Garmin is the Leading Provider of GPS in Malaysia
August 15th, 2010Click here for Garmin Malaysia site
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.
The GPS satellite system
The 24 satellites that make up the GPS space segment are orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. These satellites are travelling at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour.
GPS satellites are powered by solar energy. They have backup batteries onboard to keep them running in the event of a solar eclipse, when there’s no solar power. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path.
Here are some other interesting facts about the GPS satellites (also called NAVSTAR, the official U.S. Department of Defense name for GPS):
• The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.
• A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994.
• Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.
• A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended.
• Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.
top 5 GPS navigation systems by CNET.com
Personal tracking
• Law enforcement. An arrested criminal out on bail may have to wear a GPS tracker, usually on the ankle, as a bail condition.
• Race control. In some sports, such as gliding, participants are required to carry a tracker. This allows, among other applications, for race officials to know if the participants are cheating, taking unexpected shortcuts or how far apart they are.
• Espionage/surveillance. When put on a person, or on his personal vehicle, it allows the person monitoring the tracking to know his/her habits. This application is used by private investigators.
• These devices are also used by some parents to track their children. The supporters claim that if cleverly used, this actually allows children more independence.
• Internet Fun. Some web 2.0 pioneers have created their own personal web pages that show their position constantly, and in real-time, on a map within their website. These usually use data push from a GPS enabled cell phone or a personal GPS tracker.
Vehicle tracking
• Fleet control. For example, a delivery or taxi company may put such a tracker in every of its vehicles, thus allowing the staff to know if a vehicle is on time or late, or is doing its assigned route. The same applies for armored trucks transporting valuable goods, as it allows pinpointing the exact site of a possible robbery.
• Stolen vehicle searching. Owners of expensive cars can install a tracker, and “activate” it in case of theft. “Activate” means that a command is issued to the tracker, via SMS or otherwise, to act as a fleet control device, allowing the user to know where the vehicle is.
Asset tracking
• Animal control. When put on a wildlife animal (e.g. in a collar), it allows scientists to study its activities and migration patterns. Vaginal implant transmitters mark the location where pregnant females give birth. Animal tracking collars may also be put on domestic animals, to locate them in case they get lost.
GPS in U.S Law
In the US, the use of GPS trackers by government authorities, such as police, is limited by the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution, so, police; for example, usually require a search warrant in most circumstances. While police have placed GPS trackers in vehicles without warrant, this usage was questioned in court in early 2009.
GPS in Marketing
In August, 2010, Brazilian company Unilever ran a promotion where GPS trackers were placed in boxes of Omo laundry detergent. Teams would then track consumers who purchased the boxes of detergent to their homes where they would be awarded with a prize for their purchase.