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Global Positioning System

The Wikipedia page for Global Positioning System (GPS) provides an overview of the satellite-based navigation system developed by the United States Department of Defense. This summary highlights the key points covered in the article, including the history, components, operation, and applications of GPS.

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This summary highlights the key points covered in the article, including the history, components, operation, and applications of GPS. The article begins by explaining the origins of GPS, which trace back to the 1950s when the U. S. Navy first explored the concept of satellite navigation. The development of GPS started in the 1970s and became fully operational in 1995. It emphasizes the crucial role of the Navstar satellites in providing accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information worldwide. The article then goes on to describe the various components of GPS, including the control segment, space segment, user segment, and the satellite signal. It emphasizes the importance of atomic clocks and precise orbit determination to achieve accurate positioning. Additionally, the roles of ground-based control stations, satellites, and user receivers are explained in detail. The operational principles of GPS are discussed, including the trilateration method used to determine positions using signals from multiple satellites. The importance of having a minimum of four satellites in view for precise three-dimensional positioning is explained. Other aspects such as dilution of precision (DOP) and selective availability (SA) are covered as well. The applications of GPS are highlighted, ranging from navigation and precise timing to various sectors like aviation, maritime, transportation, and even research and scientific studies. The role of GPS in revolutionizing the use of maps, guiding vehicles, tracking assets, facilitating outdoor activities, aiding in disaster response, and enhancing military operations is also emphasized. Furthermore, the article covers the modernization efforts of GPS, including upgrades implemented to increase accuracy, reliability, and robustness. The launch of additional satellites under the GPS modernization project is mentioned, along with the development of a new civil signal known as L5. The article concludes with a summary of the benefits and limitations of using GPS. While GPS is globally recognized for its accuracy and usefulness, it can be affected by signal blockage, signal degradation due to atmospheric conditions, and occasional intentional disruptions. It also mentions alternative satellite navigation systems such as GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, which are being developed and offer similar capabilities to GPS. Overall, the Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of GPS, covering its history, components, operation, applications, modernization, and limitations. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking detailed information on this widely used positioning and navigation technology.