what is? GPS?

Question

WHAT MEAN GPS?

Answer 1

What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations.

GPS uses these "man-made stars" as reference points to calculate positions accurate to a matter of meters. In fact, with advanced forms of GPS you can make measurements to better than a centimeter!

In a sense it's like giving every square meter on the planet a unique address.

GPS receivers have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits and so are becoming very economical. And that makes the technology accessible to virtually everyone.

These days GPS is finding its way into cars, boats, planes, construction equipment, movie making gear, farm machinery, even laptop computers.

Soon GPS will become almost as basic as the telephone. Indeed it just may become a universal utility

Answer 2

GPS = Global Positioning System

There are 24+ satellites that orbit the Earth every 12 hours. By reading the location info from a few of the satellites, the GPS receiver can calculate your position on the Earth. Most receivers, superimpose your location on top of maps so they can figure out what road you're on.

Using the road network, the units can also calculate routes from and to just about any location for which you have maps installed (often you download additional or updated maps from the manufacturer). In addition to plotting your route, the GPS can track you progress and calculate such things as mileage, estimated arrival time, etc. If you get off track, many units can recalculate the best way to get to your location without you having to backtrack.

Answer 3

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time. Other similar systems are the Russian GLONASS (incomplete as of 2007) and the upcoming European Galileo positioning system.

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, GPS is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Contrary to popular belief, NAVSTAR is not an acronym, but simply a name given by Mr. John Walsh, a key decision maker when it came to the budget for the GPS program).[1] The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year,[2] including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development.

Following the shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued a directive making the system available for free for civilian use as a common good.[3] Since then, GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.

Answer 4

It is a constellation of satellites that transmit their time and position. When signals from several satellites reach a GPS radio receiver it looks at their information and at how long it took for the info to get to it. From that it can calculate its own position and local time very accurately.

GPS units in cars can be combined with maps to tell you where you are and how to turn to get to your destination. GPS units in telephones can tell 911 where you are if you have an emergency.

Answer 5

Global positioning system