What is GPS and UTM and how do they work?

1. What is GPS and UTM and how do they work? K. Michalski

2. GPS a satellite-based navigation system made up of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense Introduction to GPS and UTM

3. GPS Originally designed for military applications, the US government made the system available to civilians in the early 1980’s. Introduction to GPS and UTM

4. GPS GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a particular orbit and transmit signals to GPS receivers. Triangulation is used to calculate a user’s exact position. Introduction to GPS and UTM

5. GPS Using four or more satellites, the GPS receiver can determine a user’s 3D motion such as latitude, longitude, and altitude. Introduction to GPS and UTM

6. UTM UTM is a meter-based global coordinate system developed by the US in World War II. It works like latitude and longitude system but is easier to convert. Introduction to GPS and UTM

7. UTM The UTM system is always measured in meters. There are 60 UTM Zones, each covering 6 degrees longitude from east to west. Introduction to GPS and UTM

8. UTM There are 10 Zones in the Continental United States. Maps are on a grid system and positions are defined by the UTM Zone. Introduction to GPS and UTM

9. US UTM Zones

10. UTM The X-coordinate is called the Easting (in meters from western edge of zone) The Y-coordinate is called the Northing (in meters from the equator) Introduction to GPS and UTM

11. Let’s review • Where were GPS and UTM first developed and used? • What are some applications for GPS? • How many satellites are needed to get a good location? • What advantages does UTM have over latitude and longitude?

12. UTM An example of a location in Wisconsin UTM Zone 16 Easting: 510939 Northing: 4827021 Introduction to GPS and UTM