What is GPS (Global Positioning System)? Definition and Uses

Definition GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS is the acronym for the Global Positioning System, an expression that can be translated as a Global Positioning System. This system was created by the Department of Defense of the United States and allowed, through a network of 24 satellites. The main use of GPS was to indicate the position of a body on the surface of the earth with great precision.

The trajectories of these 24 satellites, which orbit 20,200 kilometers above the Earth, are synchronized. In this way, the coverage of the entire surface is achieved. The GPS uses the mathematical method known as trilateration to work with the information provided by the satellites. And also to determine the location of the object.

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Global Positioning System Uses:

To know a position, the receiving team (also known as GPS) locates at least three satellites in the network. By receiving signals from them indicating the identification and the schedule. When calculating the time it takes for the signals to arrive from the satellites to the equipment. With this, the distance between the devices is measured.

Then, with these distances already established, it is possible to determine the relative position of the object (that is, its coordinates).

GPS is mostly used in navigation, whether maritime, air, or land. Many automobiles now incorporate it, so that drivers can easily locate themselves on a map. Also, most modern mobile phones usually include GPS.

GPS technology can be used for services such as access through the Wireless Application Protocol, the short and multimedia message service, Internet access, and e-mail.

GPS is used to know the location of vehicles or people. It is used for rescue tasks and for the search and recovery of automobiles. It is used in the phone next to certain applications, on the other hand, can be used to know where the user’s contacts are, showing the location in a base map.

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