GPS Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was designed for military applications. Its primary purpose was to allow soldiers to keep track of their position and to assist in guiding weapons to their targets. The satellites were built by Rockwell International and were launched by the U.S. Air Force. The entire system is funded by the U.S. government and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense. The total cost for implementing the system was over $12 billion.

Structure of GPS

GPS consists of three parts: 1) The space segment; 2) The control segment; 3) The user segment. The U.S. Air Force develops, maintains, and operates the space and control segments. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space, and each GPS receiver uses these signals to calculate its threedimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and the current time.

Example for GPS position

Your location is: 37o 23.323 N 122o 02.162 W

GPS Satellites

Three satellites might seem enough to solve for position because space has three dimensions and a position near the Earth's surface can be assumed. But receivers use four or more satellites to solve for the receiver's location and time. The very accurately computed time is effectively hidden by most GPS applications, which use only the location.

GPS Use

While originally a military project, GPS is considered a dual-use technology, meaning it has significant military and civilian applications. GPS has become a widely deployed and useful tool for commerce, scientific uses, tracking, and surveillance. GPS can be used by anyone who has a GPS receiver. It can be: Mobile Phone, GPS for car, GPS in the form of clock etc.

Created by: Hristian Ilioski SOTU Gjorgji Naumov Bitola