping software names like Tomtom, iGo and Route 66, are most often referring to a Portable GPS navigator, or a GPS car DVD.

Handheld GPS units work just like the GPS on a car DVD. They show you destinations and help you pick the best way to get there.

All GPS systems utilized sophisticated and proprietary software pre-installed on the device at purchase. The software is installed on a SD card which has preloaded GPS maps. The card is easy to install. However, if problems are encounter a professional should be employed to insure the device software is working and installed properly.

Before buying a GPS system one should understand basic terminology associated with GPS systems and determine exactly how you will utilize your GPS system. Some GPS systems are designed for purely navigational purposes, whiles others are used as tracking devices.

Also, take into consideration the terrain you are operating your device. Satellite coverage is not the same in all areas. You may need to purchase additional antenna gear to boost GPS reception.