What is the full form of GPS?

Answer:

GPS: Global Positioning System

The full form of GPS is Global Positioning System. The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally NAVSTAR GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the United States of America (USA) and operated by the United States Air Force.

Originally designed to assist soldiers and military vehicles, it is now freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. Since ancient times, humans have looked into the sky to find their way. Ancient sailors used star in the night sky to find out where they were and where they were going.

Today, we can all know where we are in this world with the help of a small GPS. But we still need objects high in the sky to find out where we are and how we can go to other places.

Today instead of stars, we use satellites. The 29 navigation satellites are moving high above the earth. These satellites can tell us exactly where we are, 24 of these 29 satellites are operational while 5 are additional. These satellites orbit the Earth in 6 different orbits and complete a round around the Earth in 12 hours.

This is the main use of GPS. For hiking time and trekking enthusiasts GPS has many benefits. Suppose you are traveling on foot with your friends and you are separated, then GPS can help you locate each other’s location.

If you are going on a road trip or traveling to a place you are not familiar with, GPS can help you arrive at your destination safely and the best route to get to your destination or may show a shortcut.

The United States was the first country to adopt GPS in its military. GPS has since been adopted by many military forces worldwide. Other countries have also decided to develop their satellite navigation network as a defense mechanism in wartime. It can be used to map the location of vehicles and other machinery such as a missile during combat. India has also developed its own GPS system called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

Most modern aircraft use GPS receivers. It is used to provide the real-time and status of the aircraft to the pilot and passenger. They also provide a map of various destinations depending on where the aircraft operates. GPS is used to track the aircraft and direct the pilot to that position. It is also used to know where to change on weather conditions or any other issue.

The captain of the boat needs a highly accurate navigation app so that they can navigate through the water to their destination. GPS applications ensure that the channels are clear and that there are no further obstacles that can interfere with their navigation.

This application is used to decide which route is the fastest, safest and most fuel efficient for a destination. Most users of this technology are taxi services, emergency vehicles, cargo services, public transport monitoring. Many surrey owners also use the app, and most new car models come with GPS.

Many departments of science (eg: biology and earth sciences) use GPS apps intensively. Prior to the invention of GPS, scientists used metal and plastic bands to tag animals and observe them at various locations while monitoring them. However, since the invention and enhancement of the navigation app, it helps the scientist to fit on the collar of the animal and the app can automatically record the movement of the animal and the information is transmitted to the researcher via satellite.

This means that they can find the location of animals without physically locating them. Most sciences taught in schools will have more practical evidence because GPS provides accurate data.

Other full forms of GPS