The Global Positioning System
(GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system that uses satelites
in
space as reference points for determining locations here on earth.
It is formed from a constellation of 24 satellites (also known as
man-made stars) and their ground stations. The satellites orbit
the earth twice a day at an altitude of 11,000 miles. There are
five ground stations that monitor and manage the satellite constellations.
They are located in Hawaii, Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, Kwajalein
and Colorado Springs. To support commercial or consumer applications,
signals are also made available for civilians.
GPS uses the satellites to
calculate locations with about one meter accuracy. Nowadays, advanced
developments can even maintain up to centimeter accuracies in
a moving environment.
"Innovative Technologies
for Transportation and Utility Industries"
space as reference points for determining locations here on earth.
It is formed from a constellation of 24 satellites (also known as
man-made stars) and their ground stations. The satellites orbit
the earth twice a day at an altitude of 11,000 miles. There are
five ground stations that monitor and manage the satellite constellations.
They are located in Hawaii, Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, Kwajalein
and Colorado Springs. To support commercial or consumer applications,
signals are also made available for civilians.