Global Positioning System (GPS)
Global Positioning System (GPS) was originally developed by the
United States Department of Defense. Its operation is based on a
portable ground receiver obtaining readings from a constellation of 24
satellites orbiting the earth.
The advantage of satellites over land
based systems is an unobstructed view of the entire planet with respect
to the horizon. A GPS satellite system has the ability to transmit
positional information with centimeter accuracy.
GPS receivers
are compact and portable, and can be retrofit to commercial vehicles,
emergency response vehicles, airplanes, automobiles, motorcycles etc.
That means that everyone can know exactly where they are on the face of
the earth and how to get to or from any known point of origin or
destination.
How does GPS work?
The satellites triangulate electronic signals with the earth
receiver to establish a unique address of every square meter of the
earths surface. The address consists of Longitude, Latitude and
Elevation coordinates. This is done by transmitting signals from a set
of satellites and translating the time it takes to reach the receiver
into distance: Electronic Signals traveling at (186,000 miles/sec)
x (Time)=Distance.
How is GPS used?
Creating intelligent maps is an example of how GPS is used in a utility application. These maps are created by combining the satellite readings with compatible software that converts them into visual images on a video monitor. These digital maps can then be enhanced with attribute information, e.g., house locations, utility pole locations, road names, terminal locations, E911 addresses, etc. GPS is a cost-effective way to mass capture spatial related data for GIS systems—GIS (Geographic Information
System)
If you need information about how you can apply a GPS
system to your telecommunications system contact CCS Inc. today.
