All you need to know about GPS

Imagine you’re on an adventurous journey and suddenly you need help. Remote location, empty terrain surrounding and you have nothing that can help you out. This is why GPS is becoming more of a traveler’s tool every day.

Let’s find out more about the fascinating invention that’s been saving lives for decades.

What is GPS?

A Global Positioning System or GPS is a navigational satellite system that helps users find the location (coordinates) and speed of a person or vehicle with accuracy and real-time data transmission. GPS was first developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide soldiers with the navigational help they needed during training, wars, or conflict. 

GPS is designed to withstand harsh and extreme weather conditions. The most common use of GPS trackers and devices today is during adverse weather conditions.

With that brief overview of the technology, let’s find out how we can use GPS trackers.

GPS Technology

How does a GPS work?

The GPS works with 31 satellites that provide precise position, speed, and other useful information 24 hours a day. Of these 31 satellites, three of them transmit information to the receiver in the form of radio signals. The GPS receiver then calculates the exact location and time with trilateration.

In simple terms, the satellites send data to the receiver, and after receiving it, the receiver calculates distance and time to pinpoint the location of the user.

Now, the question here is how would do we know if the time is exact or not. The answer to this is simple. The GPS satellites use atomic clocks that supply the correct time. You can confirm the precision by calculating the time difference between the receiver’s time and the satellite’s time.

Interested in learning more about GPS technology?

GPS Trackers, Watches, and other Gadgets

Over time, GPS mavens have used satellite navigation in fascinating yet practically useful ways. Fitness trackers, Android Wearable devices, Apple Watch, and the GPS market are bombarded with so many tracking devices that it has become hard to choose from.

Wrist-worn GPS devices are among the top sellers. But the gadgets are not limited to these wearables only. Let’s briefly discuss some of the GPS trackers on market today:

  • GPS Vehicle Tracking –  Car GPS tracker provides real-time vehicle tracking with exact location. These trackers are the most common application of GPS. Install it in your car and protect your vehicle against theft and loss. These trackers are so common these days that several vehicle types now come with company-fitted trackers.
  • GPS Tracker for Assets – Worried about your equipment? An asset tracker is what you need. GPS Asset tracking devices track equipment, machinery, and items that are important and worth stealing. These trackers are mostly battery-powered and send real-time data. These trackers can track assets up to 42 miles.
  • GPS for the Elderly – Around 35% of caretakers in the US use GPS trackers for the elderly. This device has saved people and their loved ones who get lost due to any medical incident or emergency. If you happen to have elders who suffer from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, consider GPS trackers for the elderly today to keep your elders “in sight.”
  • GPS for Teenagers – Reviewing the safety protocols of today, Kids’ GPS trackers have become necessary for every parent. Available with various features and in unnoticeable shapes, GPS trackers for Kids and Teens will let you know where your children are — or have been.
  • GPS for Fleet – Widely used in the logistics industry offering fleet safety solutions, GPS Fleet tracking devices come with fleet management, speed control, alarms, and journey/route details of the vehicles. Almost every truck in the US has installed fleet trackers to monitor journeys.
  • GPS for Boat – Also known as Chart plotters and Marine GPS Units, GPS Boat trackers are a must-have device on boats and ships. For clear routes, weather updates, and emergency assistance, the U.S. Marine has made it mandatory for boats to be equipped with these trackers.
  • GPS for Personal Tracking – Going on a trip? Planning a long drive with family? No matter where you’re heading, be sure to pack GPS trackers to get route, weather updates, and backup help.
  • GPS for Children – GPS Trackers for Children is a sigh of relief for parents. Available in different wearable shapes such as pendants, lockets, chains, keychains, etc., now you can track your children’s exact location without worrying about them.
  • GPS for ATV Vehicles – Planning an off-road trip? GPS ATV Trackers is a useful device that you can install in your off-road vehicle for tracking. With rough trails, bumpy roads, and remote campsites, you need a device that has your back.
  • GPS for Patients – GPS Patient Tracking System offers to track RFID tracking solutions to hospital and caretaking facilities that see patients wandering off. Easily wearable, these GPS patient trackers enable caring homes to track.

GPS Cellular Network in the US

Another practical GPS application that’s on the rise is the amalgamation of GPS and cellular networks. Since cellular networks’ tracking works on the GPS principles, there are devices in the US that allow users to operate smartphones and smartwatches via another device acting as a medium.

History of GPS

GPS first came into being in the mid-1960s when the U.S Navy modified and launched previously made navigational satellites. The primary goal was to track US submarines that were carrying nuclear missiles. For a decade, it served its purpose. Then in the 1970s, the US Department of Defense revamped the satellite with more precise, stable and accurate navigational tools. The 24 satellite-based GPS went completely operational in 1993, allowing civilian access to this marvelous invention.

Future of GPS

With 95% accuracy, the GPS is becoming more reliant and robust every day. From the aviation industry to routine errands, GPS technology and devices have made tracking easy. GPS, a device originally designed for military purposes, now aids people and industries around the world to run smooth operations and rescue loved ones. The GPS signals today are of two types: Civilian L2 (L2C) and Military (M-Code). This division ensures the separation and decoding of GPS signals accordingly. The future of GPS technology seems to be essentially limitless in the presence of technological advancements.