What is GPS?
Global Positioning System or GPS is a navigational technology service that offers users with PNT (positioning, navigation, and timing) services. GPS technology was first introduced by the U.S Department of Defense for military purposes. The GPS comprises of three important segments:
● Space Segment - Also called "Satellites"-It consists of a Constellation Arrangement of 24 satellites that transmit radio signals (one-way) to the users, providing them with position and time. These satellites fly under the MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) zone and orbit the Earth two-times a day. The operational satellites are a mixture of both old and new satellites to strengthen the medium of signal transmission.
● Control Segment - Also called "Ground Control"-It is a global synchronized control station that ensures the satellites are orbiting the Earth and following the signal commands accordingly. In simple terms, the Control Segment in GPS monitors the satellites' navigational data, updates it, and keeps an eye on its satellites' health and status. Control Segment is a global network that works on the principles of TMAC-Track, Monitor, Analyze, and Command.
● User Segment - Best known as "User Equipment"-It is a receiver-type device (a GPS Receiver equipment), that receives the one-way transmitted signals from the satellites. With the received data, User Segment calculates the position and time to further map it on a three-dimensional coordinate.
Sounds complicated? Let's put it that way. GPS is a utility that helps civilians and military personnel track and monitor position and time of anyone and anything.
And so, you know, there's a difference between GPS technology and GPS tracker-and its not rocket science. GPS technology is a navigational services provider whereas GPS tracker is a highly refined branch of GPS. Now, the question that must have popped in your mind is...
What is a GPS Tracker and how does it work?
As the name should ring some bells, GPS tracker is a tracking device used widely around the world for determination of location through satellites. It operates under the 'Trilateration' process-a technique that calculates longitude, latitude, velocity, time, and elevation. Trilateration works simultaneously with three or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites to produce accurate results. The short and not-so-geeky definition of GPS tracker is, GPS tracker is a device that connects to the satellites, receives signals, and tracks locations.
A word of Clarification
GPS Trilateration is way different than Triangulation, that only measures angles and not position or distances.
If you happen to have a GPS tracker or want to buy one, here's how a GPS tracker works.
GPS trackers come in various types, supporting the ways of its utilization. Let's take vehicles for instance, some GPS trackers receive power from the vehicle's electrical system to operate. The device collects information from the car as it runs on the road and then transmits the data to the GPS receiver.
What are the benefits of GPS Trackers?
You have bought a GPS tracker and you have no clue what to do next. The best way to utilize this spectacular and foremost device is to learn about its benefits and link it with your need. The uses of GPS tracker are numerous due to its powerful nature.
Apart from the military, GPS trackers have become a must-have item today for its dependable features. Pilots, drivers, boat/ship captains, drivers, scientists, remote workers, and surveyors are amongst the people who use GPS for their daily drills.
How are GPS trackers categorized?
GPS trackers are a need-centric, universal tracking tool that one can use for various reasons. Let's briefly discuss each:
● GPS for Vehicles - GPS tracker for car can help reduce the risk of vehicle theft. You can monitor your car, get realtime alerts and much more by using popular GPS tracking apps and devices. Businesses also utilize GPS trackers for cars and vehicles- often referred to as 'Fleet Tracking Devices'.
● GPS for Dogs - Embedded in Collars, you can now track your pet's movement without worrying about them being lost or stolen.
● GPS for Elderly Care - Using a GPS tracker for Elderly loved ones, you monitor Alzheimers and Dementia patients when you are away. You can strap a GPS band around their wrist to have your loved ones close and protected.
● GPS for Emergency Response - In a distress call, a calamity, natural disaster, rescue agencies use GPS trackers to speed their response to people who need help or assistance.
● GPS for Health and Fitness - We all have seen the Smartwatches; GPS trackers can be utilized for monitoring your health and self. Fitness devices now come with popular features such as geofencing options and alerts.
● GPS for Fleet Tracking - Logistics enterprises use GPS trackers to track the journey of their fleets. This way, the companies increase productivity and manage twice the demands than without GPS.
● GPS for Remote Workers - People working in mines, on construction sites, and driving low-frequency areas use GPS to keep themselves and loved ones back home updated about their locations.
Top 5 benefits of GPS Tracker
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It's Safe - A user-friendly device that enables the users to protect their loved ones, pets, vehicles, and precious items. GPS trackers worth a shot!
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Low-cost Surveillance - Worried about its cost? GPS trackers are not that expensive. In fact, the pricing for GPS models varies from need-to-specs. You can get the cheapest GPS tracker for about $15.99 online with basic tracking features.
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Anti-Theft - Off all the benefits, Anti-Theft with GPS has topped the chart. Install it, hide it anywhere in your car, and go by your daily business without worrying about your car.
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Real-time Tracking - One of the best benefits about GPS tracker is that you can perform real-time tracking. However, you may have to think twice while being indoors or in a remote no-signal zone.
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People & Pets - Isn't it great that you no longer have to watch over your kids, elders or pets out of fear that they might get lost? GPS trackers have and are saving hundreds of lives every day.
History of the GPS
The phenomenon of GPS was first conceptualized in 1957. William Guier and George Weiffenbach, two renowned physicists from the US, monitored the signal transmission of the Sputnik-the first manmade (and artificial) satellite launched in space. The duo noticed that with radio transmission they were able to pinpoint the satellite's location and orbit.
These findings sparked a challenging thirst amongst the physicists and scientists and thus in 1960, US Navy launched TRANSIT as the first satellite navigation in space. It was a breakthrough which gave birth to NAVSTAR-another more improved navigation satellite launched in 1973.
After two decades of back-and-forth breakthroughs, the US Department of Defense in 1978 used previous GPS-like inventions and launched ten prototype satellites in space for navigational services-and it worked. This time it was called the Global Positioning System or GPS.
Interesting Fact about GPS
Did you know that GPS was made available to civilians in 1989 by the order of then-president Ronald Reagan after Korean Airline 007 fell for entering the restricted USSR airspace?
Future of the GPS
Today GPS continues to become a prominent part of businesses, fleets, aviation, military, and related agencies. From augmentations, performance improvement to modernization, you will find GPS beneficial for everything in between. The US Space Force is adding more satellites to improve accuracy for civilians and to offer more safety-of-life applications.
Throughout the years, GPS has proven to be the most dependable technology to benefit its users with precise tracking services. As we take steps towards prosperity, GPS ensures to be around us in various embedded and digitized forms.
