Whenever you rent a car with a navigation system, you are utilizing GPS. GPS is made possible by satellites that circle the earth and transmit signals indicating the position of physical features such as mountains, buildings and roads. Different regions of the world have their own satellites, but there is now a cooperative effort under way to coordinate the various services so that they are universally useful.
What is GPS?
GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. GPS is a satellite-based radio navigation system developed and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and is used primarily within the United States. It is a type of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). GPS consists of the Space Segment, or the satellites in orbit around the Earth; the Control Segment, which is the central control station in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the User Segment, which is found in automobiles and hand-held units. The orbiting satellites act as precise reference points. Users figure their position by measuring their distance from the satellites.The GPS satellite constellation is monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The International GPS Global Positioning System Waypoint Registry TM
The International GPS Global Positioning System Waypoint Registry TM is the trademark for the system generally known as Waypoint. The registry is a collection of datapoints, known as waypoints, that represent various areas in the world. The website also includes a number of waypoints submitted by users of hand-held GPS devices, plus information about use a hand-held GPS device and links to other sites.
GNSS in Russia and Europe
Another GNSS is in operation in Russia, and a third is in development in Europe. Each system serves the same purpose and works roughly the same way, although each system uses its own satellites. In Europe, the equivalent of GPS is called Galileo, named after the famous astronomer. Galileo is a GNSS that is currently in development. Russia has its own GNSS system in place at present, called GLONASS.
The International GNSS Service
The International GNSS Service is located in Pasadena, California. It was originally known as the International GPS Service. The name was changed to reflect the addition of Russia's GLONASS system. The International GNSS Service is a voluntary federation of more than 200 worldwide agencies that pool resources and data to generate precise GNSS products. Once the Galileo system is operational, it will also be a part of the International GNSS service.
Uses for GPS
In addition to the official uses for GNSS, GPS devices have become popular on the consumer level as an amenity in automobiles. Hand-held GPS devices are also increasingly affordable and popular with consumers. Geophysical exploration and mapping are other uses for GPS and GNSS.
Tags: International GNSS, Global Positioning, Global Positioning System, GNSS Service, Positioning System