Global Positioning System

What is GPS ?
A very precise positioning system
• Developed and maintained by the
US Department of Defense (DOD)
• Satellite Based
* 50 satellites
* 20,200 km high orbit
Characteristics of GPS
• Free
• Precise
• Reliable Almost!
• All weather
• Anytime & anywhere
• Unlimited user capacity
Segments of GPS
1. Space Segment
A constellation of 24 satellites

2. Monitor Station
A network of earth-based facilities

3. Users & Equipment

Source:Trimble
Segments of GPS
1. Space Segment
A constellation
of 50 satellites

Source:Trimble
How GPS Works ………

Uses measurements from 4+ satellites

Distance = travel time x speed of light

Source:Trimble
How accurate is GPS?
Depends on some variables

• Time spent on measurement

• Design of receiver
• Postprocessing
• Relative positions of satellites,
technically known as PDOP (Position
dilution of precision)
GPS Receivers
Application of GPS
• Military
• Automobiles
• Aircraft
• Agriculture
• Disaster relief
• Marine application
 Disadvantages of GPS
• Battery failure
• Breaching the privacy
• Sometimes, GPS signals are not accurate
due to obstacles