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Anyone who has a mobile phone should be familiar with GPS. GPS or global positioning system is the way to survive the modern lifestyle, especially for the travelers and navigators out there.

What is GPS?

GPS makes navigation possible today even with the use of the mobile phones. This operates through a satellite system. Basically, a set of satellites and devices are utilized to estimate various positions and points in the earth.

At present, half a million mobile phone owners have GPS services. This population is continuing to grow each day. More and more people are enjoying the benefits of having a global positioning system in their hand phones.

What Are the Good Things about GPS?

* GPS makes navigation cheaper today. On the average, subscribing today to a GPS service will only cost more or less $10 a month. This is way lower compared to thousands of dollars needed to install a navigation system in the car.

* GPS makes traveling easier. People can easily get access to maps and directions with the simple use of their cellular phones.

* The directions and information are provided by a voice message. Thus, there is no need to worry of reading from the mobile phone while driving.

* The GPS service can function in any given weather condition. There is no need to worry if a storm suddenly came. GPS will stay within access.

* This service is available 24 hours a day and it can be accessed at any point in the world.

How Does GPS Work?

There are GPS satellites that circumnavigate near the surface of the earth two times a day. They stay on a specific orbit. Through this, they are able to send out information from and back to the earth.

Basically, there are GPS receivers of the information from the user. These will then compare the time of the transmission of the signal to the time the signal was received. Any difference will be interpreted by the GPS for determining position and distance.

The GPS receiver will then calculate the latitude and longitude of the signal by using three satellites. If there are at least four satellites, the GPS receiver can determine as well the altitude.

With all these information at hand, the GPS device can immediately indicate distance, speed, orientation, distance to the point of destination and more.

Is It Accurate to Use GPS?

Modern technology has allowed GPS signals and data to be exceptionally accurate. There are designs and receivers manufactured to maintain the precise outputs. However, there are just some atmospheric conditions that may get in the way.

Fast Facts

Here are some GPS trivia:

*GPS satellites are 12,000 miles above the surface of the earth.
*One satellite is able to travel around the earth at about 7000 miles per hour.
*A GPS satellite has an average weight of two tons.
*It is the sun that supplies energy to these satellites. They only have back-up fuel in case a solar eclipse takes place.
*A satellite can last for about a decade before it has to be replaced.
*The first ever GPS satellite to orbit the earth was unleashed in 1978.

Conclusion

There are so much wonders that technology can offer to us today. GPS is one of the biggest breakthroughs made in science. Even better is the fact that this service can be made available in our own hand phones. So in case of need, do not hesitate to use your GPS.

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