The joint brainchild of DOD, (the U.S. Department of Defense), and Ivan Getting, the GPS System (Global Positioning System) came with a price tag of over 12 billion dollars. Eighteen satellites, spaced about 120? apart, composed the first GPS. (Nowadays, about 30 active satellites orbit the earth at a distance of 20200 km). GPS uses these satellites as reference points to figure out geographical locations. The GPS satellites send signals which pinpoint the exact position of a GPS receiver.
Today, Fleet Management GPS provides managers with a cost-effective method to document the stops made by their vehicles, and Commercial GPS is helping our society in a multitude of other ways. GPS is now becoming an important timing instrument. GPS emits four satellite signals that accessible by a GPS receiver, allowing the receiver to calculate position, velocity and time.
Dr. Ivan Getting
Dr. Ivan Getting was the actual "father" of GPS technology. Getting, who had a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, spawned the satellite-based program in 1960. Under Dr. Getting's guidance, experts in aerospace experimented with the use of satellites for navigating vehicles on the move. The data derived from this concept was the forerunner of navigational technology, and an important prelude to the GPS.
Among the many Commercial GPS uses are:
. Military. Military strategists use GPS units. Knowing where a soldier needs to go and being able to plot out a route, is a distinct advantage in the field.
. Airplanes. Many commercial airlines equip their planes with GPS technology to help pilots stay on the correct course.
. Fire and Rescue. Emergency vehicles are often equipped with GPS instruments to decrease response time.
. Law Enforcement Agencies. Police use GPS technology to track and monitor suspects.
. Private Vehicles. Newer model vehicles often come with a built in GPS system that allows drivers to map out their journey, and provides real-time traffic and weather data. The driver can input an address, and even latitude/longitude, if desired. GPS also points out locations of interest such as nearby shopping, restaurants, gas stations.
As one might expect from such an astounding innovation, the commercial uses of the GPS System have multiplied exponentially.
GPS satellites circle the earth two times a day in a certain orbit and send signals back to earth. The GPS receivers use this information to pinpoint time and location. The GPS receiver compares the time the satellite dispatched the signal with the time the message was received. The difference indicates the distance of the satellite.
Today, Fleet Management GPS uses GPS-based tracking data and specialized software to keep track of drivers' efficiency and productivity. A GPS transmitter/receiver and a small antenna installed on each vehicle connect it to the GPS network. The data is then stored in a database to provide an indelible record of each day's operations.
Commercial GPS is helping our society in a multitude of ways. GPS emits four signals that allow the receiver to calculate position and time.
If you would like to learn more about the history of GPS, go to http://www.drivengps.com.
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