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What is GPS?
GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. The three parts of GPS are: Satellites Receivers Software
A GPS receiver calculates its position by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites above the Earth.
A GPS receiver's job is to locate four or more of these satellites, figure out the distance to each, and use this information to deduce its own location. This operation is based on a simple mathematical principle called triangulation or trilateration.
Master Station
Monitor Stations
Space Segment:
24 GPS space vehicles(SVs). Each satellite transmits on three frequencies. Satellites orbit the earth in 12 hrs. 6 orbital planes inclined at 55 degrees with the equator. The orbits are arranged so that at least six satellites are always within line of sight from almost everywhere on Earth's surface.
Control Segment
US Space Command
Monitor Station
Ground Antenna
User Segment:
It consists of receivers that decode the signals from the satellites. The receiver performs following tasks:
Selecting one or more satellites Acquiring GPS signals Measuring and tracking Recovering navigation data
GPS receivers come in a variety of formats, from devices integrated into cars, phones, and watches, to dedicated devices
In a Nutshell
GPS Triangulation
If you know you are 10 miles from satellite A in the sky, you could be anywhere on the surface of a huge, imaginary sphere with a 10-mile radius.
10 miles
Earth
15 miles 10 miles
Obstructions such as trees, buildings, or natural formations may prevent clear line of sight.
95% due to hardware ,environment and atmosphere Atmospheric effects --Atmospheric inconsistencies affect the speed of the GPS signals as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere, especially the ionosphere. o Multipath effects --GPS signals can be affected by multipath issues, where the radio signals reflect off surrounding terrain; buildings, canyon walls, hard ground, etc.
Error Sources
Applications of GPS
Surveying: Surveyors use absolute locations to make maps and determine property boundaries Map-making: Both civilian and military cartographers use GPS extensively. Navigation: Navigators value digitally precise velocity and orientation measurements. Missile and projectile guidance: GPS allows accurate targeting of various military weapons( including ICBMs& cruise missiles )