18,519
edits
Global Positioning System: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m
Robot: Automated text replacement (-\[\[Surveying\|([\w|\s]*)\]\] +\1)
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-\[\[(Surveying)\]\] +\1)) |
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-\[\[Surveying\|([\w|\s]*)\]\] +\1)) |
||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
The '''Global Positioning System''' ('''GPS'''), is currently the only fully functional [[Global Navigation Satellite System]] (GNSS). More than two dozen GPS satellites are in [[medium Earth orbit]], transmitting signals allowing GPS receivers to determine the receiver's [[geographic location|location]], speed and direction. | The '''Global Positioning System''' ('''GPS'''), is currently the only fully functional [[Global Navigation Satellite System]] (GNSS). More than two dozen GPS satellites are in [[medium Earth orbit]], transmitting signals allowing GPS receivers to determine the receiver's [[geographic location|location]], speed and direction. | ||
Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become an indispensable aid to [[navigation]] around the world, and an important tool for [[cartography|map-making]] and | Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become an indispensable aid to [[navigation]] around the world, and an important tool for [[cartography|map-making]] and land surveying. GPS also provides a precise [[time transfer|time reference]] used in many applications including scientific study of [[earthquake]]s, and [[synchronization]] of telecommunications networks. | ||
Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named '''NAVSTAR GPS''' ('''NAV'''igation '''S'''atellite '''T'''iming '''A'''nd '''R'''anging '''G'''lobal '''P'''ositioning '''S'''ystem). The [[satellite constellation]] is managed by the [[United States Air Force]] [[50th Space Wing]]. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately [[United States dollar|US$]]750 million per year,<ref name="GPS overview from JPO" /> including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite this fact, GPS is free for civilian use as a [[public good]]. | Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named '''NAVSTAR GPS''' ('''NAV'''igation '''S'''atellite '''T'''iming '''A'''nd '''R'''anging '''G'''lobal '''P'''ositioning '''S'''ystem). The [[satellite constellation]] is managed by the [[United States Air Force]] [[50th Space Wing]]. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately [[United States dollar|US$]]750 million per year,<ref name="GPS overview from JPO" /> including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite this fact, GPS is free for civilian use as a [[public good]]. | ||