Global Positioning System:

The Map of the Modern Ages

By: Kari Nelson

            Global Positioning System, also known to much of society as GPS, is a technological discovery that has changed our country’s security as well as added to the luxury services that are offered to the public.  Now days, many people have heard of the GPS technology, but only within the context of a new classic BMW or Mercedes.  However, the primary purpose of the GPS system, as well as the purpose it was created for, was to ensure to the highest degree, the security and safety of our nation.

            People today aren’t necessarily aware of the function of GPS and its uses.  When surveyed, only ¼ of the population knew that GPS was used for military purposes.  Many just thought it was used in cars for direction.  This is definitely a reflection of advertising in our society- GPS is a luxury when it comes to cars, but is taken for granted as a key safety precaution guarding our nation today.  However, the thought of this new technology has proven to be an up-and-coming trend in the American population as 85% of those surveyed stated that they would like to or are planning on using GPS technology in the future.  Global Positioning System is not a new concept, however, and is surprising that so few people are educated on this technology that keeps our nation safely running.

            The first GPS satellite was created in 1978 and was the result of the Department of Defense searching for a method of satellite navigation that could pinpoint their submarines (even when they were hidden to the eye) and tell of their locations.  Their seemingly good methods had all failed in the past because of technological problems.  One method they tried was using “gyroscope” based navigation, but that could not broadcast the positions of the submarines if they were under the water for long periods of time (which was essential for security reasons because the submarines had to stay hidden under the water weeks, sometimes even months, to disguise their whereabouts).  Finally, the idea of GPS satellite system came about during a brainstorming session at the Pentagon.  Soon the idea was developed into reality, and the first operational satellite was successful in 1978.  In 1993 the complete satellite system was reached and contained 24 Navstar satellites. 

            One satellite weighs approximately 1,900 pounds and is about the size of a large automobile.  Each of the satellites goes around earth every 12 hours and as a result of the technology, every point on earth will be in contact with at least four satellites at a time.   Every satellite has a digital radio signal that it broadcasts to the receiver, located on Earth.  This signal tells both the position and the time that it is at that position.  A GPS receiver then takes that information from the four satellites that it is in contact with and can calculate its position on land within a couple hundred feet.  The time that the receiver gets the signal is compared with the time that the satellite broadcasted, to ultimately arrive at the distance away from the satellite that the receiver is located (by using the speed of light as it’s constant to compare to).  As a result of comparing the two different times with the four satellites, the GPS receiver can then find the longitude, latitude, and altitude.  The accuracy of the time of the satellites is essential in determining the position of an object.  In the 24 satellites, the most accurate form of telling time is used planting four atomic clocks (the most accurate existing timing devices) in each satellite.  

            Presently, GPS is becoming more popular in navigating devices, such as cars, ships, and planes.  The primary use is still for security reasons, as it is controlled by the US military.  However, the importances as well as the applications in today’s society do not go unnoticed.  President Bush just recently issued a Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing policy that is based solely on the GPS technology system.  It is such an important aspect of our security, that a new policy was devised to ensure the continued availability of the GPS system to the US and to provide free access to countries globally who want or need the protection and security that GPS has to offer.  Today, everything from aircrafts, ships trains, and vehicles, to cars, portable computers, cell phones, and digital cameras have GPS inside them.  The future is looking very promising for the continued application of GPS technology.  It is predicted that very soon down the road, every mode of transportation will use GPS services in some way in their functioning.  Global Positioning System is also being looked at as a source of reducing congestion and of preventing unnecessary accidents.  By the year 2025, the US will need to have three times the capacity that we have in the National Airspace System now to retain the level of safety and mobility that we have now.  GPS services will hopefully be able to provide more safety and protection and warn against heavy congested areas to prevent as many accidents- in air and on land- as possible to ensure the US people the highest level of safety.  Accompanying all the new highways and forms of transportation, such as railroads and runways, will hopefully be a service provided by GPS to help efficiently run the management systems behind them.

            GPS is being adapted to many objects and ideas in this modern age and society.  Who’s to say that there are limits on the technology impacts that GPS can create?  It will only be a matter of time before GPS will be as common a statement as a common functioning technology such as the internet.  Who knows what’s next for GPS….. there were rumors of GPS in golf balls for those less-than-average disoriented golfers??!!!