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: GPS
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But, how does GPS work?
Just as we depend on
satellites for cellular
phones and TV
broadcasts, we also
rely on satellites for
GPS.
In fact, GPS relies on
24 satellites that
orbit the earth in very
precise paths.
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How does GPS work?
24 satellites in 6
orbital planes.
Satellites orbit at
11,000 nautical miles
(12,659 statute miles)
Each satellite orbits
the earth in 12 hours.
Each satellite
broadcasts a signal.
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Control Segment
Base station receives
signal and monitors each
satellites exact location in
space.
Base station also
maintains an atomic clock
for precise measurements
of signal travel time.
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User Segment
To determine location, the
receiver measures the time
it takes for the individual
signals to reach the unit.
distance = travel time X
speed of light
Through communication
with multiple satellites the
receiver location can be
“triangulated”
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How do I know where I am?
The GPS receiver
displays location in
degrees of latitude
and longitude.
Latitude is measured
north and south of the
equator.
Longitude is measured
east and west of the
prime meridian.
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Global Positioning System
Initially developed by the U.S.
Department of Defense for military use.
Still maintained by DOD today, but can
also be for civilian use.
Navigation in your car.
Finding your favorite fishing hole.
Mapping trails or roads.
GPS Accuracy
For safety reasons the DOD only operated
civilian GPS with selective availability –
scrambling of signal
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References
www.stoller-eser.com. Environmental Surveillance, Education, and Research
Program. Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.