Global Positioning System: History and Development

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Location Measurement
GPS Components
Transmitters
Receivers
Uses of GPS
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The Global Positioning System, better known as GPS, is a part of many peoples lives. Almost every modern phone has tools that allow it to connect to the system and use it. Many people use it without realizing that it is involved or understanding how, exactly, it operates. The many different maps apps serve as examples, as do the various times where the phone asks to share your location and knows where you are with extreme precision. Most people assume that the Internet is somehow involved or that the phone is somehow able to tell where it is by using some tools inside it. However, they are incorrect, and this essay serves as an explanation of the systems general design.

Location Measurement

Generally speaking, GPS is not the only way in which you, or another person, can learn your location using your phone. However, all of these approaches use the same principles and techniques. The most important thing to know is trilateration, which can determine your location using three signal receivers. Based on the strength of the signal, each can evaluate its distance to you. There are only two possible points in which you can be to be at this specific distance from each receiver [1]. One of these will be very unlikely (high up in the air or space if you are on the ground), and the system can then determine that you are probably in the other location.

GPS Components

A phone will typically be capable of emitting several different types of signals, and each can be used to determine its location. [1] mentions the use of cell towers for the task, but notes that they are less accurate. Wi-Fi hotspot networks are another example, providing high accuracy but a very low range. GPS is a popular solution because it combines excellent range and satisfactory accuracy. It achieves this goal by using satellites that hover in orbit over Earth. Due to their position, they are not limited by considerations such as terrain and can cover large areas. Moreover, the fact that their signals are mostly only impeded by air allows for precise calculations. Naturally, however, they also require a signal that is powerful enough to go to space.

Transmitters

The United States of America originally developed GPS for military purposes and made it available to the public worldwide later. In 2005, there were 24 active satellites and three inactive ones that were intended to serve as replacements in case any broke down [1]. The first ones were launched in the 1980s, but they continue to operate and are compatible with modern technology even now. This longevity can be explained both by their robust design and by the nature of space, where rust and wear are less critical concerns than they would be on Earth. Possibly the most beneficial aspect of GPS is that the satellites can cover the entire surface of the Earth with their small number, unlike ground-based alternatives.

Receivers

There are various ways in which a device can interact with GPS. [1] mentions options such as an in-built receiver or an external one that works through a wired or Bluetooth connection. It also talks about the limited nature of GPS features in many devices, as they could usually only transmit ones information to an access point after a 911 call. However, nowadays, technology has advanced enough that most phones can have a fully functional GPS receiver inside them [2]. These devices are capable of sending signals to satellites and receiving back information about their location as well as executing more complicated requests. They are supported by various software that provides them with instructions and puts them to use for specific purposes.

Uses of GPS

The essential function of GPS is to determine a persons location, and most of its uses revolve around this information. It is used to track ones position, provide directions and offer position-based services and advertisements [1]. More specifically, almost every map and navigation service, as well as various apps that suggest nearby places to go, use GPS to find your location. GPS-equipped cars can be hard to steal because the police can find their location at any time unless the thief disables the chip somehow. The system can be used to create maps automatically instead of having people memorize locations and draw them by hand. Overall, there are many everyday benefits in GPS usage for people, companies and governments.

However, technology is so versatile that only ones imagination limits the possibilities of using it. More exotic applications become possible as the technology becomes more common, such as measuring ones gait speed [2]. It should be noted that the user is not the only person who has access to the information, and not all GPS uses are lawful. [1] mentions the police using GPS to catch a prank caller by finding their location and a man stalking his ex-girlfriend by hiding a GPS phone in her car. The system makes it easy to track anyone without them noticing as long as the transmitter is hidden well. This ability makes it suitable for many positive purposes as well as bad ones such as those described above. Overall, GPS provides many benefits but also raises privacy concerns for many people.

Conclusion

The GPS technology is neither new nor particularly unique among location methods. Still, it has many advantages that make it the most popular location tracking method. It uses a mathematical method of guessing ones position using distances from three distant points. The system is based on satellites that act as relay stations from orbit and can cover most of the planets surface. Phones use in-built devices to connect to them and learn their location or transmit it elsewhere. There are many different uses for the technology, including knowing your position, getting directions to another place, and receiving services based on the area. However, as others can access your location without your consent in some circumstances, the system raises some privacy concerns.

References

T. V. Wilson, How GPS phones work, howstuffworks.com, 2005. [Online]. Web.
S. P. Obuchi, S. Tsuchiya and H. Kawai, Test-retest reliability of daily-life gait speed as measured by smartphone global positioning system, Gait & Posture, vol. 61, March, 2018. [Online serial]. Web.

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