What is GPS?
Global
positioning system (GPS) is an accurate worldwide navigational and surveying
facility based on the reception of signals from an array of orbiting
satellites. GPS enables Mm-level real-time positioning accuracy, which fosters
new development via navigational and surveying tool. It was first
created by the Department of Defense for military purposes and civil
positioning purposes.
History of GPS
From
the late 1970s, human developed satellites for the guiding purposes. The
technique is based on the location of the user and the time it takes for the
satellite to send the signal to the receiver, and this timing and range is
calculated by the speed of light. There are several
satellite navigation systems, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) of
the US Government, and these satellites are utilized in various aspects:
mapping, surveying, land transport, aviation and maritime navigation.
Application of GPS
In Everyday Life
In Everyday Life
1. taxi positioning
2. navigation tool (ex. Google Map, Naver Map, T map)
2. navigation tool (ex. Google Map, Naver Map, T map)
3. can track criminals (electronic tagging)
4. can track people (kidnapped, runaway teenagers)
navigation application on mobile phones
As Environmental Steward
1. detect upcoming natural disasters
2. measure sea level rise
3. ice sheet change observation
4. can track people (kidnapped, runaway teenagers)
 |
| electronic tagging device |
As Environmental Steward
1. detect upcoming natural disasters
2. measure sea level rise
3. ice sheet change observation
4. monitor illegal deforestation
5. monitor fishery boundaries
5. monitor fishery boundaries
Economic Benefits
1. surveying tool of GPS can foster the development of infrastructure
2. employers can keep track of employees during working hours via GPS
3. road congestion problem can be ameliorated-> less green house gas emission
1. surveying tool of GPS can foster the development of infrastructure
2. employers can keep track of employees during working hours via GPS
3. road congestion problem can be ameliorated-> less green house gas emission
Conclusion
The development of global positioning system (GPS) is significant in today’s society as it is more than just a simple navigating tool. It made our society a much convenient and a safe place. However, the usage of GPS also brings certain social issues, such as infringement of individual’s privacy. Also, national security can be in danger because GPS system provides critical positioning capabilities to military users around the world.
The development of global positioning system (GPS) is significant in today’s society as it is more than just a simple navigating tool. It made our society a much convenient and a safe place. However, the usage of GPS also brings certain social issues, such as infringement of individual’s privacy. Also, national security can be in danger because GPS system provides critical positioning capabilities to military users around the world.
