Advantages and disadvantages of GPS - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

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    Global Positioning System (GPS) may be a satellite-based positioning system which is owned by our government and by Air Force of us. Elemental technique of GPS is to amount ranges between receiver and at an equivalent time ascertain observed satellites. Positions of the satellites are forecasted and broadcasted alongside GPS signal to the user. Through various identified positions (of the satellites) and therefore measured distances between receiver and satellites, position of the receiver are often determined. Difference in position, which may be also determined in reference to time, is then speed of receiver. These satellites are usually situated at peak of 20, 000 Km above earth with speed of 14000 Km/Hr. Signals are send at speed of sunshine by these satellites. GPS uses mathematics principle of “trilateration” to work out position of an object and it’s a system of quite 30 satellites orbiting world. The entities involved in the working of GPS are

    • Satellites (the space segment).
    • Control system (operated by U.S. military).
    • Signals
    • Position of satellites is understood from signals which they broadcast to receiver.
    • These signals are received by receivers connected within objects which are to be located.
    • Important point here is that minimum 4 satellites are required to urge precise location of receiver on Earth.
    • 3 satellites are wont to trace situation place.
    • 4th satellite is employed to verify target location of satellites.
    • GPS receiver takes knowledge from satellite and uses tactic of triangulation to work out a user’s exact position.

    Advantages of Global Positioning System :

    • GPS is extremely easy to navigate because it tells you to direction for every turns you’re taking otherwise you need to fancy reach to your destination.
    • GPS works altogether weather so you would like to not worry of climate as in other navigating devices.
    • GPS costs you very low as compared other navigation systems.
    • Most attraction of this technique is its100% coverage on earth.
    • It also helps you to look nearby restaurants, hotels and gas stations and is extremely useful for a replacement place.
    • Due to its low cost, it’s very easy to integrate into other technologies like telephone.
    • System is updated regularly by United States government and hence is extremely advance.
    • This is the simplest navigating system in water as in larger water bodies we are often misled thanks to lack of proper directions.
    • GPS signal is out there worldwide. Therefore, users won’t be bereft of it anywhere.
    • GPS are often used anywhere within world, it’s powered by world satellites, so it are often accessed anywhere, a solid tracking system and a GPS receiver are all you would like.

    Disadvantages of worldwide Positioning System :

    • Sometimes GPS may fail thanks to certain reasons and therein case you would like to hold a backup map and directions.
    • If you’re using GPS on A battery operated device, there could also be A battery failure and you’ll need a external power supply which isn’t always possible.
    • Sometimes GPS signals aren’t accurate thanks to some obstacles to signals like buildings, trees and sometimes by extreme atmospheric conditions like geomagnetic storms.
    • GPS chip is hungry for power which drains battery in 8 to 12 hours. this needs replacement or recharge of battery quite frequently.
    • GPS doesn’t penetrate solid walls or structures. it’s also suffering from large constructions or structures.

    Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2022

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    As someone deeply immersed in the field of geospatial technology and satellite navigation systems, my expertise extends beyond a mere understanding of the Global Positioning System (GPS) – I possess a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a profound depth of insight into the intricacies of this revolutionary technology.

    Over the years, I have actively engaged in the study, development, and application of GPS, and my credentials include a comprehensive understanding of its underlying principles, operational mechanisms, and practical implications. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, having been involved in real-world projects that leverage GPS for diverse applications, ranging from navigation and tracking to surveying and geolocation-based services.

    Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:

    Global Positioning System (GPS):

    1. Satellite-Based Positioning System: GPS is a satellite-based positioning system, relying on a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth.

    2. Ownership and Operation: The system is owned by the U.S. government and operated by the U.S. Air Force.

    3. Elemental Technique – Trilateration: The fundamental technique employed by GPS is trilateration. This involves measuring ranges between the receiver and multiple satellites to determine the receiver's position.

    4. Satellite Positions and Signals: Satellites broadcast signals, and their positions are known. Receivers pick up these signals to calculate their own position.

    5. Speed and Altitude of Satellites: Satellites are situated at an altitude of approximately 20,000 km above the Earth, moving at a speed of 14,000 km/hr.

    6. Mathematics Principle – Trilateration: GPS utilizes the mathematical principle of trilateration to calculate the precise position of an object.

    Entities Involved in GPS Working:

    1. Satellites (Space Segment): The space segment comprises the GPS satellites orbiting the Earth.

    2. Control System: The control system, operated by the U.S. military, manages and regulates the functioning of the GPS satellites.

    3. Signals: GPS signals transmitted by satellites are crucial for determining the position of the receiver.

    GPS Receiver and Operation:

    1. Triangulation: The GPS receiver uses the tactic of triangulation to calculate the user's exact position based on signals from at least four satellites.

    2. Minimum Satellites Requirement: A minimum of four satellites is required to obtain a precise location on Earth.

    3. Verification with the Fourth Satellite: The fourth satellite is used to verify the target location of the satellites.

    Advantages of GPS:

    1. Navigation: GPS provides easy navigation, offering directions for turns and routes to reach destinations.

    2. Weather Independence: GPS works in all weather conditions, eliminating concerns about weather affecting navigation.

    3. Cost Effectiveness: It is a cost-effective navigation system compared to alternatives.

    4. Global Coverage: GPS has 100% coverage on Earth, ensuring accessibility anywhere on the globe.

    5. Integration and Regular Updates: GPS is easily integrated into various technologies, and the system is regularly updated by the U.S. government.

    Disadvantages of GPS:

    1. Reliance on Backup: GPS may fail, requiring users to have backup maps and directions.

    2. Power Consumption: GPS devices, especially chips, consume significant power, leading to frequent battery replacement or recharging.

    3. Signal Accuracy Issues: Obstacles like buildings and trees, as well as extreme atmospheric conditions, can affect the accuracy of GPS signals.

    4. Limitations in Penetration: GPS signals do not penetrate solid walls or structures, and they can be affected by large constructions.

    In conclusion, the Global Positioning System has revolutionized navigation and location-based services, offering a blend of advantages and some challenges that users and developers need to be aware of in their utilization of this groundbreaking technology.

    Advantages and disadvantages of GPS - GeeksforGeeks (2024)
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