What is GPS?
You have heard the term before, but you still may be asking yourself: Just what is GPS? Although a growing number of people are using GPS systems, there are still many people who are wondering what is GPS and why are so many people rushing out to purchase their own systems?

Into A Sophisticated Tracking Device

The Basics of GPS
The most basic answer to the question of what is GPS is that it is a system used to help track where a person is located. By being able to determine where a person is located at any time, GPS systems are being used for a number of different purposes. The most common purpose for GPS systems is to help drivers navigate their way through streets and to help them find their destination. Since GPS devices are able to determine precisely where a driver is located and because they know exactly where the driver’s destination is located, they are able to provide the driver with directions to that location.

Consumer reports on GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS devices are also used in emergency situations in order to help locate people. For example, many parents have chosen to have their children carry GPS devices so they can track where they are at all times. Outdoor enthusiasts carry GPS devices to help them navigate as well as to make it easier for rescuers to find them if something goes awry. GPS devices are also used to help track elderly individuals that may easily get lost, such as with those that suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

This is what “overseas highway” look like on GPS

Taking a Closer Look at GPS Systems
The more complicated answer to the question of what is GPS is that the technology involves communication between the GPS device and the 24 satellites that are orbiting around the Earth 24 hours per day, every day of the year. With the help of small rocket boosters, the satellites are able to rotate around the Earth at about 7,000 miles per hour while maintaining a precise path. GPS devices are able to communicate with these satellites and are then able to determine precisely where the device is located based on the completion of a number of mathematical calculations. This is where the full name of GPS, or global positioning system, comes from.

What is the GPS telling us?

Following the Signal
In order to communicate with the satellites that are orbiting around the Earth, GPS devices form a “line of sight” with the satellites that are over them at the time. The signals sent out by the GPS units, which are simply low power radio signals, are able to pass through glass, plastic and clouds. They cannot, however, pass through most solid objects such as mountains and buildings. Therefore, a GPS unit may not be quite as accurate if you are passing through an area where the signal is blocked by many buildings or mountains. At any given time, the unit should be able to access at least four satellites. The more satellites it can access, the better the accuracy of the GPS device.

written by Darren