GPS Road Navigation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

GPS Road Navigation - Essay Example Like the Internet, it was developed by the government and was once used exclusively for military purposes only. However, its benefits had been used and made available for civilian uses and everybody had made extensive use of it these days. It is simply incredible how a proven technology can make the quantum jump from being purely military to civilian applications; today, GPS has widespread uses (McNamara 2008, p 122). I am interested in the GPS because of its extensive use of electronics and this is one of majors I will be taking up next year in my college studies. The sheer complexity of the GPS is what intrigues me and this paper is an attempt to gain further knowledge and understanding in how this magnificent technology works and the many applications in which it is used today. In essence, the global positioning system is a US-government endeavour costing it $12 billion originally to provide its military with a precise form of worldwide positioning (Trimble 2010). This space-based radio-navigation system provides accurate positioning in three-dimensional location and works in all weather conditions. The best part is that it is free (USA.gov 2010). The global positioning system has found widespread applications in all aspects of life. This means it is used in a variety of civilian uses such as in work related to farming, geology, civilian commercial aircraft, land transportation, banking services, cellular phone technology and even in the provision of emergency life-saving services. The original purpose of GPS was to provide accurate information regarding ones exact location on the high seas where there are no landmarks to provide and guide mariners on where they are and where they are going. Ancient mariners employed other methods to reckon their positions such as using the stars but this crude method only works at night and assuming weather is fine with good