An Introduction: The Global Postitioning System (GPS)
is the name for the United State's system of 24 satellites and their 5
ground stations.
The GPS system is used worldwide for
location
and navigation. GPS technology in the 21st century is working its
way into our everyday lives. You can find GPS today being used in
all modes of transportation and even in construction machinery as
pictured below.
Other countries are developing their
own postioning systems as well. The Russian Federation's GLONASS
system is hoping to be fully operational with 24 satellites by
2009. The European Union is working together on Galileo which
will have 30 operational satellites in the next 4-5 years, and will be
compatible with the GPS and GLONASS systems.
Using
satellite positioning
technology is becoming economical for everyone and will soon be as
common as using a telephone.
Today
GPS technology is in wide use in land surveying.
Personal Photographs, Seward AKLeft: grade checker taking a
measurement using GPS receiver Right: Excavator at work with a GPS
receiver located on its bucket
ESA Website»
