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At the time of writing - and most likely for the foreseeable future, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is the one and only satellite navigation system in civilian use. GPS has revolutionized the way in which we plot our positions on land and sea and in the air.
So how does it work? The earth is orbited by a score or more GPS satellites, each one transmitting timing and location signals back to earth. Commercially available GPS receivers (available in hand held units, and as additional features in mobile phones and even watches) each process the data from the satellites, enabling users to plot their position or find their way.
At its simplest, GPS works on the extrapolation of the time taken for satellites’ signals to reach the receiver. Navigators can then plot their positions based on how long it takes to receive the signal, indicating how far away the source of the signal is, and by extension where they are in relation to it. Bearing in mind that there is an inbuilt time lag of three seconds or so, it is possible to plot coordinates to a remarkable degree of accuracy.
The GPS market is expanding rapidly and manufacturers are working hard to hone the systems all the time. For outdoors adventurers there is the increased level of security that navigating with GPS brings. Thanks to the incredible accuracy of the GPS receivers, hikers are never likely to loose their position; never likely to lose their way.
Find out more about the systems on offer by clicking the links on this page. It’s easy. Invest in GPS for yourself and you’ll find that navigating can be as straightforward as clicking links too.
GPS receivers aren’t just convenient; they’re truly liberating. Now the world really is your oyster…
© Outdoor Clothing And Equipment.co.uk 2008
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