Full Form Of GPS

GPS full form is Global Positioning System. It is a satellite navigation system that helps identify the ground position of an object. This technology was first put in use by the US military in the 1960s. Today GPS receivers are quite common in devices like smartphones, GIS devices, automobiles, and fitness watches. GPS also helps track and guide vehicles and provides the best route from one destination to another.

Various Parts of GPS

We can divide GPS into three parts:

1. A segment of space: This includes the 24 satellites distributed in six orbital planes.

2. A segment of control: This includes the stations installed on Earth that manage and track satellites.

3. User Segment: This includes the receiver equipment that receives signals from the GPS satellites and measures an object’s position and time.

Working Principle of GPS

• The 24 satellites comprising the GPS network are deployed about 19,300 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. They are evenly spaced and circle the Earth at an incredible speed of 11,200 km/h (once every 12 hours).
• A computer, radio, and atomic clock are present in every satellite which help it transmit its location and time. It uses the triangulation method to identify an object’s location.
• If it is possible to access the fourth satellite, the receiver can also measure the altitude and geographical position of an object.
• It also becomes possible for the receiver to calculate an object’s travel speed and direction which in turn helps calculate the arrival times to specific locations.

Applications of GPS

GPS provides precise and accurate data. Researchers often use this technology to measure the changes in the arctic ice shift, Earth’s tectonic plates, and volcanic activities. Following are some other applications of GPS:

• Provides the exact location of an object.
• Tracks a person or object’s movement.
• Helps create World maps.
• Provides precise timing.