How Does A Global Positioning System (GPS) Work?

GOL goes by a acronym that may have you scratching your head. Why is this? What does it stand for and what does it do? These are just some of the questions that may be asking in your head, while you read this article to learn about the GOL.

Global Positioning System (GPS) – The GPS, or Global Positioning System was created by the US Department of Defense. It was developed to improve the military’s ability to track down and determine where on the planet they are, as well as help them to pinpoint an enemy’s location. In essence, it determines where your GPS is currently located. The GPS has been around for years but it was not until recently that the technology was refined to the point where it could be used by civilians. Now, the GPS is operated by the US’ National Oceanic and atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service’s National Weather Service division.

Global Positioning Service (GPS) Itself – A GPS is a device that keeps track of where you are on the planet using a series of signals. Among these signals is the Global Positioning System which is a set of satellites that go around the globe three times a day sending out signals that are bounced back to earth. You may have heard the term geostationary operational already and if so, you are referring to the signals the GPS uses to determine its location. The GPS is operated with the assistance of the US Air Force, NASA and other collaborating agencies.

Lightning Mapper – A lightning mapper is a tool that takes readings of lightning strikes around the world. It then analyzes these signals and computes how often there are strikes within a given time period. After it calculates the frequency, you can use it to determine where in the world is the likely storm to strike. While using this tool, you will be able to find locations with higher probability of lightning strikes.

Global Positioning System – This is a set of satellites that goes around the earth two times a day sending out signals back to earth. This signals are then analyzed by the Global Positioning System and compared to known locations. The signals it sends are then translated into data that can be used by the various science departments. Today, the GPS has become a vital tool to guide rescue workers after natural calamities and military aircraft during combat. For this reason, the military and other organizations make use of the geostationary orbit satellites rather than the geostationary satellites that circle the earth.

Geostationary satellites are placed in a fixed position above the equator and they move east and west constantly. When the satellites move above a certain point on the equator, it will show as a black dot on the map while if it moves below this point, a yellow dot will appear. The position of the white dot is where the satellite is at its farthest point from earth. Therefore, a geo-synchronous orbit goes around the earth twice as often as a geostationary orbit.