10 interesting GPS facts from Satmo
by Fiona Taylor
Did you know? GPS facts.
Here are some interesting GPS facts.
1. The basic design of the Geo Positioning System or GPS as we know it was based partly on ground based radio navigation systems such as LORAN and Decca Navigation System, which were used during World War II to help in the navigation of ships and planes at a long range.
2. Doppler Effect, the change in the frequency of a wavelength of a wave, is the key principle used in GPS system. The change in frequency of signals from the GPS satellites helps in identifying locations.
3. GPS project was first launched in the United States in 1973 to overcome the limitations of previous navigation systems.
4. The United States government created the system, they maintain it, and make it freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. However, the US government can selectively deny access to the system should they wish.
5. Clocks on GPS satellites would be seen by observers on Earth to run 38 microseconds faster per day than clocks on Earth. The GPS calculated positions would quickly drift into error. The design of GPS takes this into account.
More GPS facts
6. Roger L Easton is widely credited as the primary inventor of GPS.
7. 1998 saw GPS technology be honoured by the Space Foundation and inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame.
8. As of February 2016, 72 GPS satellites had been launched. Not all remain operational.
9. The minimum number of satellites for a full constellation is 24 operational 95% of the time. The current number exceeds this, the target number is 33 and decommissioned reserves are available to maintain the numbers.
10. Satmo made their first sale of a GPS vehicle tracking product in 2009 and are still here today ready to help you.
If you would like to talk to us about how we use GPS or how we can help you please call us on 01274 587748 and we will be more than happy to help. Otherwise leave us your interesting GPS facts in the comments below.
Fiona Taylor
Fiona Taylor is the Sales Manager at award winning Satmo Vehicle Tracking. If you feel you need help with your fleet, want to gain back control, save some money and time then please get in touch.
