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Are you among the 52% of people planning to travel during the summer months? If so, you’ll probably need some help from GPS to navigate to your destination. But that’s not all GPS systems can do.
Keep reading to learn about the different GPS uses!
Pinpoint a Location
A global positioning system can help determine an accurate location. At least four satellites are able to use information from signals sent to your GPS device. The satellites decipher these signals to arrive at your location.
Three of those satellites calculate your position while one accounts for inaccuracies in the process. The result is a location determination that may only be off by a matter of a few feet. If you’ve ever waited for a ride share driver, GPS helps your drivers find you quickly!
And GPS can help you stay safe as a driver. Many newer cars use GPS to determine if you’re drifting outside of your lane. This GPS application can help reduce collisions and other problems on the road.
Generate Maps
GPS provides accurate data to help create more precise maps of topography. Unlike traditional surveying, GPS provides a faster route to mapping that can yield better results in only a few days. Traditional surveying would take several weeks.
GPS can help conservationists generate maps of invasive species or troubled forests. Farmers can plot the soil conditions of particular areas of their land to help ensure they maximize its potential. And M code GPS can assist the military with routes and activities.
For those working with waterways, GPS is invaluable since there are fewer topographical anchors. For fishermen and others working in ocean waters, GPS can measure changes in ocean depth, as well as underwater obstructions that are hard to see.
Help with Navigation
One of the most common GPS applications is navigation. If you’ve taken a vacation recently or driven to a new place, you may have used the GPS function on your phone.
But the navigation applications go far beyond helping a family find its way to a vacation destination. Airline pilots use GPS to help navigate to their next airport when they’re 30,000 feet above the ground. And emergency services use GPS to find the fastest way to a person in distress.
Monitor Someone’s Movement
The uses of GPS also include tracking movement. For law enforcement individuals trying to track down a suspect, GPS can be a useful way to do so. Affixing GPS trackers to vehicles, for instance, allows an officer to know exactly where a suspect is heading.
GPS can help with fleet management, as well. For those overseeing trucking fleets, for example, GPS can track movement on routes. This information can help fleet managers refine routes to be more efficient.
Find the Best GPS Uses
The GPS uses extend far beyond using your phone to navigate to a restaurant. GPS can help pinpoint locations with extreme accuracy and help monitor someone’s movement. Further, GPS systems assist with the creation of accurate maps.
For more travel tips, check back soon for new articles!