What is GPS system and how is it used?

What is GPS system and how is it used

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. If you go to an unknown place, then you must be using GPS to track your location and reach your destination, but have you ever wondered what is there in GPS that gives your location within a few seconds.

History of GPS

GPS was first launched by the American government as a project for military purposes in 1973. The first satellite under this project was launched in 1978. At that time GPS was used only by the American military. With its help, the American military used to accurately target and kill enemy aircraft and their military.

In 1983, a flight which was going towards Russia, at that time there was no GPS system in the airplane because GPS was made only for the American military. About 269 people were going in this airplane, but this plane accidentally landed in Russia. He went to an area where he should not have gone, that is, he went to a restricted area of Russia which was destroyed by Russia. After this incident, US President Ronald Regan decided that GPS should be used all over the world. It Will be provided publicly.

But at that time, about 24 satellites were required for the whole world, so to make GPS available to the common people, the first satellite was launched by the American government on February 14, 1989 and the 24th satellite was launched in 1994, in 1995. For the first time, GPS was opened to the common people but at that time its accuracy and quality were not so perfect.

By 2000, the US government had made many efforts to improve GPS. As a result, today GPS has started working properly all over the world.

What is GPS System?

The full name of GPS is Global Positioning System. GPS is usually a Satellite Based Radio Navigation System which is used to know the location, like if you are stuck in any problem then you can take help through emergency number. which are present in all mobile phones nowadays.

How does GPS Work

There is a GPS receiver in your smartphone or any GPS unit which receives the signals sent by the satellite. You must know that the satellite rotating in the earth sends the signal after a time. These satellites have the signal and its The time is fixed in advance. Atomic Clock is used in these satellites for correct calculation of time. This is such a clock which can tell the correct time for millions of years.

The chances of these clocks getting damaged are very less. When the signals of these satellites come in contact with a GPS receiver, then the receiver reads those signals, in this the receiver also finds out which satellite the signals have been sent from. At what distance is it located? If your device is successful in receiving signals from four or more satellites, then you get to know your current location.

A normal GPS device which has not been used for a long time also takes 15 to 20 minutes to show its location but if you use GPS in your smartphone then you will know your location in a few seconds. This happens because A-GPS or Assistant GPS is used in mobile phones. This is also a form of GPS but it detects the location quickly by using the internet.

GPS location in India

In today's  Glonass is the only navigation system which provides its services worldwide. Now India has also made its own navigation system. Currently, this system is available in India only and it has coverage up to 1500 km area from the border area. In the coming times, India is also working on many projects to strengthen its navigation.

GPS is used

• Navigation
• Emergency response
• Surveying
• Precision agriculture
• Tracking
• Mapping
• Archaeology
• Timing
• Sports and fitness
• Wildlife conservation

The possibilities for using GPS are endless, and its impact on our world continues to grow.