Lecture Notes

Topic: GPS and its Functions

Introduction to GPS

GPS is a system for navigation. It was contemplated in

the 60s, tested in the 70s and a series of satellites were
launched around 1989-1993. Initially, they were
defense devices developed by the US government. It
was then opened up for civilian use since 1993. GPS
generates about 100,000 jobs in a multi-billion-dollars
industry. There are 24 satellites revolving around the
Earth, each at a height 12,000 miles above the Earth
surface. They are used to locate positions on Earth
mainly and the accuracy is within a few hundred feet.

Applications of GPS

By the use of GPS, you can identify your geographic position (longitude and latitude),
altitude, velocity and direction of travel. GPS has various applications on land, at sea and in
the air.

GPS can be used in

aviation navigation
marine navigation
car navigation
surveying
recreation e.g. hiking
tracking
emergency response e.g. ambulance and fire
mapping
military

The 3 segments of GPS

GPS consists of 3 segments. They are:

1. The space segment (the satellites)
2. The control segment (the ground stations)
3. The user segment (the user and the GPS receiver)

SPACE SEGMENT

CONTROL SEGMENT USER SEGMENT

The space segment consists of at least 24 satellites (21 satellites plus 3 spares). The satellites
are at about 12,000 miles above the Earths surface. The satellites circle the Earth once every
12 hours. The satellites transmit radio signals continuously to broadcast its changing position
and time.

The control segment consists of ground stations that monitor and control the satellites.

The user segment consists of the user and the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver measures the
signals from the satellites and identify the users position.

How does GPS operate

The satellites are spaced so that from any point on Earth, at least four satellites will be above
the horizon. Each satellite continually transmits radio signals and broadcasts its position and
time.

GPS uses satellites in space as reference points to locate the positions on the Earth. The GPS
receiver measures our distance from the satellites by measuring the travel time of the radio
signals. The distance from the satellite to the GPS receiver is equal to the travel time from
the satellite to GPS receiver multiplied by the speed of light. That is,

Distance = Travel time x Speed of light

On the ground, any GPS receiver that contains a computer can locate its own position on the
Earth by measuring accurately the distance from three satellites. The result is provided in the
form of a geographic position longitude and latitude.

If a fourth satellite can be received, the receiver/computer can figure out the altitude as well
as the geographic position.

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Limitations of GPS

GPS cannot be used in places where the signal from the satellite cannot be received e.g. in
caves, inside a building, underground locations, underwater etc. Besides, the GPS receivers
have potential position errors.
Lecture Notes

How GPS was invented

In the early 20th century several radio-based navigation systems were developed, which were
used widely during World War II. Both navy ships and airplanes used ground-based radio-
navigation systems.

One of the drawbacks of using radio waves generated on the ground is that you must choose
between a system that is very accurate but doesn't cover a wide area, or one that covers a
wide area but is not very accurate. High-frequency radio waves can provide accurate position
location but can only be picked up in a small, localized area. Lower frequency radio waves
can cover a larger area, but cannot provide accurate position location.

Scientists, therefore, decided that

the only way to provide coverage
for the entire world was to place
high-frequency radio transmitters
in space. A transmitter high above
the Earth sending a high-frequency
radio wave can cover a large area.
This is one of the main principles
behind the GPS system. The first
GPS satellite was launched in
1978. The first 10 satellites were
developmental satellites, called
Block I. From 1989 to 1993, 23
production satellites, called Block
II, were launched. The launch of
the 24th satellite in 1994
completed the system.
Lecture Notes

How could GPS use in navigating objects?

What is Navigation?
Navigation is the act of determining the course of movement. This movement could be for a
plane, ship, automobile, person on foot, or any other similar means. The main purpose of
navigation is to be able to get from one place to another place without getting loss.

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Since prehistoric times, people have been using different ways to tell where they are, to help
guide them to where they are going, and to get them back home again. Cavemen probably
used stones and twigs to mark a trail when they set out hunting for food. The earliest
mariners followed the coast closely to keep from getting lost. When navigators first sailed
into the open ocean, they discovered they could chart their course by following the stars.

How could GPS use in navigating objects?

GPS receivers take signal information and calculate the user's exact location. Now, the
receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map. Your
current location can be viewed in the GPS in the form of coordinates (latitude, longitude and
altitude). If you are moving, your receiver may also be able to calculate your speed and
direction of travel and give you estimated the distance to destinations and times of arrival to
specified destinations. Besides, the locations and the route traveled can also be recorded.
Lecture Notes

GPS Applications in the Military Field, Standard Positioning System and Precise
Positioning System

GPS Applications in Military Field

There are 24 satellites revolving around

the Earth up to now and all of them are
owned by the US government. It was
restricted for the military use
preliminary. Military GPS user
equipment can be integrated into
fighters, bombers, helicopters, navy
ships, submarines, tanks, jeeps, and
soldiers equipment for navigation.
Besides, military applications of GPS
include target designation, rendezvous.
With the technological advancement, its
accuracy had been improved greatly.
GPS was then being divided into two
categories, namely Precise Positioning
Service (PPS) and Standard Positioning
Service (SPS).

Precise Positioning System (PPS)

Authorized users with cryptographic equipment and keys and specially equipped receivers
use the PPS. U. S. and Allied military, certain U. S. Government agencies, and selected civil
users specifically approved by the U. S. Government, can use the PPS. The accuracy of PPS
is as follows:
Horizontal accuracy: 22 m
Vertical accuracy: 27.7 m
Time accuracy: 200 nanoseconds

Standard Positioning System (SPS)

Civil users use the SPS without charge or restrictions. The accuracy of SPS is intentionally
degraded by the U. S. Department of Defense. The accuracy of SPS is as follows:
Horizontal accuracy: 100 m
Vertical accuracy: 156 m
Time accuracy: 340 nanoseconds