Applications of GPS – A Boon to the Society

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a radio positioning space based system that provides its users with three-dimensional information on velocity, position and time, round the clock. It has a range of applications covering land, air, and sea. GPS, in fact, can be used everywhere except caves, underwater, subterranean locations and inside tall buildings – where it is virtually impossible to receive signals. It works anywhere in the world in all weather conditions. NAVSTAR is the first GPS System operated by the USA and is available widely to civilian users.

At land, GPS is used by the scientific community for position information and precision timing potential. Air-borne applications include navigation by aviation industry; while at sea, it is used typically for navigation by commercial fishermen, mariners and boaters.

GPS is today considered to be a dual-use technology, while originally it was a military project. It also offers variety of applications for the civilians too.

Military Applications

GPS can be used for following military operations -

• Target Tracking
• Navigation
• Mapping
• Search and Rescue (Location based)
• Missile Guidance

GPS offers a variety of services to military. Its prime use can be to track the targets. The co-ordinates provided by the GPS are useful to engage the targets with accuracy. It also helps the soldiers to navigate an unknown territory, to coordinate the movement of supplies etc. GPS can help making maps with precision which give valuable direction to the troops.

The search and rescue operations require ascertaining the position of downed pilots, injured soldiers, and civilians in danger etc can be carried much faster with the help of GPS. However, the pilots, civilians and troops should be carrying a GPS receiver to make themselves located.

Similarly, the military weapons are embedded with high precision GPS receivers especially made for targeting enemy.

Civilian and Other Applications

Civilian applications include -

• Surveying
• Recreation
• Timing
• Environment
• Others – Aviation, Marine, Roads, Agriculture etc.

GPS receivers, if carried by hikers, travelers, boaters, surveyors etc. can provide relevant position information to locate them in case they are misguided or lost. The GPS receivers provide location and time with much accuracy.

Though GPS has wide uses, its applications can be broadly classified into five categories – location searching, navigation, tracking, mapping and timing. So the next time you go off a far place for trekking, do not forget to carry a GPS receiver.

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