Global Positioning System (GPS)

1. Global Positioning System(GPS) Megan Woodis

2. 2008 Super Bowl Commercial YouTube Commercial • You can see that GPS is taking over our generation because it is a function that is taking over the way we travel in every aspect • “Follow the Leader” slogan

3. What is a GPS? • GPS stands for Global Positioning System • “…is a satellite based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense.” • Available for anyone to use • Works 24 hours a day • No cost except the price • Need a portable receiver (hand-held device, car device, etc) to connect with the satellite • Indoors, underwater, or underground = no good http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

4. Data Collection • 2D Positioning - need three satellites • Latitude and Longitude • 3D Positioning - need four or more satellites • Latitude, Longitude, Altitude • Bonus Features: • Speed • Distance • Sunrise/Sunset Time • Specific Destination Locations • Trilateration (simple mathematical principle)

5. Uses and Users • Military (originally and still) • The Coast Guard uses DGPS • Differential GPS • Very accurate form of GPS • Navigation and Aircraft • Civilian use • Travelers • Teenagers who are learning to drive • Those who get lost easily • Business Workers (such as someone who needs to see clients frequently in the area) • Tracking Systems for Companies • Teenager Tracking Units • Cars • Cell Phones

6. Tracking Systems • Companies can use different types of tracking systems • Cell Phone • Receiver/Devices • Computer • The chips track where a driver or personnel may be located to keep the company up to date • UPS is a good example of who uses a tracking system on their drivers and packages to offer a reliable service to its customers • Cost can be expensive but worthwhile than those on a cell phone • Provide drivers who are lost with assistance to make the delivery on time • Cell phone eats up battery life and minimal coverage

7. Short Video • Still might be asking how it works? • Here is a Howstuffworks.com video that explains GPS in straightforward terms How a GPS works!

8. Satellite Facts • Revolve around the Earth in two rotations per day • Located 12,000 miles above Earth • 7,000 miles per hour • 24 of the 27 are working (3 for backup) • 3,000 – 4,000 lbs. each • Solar powered

9. Interruptions to the Satellite • There are some factors that can affect the satellites performance and job to relay the data to the receivers such as: • Ionosphere and Troposphere Delays • Signal Multipath • Receiver Clock Errors • Orbital Errors • Number of Satellites Visible • Satellite Geometry/Shading • Intentional Degradation of the Satellite Signal http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

10. Ionosphere and Troposphere: Signal that slows down in transition through the atmosphere Signal Multi-path: Affected by things in the surrounding area (such as rocky mountains or buildings) Receiver Clock: Clocks do not match up on the receiver and the satellite Number of Visible Satellites: The more the better Satellite Geometry/Shading: Need to be spaced properly; line/tight group = bad signals Intentional Degradation of Satellite Signal: Specific for the Military use but affects the civilian populations use of GPS Interruptions Continued…

11. Interesting Facts: • “The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.” • “A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994.” • “Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.” • “A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended.” • “Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.” Taken Directly From: http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

12. Comparison • Consumers should know basic knowledge when wanting to purchase a decent GPS device in order to live up to their expectations • There are a variety of prices and functions that each system has to offer from • Handheld • Cell phone • Built in maps • Touch screen • Color screen • Memory capacity • Average battery life • Voice guidance • Traffic updates • Location specifics • Backlights • MP3 player/iPod/FM compatibility

13. Comparison Continued • Top Brands found: Garmin, Magellen, Tom Tom, and Navigon • Helpful website that lists a variety of receiver devices with detailed descriptions, prices on various websites, star ratings, and even reviews GPS Comparison Page

14. Works Cited • http://www.thegpsstore.com/?ref=yssp • http://www.bizrate.com/globalpositioningsystemsgps/index__kw--gps+systems__qcid--5836890.html • http://www.magellangps.com/about/timeline.asp • http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/ • http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/gps/gps_f.html • http://www.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm • http://www.gtctracking.com/services/faq.php • http://www.gpsinformation.org/dale/theory.htm • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/GPS_Satellite_NASA_art-iif.jpg • http://www.globalcars.com.au/site/images/REDSPOT_tomtom.jpg • http://www.onr.navy.mil/Focus/spacesciences/images/satellites/danagpsorbits.gif • http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/call/call_91-3_ch1fig3.gif • http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/images/garmin-nuvi-700.jpg • http://www.linuxjournal.com/files/linuxjournal.com/linuxjournal/articles/074/7467/7467f1.inline.png • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy5UaB936ms&feature=related