Understanding how GPS technology works

Before you enter the wonderful world of GPS technology it is worth taking stock of the kind of things that it can and can not offer you. It is not magic, and GPS technology works by way of some important scientific and technological advances, which have been made possible by the application of military technology to civilian uses.

The first thing to note is that GPS technology requires a signal from at least three satellites to be accurate. If one thinks of how a typical orienteering exercise works, it is obvious that two readings only allows us to be accurate to within a certain degree of error. Adding the third side to the triangle means that we can increase this to be accurate to within a margin of error which is acceptable.

In GPS technology this is then extended with a system known as the Wide Area Augmentation System which allows the signals from the satellites to be matched against a land base network of transmitters. With the two signals in hand, the GPS system can then work out where it is to within 3 meters, which gives an unsurpassed level of accuracy.

This is all made possible by the computer, and in GPS technology the computer is used for two purposes. On the one hand it can tell the unit where it is, and on the other it is used to match that against a map and provide other functions such as being able to navigate between two points.

GPS
Maps / Software
Tracking

About The Author:

Guy Lecky-Thompson is a successful author and publisher at www.1st-at-gps-tracking.com. Recommending gps equipment and associated products
27-06-04