There is no better choice then Magellan GPS Systems when it comes to finding your way in the world. To learn more about Magellan GPS Systems please Click Here.
It seems that almost everyone has heard of GPS (Global Positioning System) in one form or another. The most well known GPS device is the car navigation system that shows and tells the driver through voice commands how to get to their desired pre-programmed destination. But if you’re wondering how these little technological wonders work then you’ve come to the right place.
A GPS receiver is an electronic device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine its exact location on earth with pin-point accuracy. This system is made up of the three parts; 27 satellites that send out continuous positioning signals, ground stations around the world that help synchronize the satellites, and various types of GPS receivers.
In this article we’re going to concentrate on how a GPS receiver works within this system since it’s the piece of the GPS puzzle that keeps you from getting lost. Its main function is to calculate its position on the earth using the signals that it receives from the satellite system.
To do this the receiver needs to lock onto the signals of at least 3 satellites. Once 3 or more satellites have been detected it then needs to determine the distance between the satellites and the distance between itself and each satellite. It then uses the basic math principles of triangulation or trilateration to compute its location on the earth’s surface.
The signals a GPS receiver uses to figure its location are radio signals transmitted by the satellites. These radio signals have three bits of information embedded in them; ephemeris data, almanac data, and a pseudorandom code. Using this information the GPS unit is able to triangulate its position and report that back to its user.
Accuracy is another question many first time users wonder about. The good news is GPS receivers are very accurate with the ability to pin-point your location to within a radius of 20 meters. There are ways to increase accuracy through the use of DGPS (Differential GPS) and WAAS (Wide Are Augmentation System) which can get within 3 meters of accuracy. Units with these two features normally cost more but the increase in accuracy can be well worth the cost.
There are many factors that can and do affect how accurately a GPS unit reports its position. These include:
- The number of visible satellites
- Signal delays caused as they pass through the earths atmosphere
- Signals bouncing off of objects
- inaccurate clock in the GPS unit
- Ephemeris errors
- Satellites in poor positions
- Satellite signals that are blocked because of terrain or manmade features
GPS is a great technology that has found its way into many everyday applications. Depending on your needs for keeping track of where you are there is sure to be a GPS receiver that fits the bill.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Portable GPS- Your Ultimate Travel Guide
By: Article Manager | 03/12/2009Portable GPS system is a device that provides step by step direction to the drivers. Installed in the car dashboard it works by receiving a signal from satellite to determine the position of the vehicle in which it is installed. The signal is then identified on preloaded road maps that help in providing directions to drivers.
Garmin Portable Friction Mount: The Best of its Kind
By: Icamm Pilin | 02/12/2009Garmin, the manufacturer of the popularly-used GPS navigators in the market today, created an accessory that will match their Nuvi and StreetPilot series, the Garmin portable friction mount. This tool assures you that no matter how fast you drive, your navigator will stay in place and won't fall.
Understanding the Basic Use of GPS
By: Irfan Ardiansah | 02/12/2009Basic principle of Global Positioning System. A short story of how GPS has developed into a feasible market technology. Also a brief explanation of how GPS technology works.
Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator - Overview, pictures and customer review
By: Jessica Lopez | 01/12/2009Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator - General overview, relevant pics and unbiased customer review
Various Satellite Technologies for Communication and Entertainment
By: James Weinstock | 01/12/2009Even in the early times water fountains have proven to be great assets when we speak of interior designs. Water fountains are great also in offices as it draws the attention of the clients and at the same time allow them to relax and feel refreshed as well. As the name specifies, customization is the most important characteristic of this water fountain. The extent of customization is in actual fact limitless. You can modify the shape, size, water flow pattern and a lot more. These fountains can
Garmin Portable Friction Mount: Keep Your Navigator in Place
By: Icamm Pilin | 30/11/2009Since the advent of GPS devices used for navigating, several companies have also invented accessories that will go together with such tools. Obviously if you are to use a navigator inside your car, you need to have a stand or support.
Benefits of GPS Fleet Tracking Systems
By: Marcia Henin | 30/11/2009Global Positioning System also referred to as GPS uses satellite signals for tracking the location of a person or a vehicle. The system has gained wide popularity in a short time among the masses. There are many different types of GPS systems available and GPS fleet tracking system is one of them.
How Satellite Navigation Works
By: Richard n Williams | 30/11/2009Satellite navigational systems, or sat navs, have changed the way we navigate our way around the high roads. Gone are the days when travellers had to have a glove box full of maps and gone too is the need to stop and ask a local for directions.
Allergies and the Clean Air Connection
By: Andrew Bicknell | 03/12/2009 | Diseases & ConditionsAirborne pollutants and particles are the most the most common causes of allergic reactions and include everything from naturally occurring substances like pollen to synthetic chemicals such as polyvinylchloride. These reactions can be nothing more then a few sniffles or runny nose, hay fever, or a more serious reaction such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity that can seriously debilitate its sufferer.
A Few Facts about Manufactured Home Loans
By: Andrew Bicknell | 01/12/2009 | Real EstateThe vast majority of mortgage lenders consider a manufactured home the same as a conventionally stick-built home and they are willing to provide home loans to qualified individuals. This is based on the fact that the value of a factory built home matches that of a stick-built house and can be used as collateral to guarantee the loan.
Reasons to do a Manufactured Home Refinance
By: Andrew Bicknell | 28/11/2009 | LoansWith interest rates at historic lows doing a home mortgage refinance can help you in several ways. First the long term savings in interest paid can be in the tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. There can also be a substantial savings on the monthly payment that can either be rolled into the new loan for a faster payoff or used for other financial needs.
The Advantages of a Manufactured Home Equity Loan
By: Andrew Bicknell | 25/11/2009 | MortgageAlso called a second mortgage a home equity loan is a good way to tap into the value you have built up in your manufactured home. These types of loans are normally capped at $100,000 but the main limiting factor is the amount of equity you have in your home. The interest is also tax deductible just like that of a first mortgage.
Make Your Digital Camera Batteries Last Longer
By: Andrew Bicknell | 22/11/2009 | Digital PhotographyThe digital camera has made it easy for just about anyone to take great pictures simply because of all the features that come packed into their small size. Even the most novice of photographers can take professional looking pictures because the camera is able to most of the work depending on what type of image is being captured.
The Benefits of a Digital Camera
By: Andrew Bicknell | 20/11/2009 | Digital PhotographyDigital cameras have allowed those who love taking pictures more freedom then more conventional film loaded cameras have. It has a level of flexibility that benefits even the most novice of photographers allowing them to progress at their own pace without worrying about wasting rolls of film.
Air Purifiers for a Breath of Clean Air
By: Andrew Bicknell | 19/11/2009 | Home & FamilyIf you’re wondering if you do indeed need to purchase an air purifier for your home consider this, research has shown that the air inside your home is dirtier and more polluted then the air outside. Cleaning air inside your home is beneficial for just about anyone but for those who suffer from allergies and asthma clean air is a must.
Air Purifiers for a Really Clean House
By: Andrew Bicknell | 17/11/2009 | AccessoriesDo you keep your house really clean? Did you know that no matter how much you clean you are missing one important thing? The air you and your family breathe. That’s right, no matter how much you vacuum, dust, wipe, scrub, and clean the air in your home is more polluted then the air outside according to many studies.