Gps

Technology is advancing quickly everyday in our lives. New devices are being brought to the public to make our everyday lives easier. With that in mind, one of the more recent, advancing devices is the Global Positioning System. I chose this topic of technology because I feel that it has undoubtedly made a big impact in society. With all that it can perform and accomplish for different people and groups, the GPS has been a great advancement in technology that has contributed to the computer industry.

The GPS, also known as the NAVSTAR (Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System) Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based radio-navigation network that provides a person's location in all parts of the world at all times (Dixon 9). The GPS is built and operated by the U.S. military on a system of twenty-one satellites plus three spares which constantly orbit the earth completely in twelve hours (Evans, Martin, and Poatsy 354). The GPS uses an antenna to pick up the signals from these satellites and special software to transform those signals into latitude and longitude (354). With that ability, the GPS device can tell you what your geographical location is within 10 feet anywhere on earth. Recently in August 2000, the Wide Area Augmentation System, WAAS, increased the accuracy of GPS signals to within 6 feet for compatible receivers (Wikipedia).

This system is obviously embracing newer and more accurate technological upgrades to contribute to society. The GPS is helping everyday people who now can use this device when they are driving in their vehicles because this device is sold in stores and some vehicles are sold with the device inside mounted on the dashboard. With this, drivers can now locate gas stations, restaurants, and other places from their GPS on the PDA screen so that driving is made easier for all. Hikers also can carry a handheld GPS when they are hiking deep in mountains and forests. Furthermore, the military continues to use this device in many tasks and missions in a variety of ways. Interestingly, animal researchers are using this device on endangered wildlife to help gain an in-dept understanding about animals' migration patterns (Evans, Martin, and Poatsy 354). More and more different groups are continually using this device