Exploring the Global Positioning System: A Comprehensive Overview

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This report explores GPS technology, its applications, and legal aspects.

Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
GPS.............................................................................................................................................................3
GPS's Usability............................................................................................................................................5
GPS Legislation...........................................................................................................................................6
Security through GPS..................................................................................................................................7
Rules and Regulation...................................................................................................................................8
A technology used in GPS...........................................................................................................................9
Space Segment........................................................................................................................................9
Control Segment......................................................................................................................................9
Applications of GPS..................................................................................................................................10
Reference...................................................................................................................................................14
List of Figures
Figure 1 Satellite image...............................................................................................................................3
Figure 2 Factor of GPS for choosing service delivery...................................................................................4
Figure 3 GPS device.....................................................................................................................................5
Figure 4 Location in Map.............................................................................................................................6
Figure 5 Mobile which uses a GPS device....................................................................................................7
Figure 6 Working of GPS..............................................................................................................................9
Figure 7 Different Satellites.......................................................................................................................10

Introduction
This file will contain a brief knowledge about the Global Positioning System. The history of GPS
along with years are mentioned. There will be different types of GPS present in the market. The
working of the GPS system would be explained to redder with the help of neat and clean
diagrams. The various application will be mentioned so that the reader has a clear idea of the
GPS system. Advantage and disadvantage this system along with rules and regulation will be
covered. Fundamental methods will be highlighted by which GPS system operates. Security
provided by GPS system along with its legislation will be mentioned in this report.

GPS
GPS stands for Global Positioning System which was originally known as Navstar GPS. This
system is owned by the US government which was introduced in 1973 and was accessible in
1980 by civilians. GPS is a radio navigation system which is operated by satellite. This system
provides global navigation geolocation and time.
Figure 1 Satellite image
(Source: GPS Tracker Manufacturer, 2019)
GPS works independently and the user doesn't need to transmit any data over the internet. GPS
has 5 categories which are:
 Navigation: This is used to search location from one point to another.
 Location: This is used to locate the position.
 Timing: This shows real time results.
 Tracking: This monitors personal movement or object movement.
 Mapping: This brings the map of the entire world on screen.

Figure 2 Factor of GPS for choosing service delivery
There is a cluster of 30 satellite covering the Earth from 20,000 km away. These signals are
transmitted at the speed of light and detect the distance by the speed of message received by the
receiver from the nearest satellite. (Physics.org, 2019)

GPS's Usability
Figure 3 GPS device
(Source: Sewell, 2019)
In today's world, GPS has grown rapidly as this locates the person who is lost. GPS helps in live
tracking as the location can be seen live on maps (Google maps) with accurate time, carrier
network and location.
This allows the user to get notified about the distance of the location from the object left or the
departure time.
GPS system can track the route through which the system traveled and can record travel route
where the user can view the moving vehicle on the map.
One can analyze distance covered on monthly level or day to day task. The shortest distance
which instance is calculated saves time and fuel which increases your saving.
GPS tracker can is installed in bus, car, truck, scooter, bike, or all kinds of vehicle. The cost of
GPS tracker depends on the brand, quality, and accuracy.

GPS Legislation
Figure 4 Location in Map
(Source: Notadmin.com, 2019)
There is a Surveillance Act 1999 which states that without a person's consent they cannot be
tracked and the object can't be tracked until unless the object is owned by the owner.
Location can be accessed through calls, receiving emails, browsing the websites, playing games,
etc, this keeps a track on location and therefore is not regulated.
This kind of information is stored in the device within a file which is downloaded later.
Radio tracking devices installed in dog's collar also falls in an offense until unless the if you are
the owner of your dog.
The difference between Australian jurisdiction and WA is that in WA user can assume the error
while drafting exception in possession for that object while in Australia jurisdiction user should
be aware in case of lawful possession of being tracked. While in South Australia and Queensland
no restriction on tracking for commercial or private use.

Security through GPS
Figure 5 Mobile which uses a GPS device
(Source: pcmag et al., 2019)
Professionals use GPS Systems to track stolen objects such as vehicles and valuable objects.
Earlier they were large systems which had low battery backup thus making it difficult to use
whereas in today's world these systems have undergone many changes and now they are
transformed into compact sizes and have high battery backups.
GPS helps to track people who are lost as these devices are handy and compact in sizes so they
can be carried easily. They use cellular technology to transmit signals to locate the location
precisely.
There are 3 types of tracker Passive tracker, Active tracker, and On-demand tracker. Passive
tracker are used in vehicles and they record the data can be-be analyzed by removing the system
and connecting it to the computer, Active tracker is used to track real-time locations of vehicles,
and On-demand tracker is active when the user wants to track the object.

Rules and Regulation
 Civilians are given free access for GPS by the U.S. Government.
 GPS is a national asset which is guided by the military/ civil body stated by presidential
directive.
 The budget is passed through the Defense Department and Transportation department
also contributes to GPS requirement for civilians.
 To say competitive in the market the U.S. Government is improving its performance and
planning for long term benefits.
 U.S.Government is minimizing human efforts by introducing interference detection,
spectrum regulation, law enforcement, and mitigation efforts.

A technology used in GPS
Figure 6 Working of GPS
(Source: FSCom Blog, 2019)
There are 3 main segments of GPS:
 Space Segment
 Control System
 User Segment
Space Segment
There are 29 satellites encircling the entire earth at 12,000 miles. The function is to navigate/
route signals and re-transmit the message packets. These are monitored by atomic clocks present
in a satellite.
Control Segment
Master Station is present in this segment and comprises of an atomic clock with 5 monitor
stations. These control the signal information send information to ground antennas.
User Segment
This segment contains a GPS receiver which calculates the distance from the nearest satellite.

These receive signals directly from the satellite.
Figure 7 Different Satellites
(Source: Anon, 2019)
GPS uses Trilateration principle to determine the exact location. In this target location is
confirmed by at least 4 satellite. Three satellites trace the location and fourth satellite confirms
the location.
Applications of GPS
1. Aviation: Aircraft need real-time position so that a map can be generated which saves
fuel, time and safest path to travel.
2. Farming: Farmers grow plants in specific seasons so farmers can find areas where the soil
is rich for planting.
3. Marine: There are no roads available in oceans so to detect path and obstacles GPS
systems are required.

4. Surveying: Survey of underwater can be done by measuring the depth of the floor and
objects so a detailed report can be generated with high accuracy.
5. Military: Defense department uses GPS for locating vehicles and missiles or machinery
in war.
6. Banking Services: Electronic funds require real-time systems as 80% of the transactions
are made online.

Limitations
 Time taken by message packets can be disturbed by atmospheric pressure. Noise causes
electrical interference in the receiver.
 Minute changes in the atomic clock can result in large deviations in locations.
 GPS signal is affected by dense forest, bridges, skyscrapers, walls, canyon walls as the
signals become weak and so are not strong enough to pass through these so the accurate
location is not shown.
 GPS doesn't work properly in underground spaces and indoor space.
 Maintenance of satellite is a difficult task and there can be a hindrance in radio
interference by storms.
 Aerial positions cant be calculated as sometimes signals bounce back before reaching
aerial therefore resulting in a false position.