GPS Receiver Makes Being Lost Difficult

Getting lost and staying lost is becoming more difficult everyday as the price of a GPS receiver has fallen drastically over the past decade to enable just about everyone to have one. Hunters, travelers and even construction workers have use for a GPS receiver, however knowing how to interpret the information will determine just how valuable it is to carry.

Two dozen working satellites, plus a few spares, are circling the globe over 12,000 miles up, continually sending signals to the ground. By checking the current time, the distance between the satellite and the GPS receiver as well as altitude, the receiver can offer a location on the ground. By receiving information from four or more satellites the location can be even more exact as the overlapping information will allow the GPS receiver to find a probable location based on information from multiple sources.

While signals from a global position satellite are traveling a long distance to reach the GPS receiver units, there are some barriers to the signals getting through. Parking garages, for example, may block the signals and storm activity may slow the signal down causing locations to be slightly off track.

GPS Receiver Part Of Larger Units

Those hiking through the wilderness, such as hunters, may lose their bearings and having a GPS receiver with them can help them find their way back home. Travelers like the fact that their car system can tell them where they are if they get lost, and if they subscribe to a navigational service, can quickly find the directions to get back on their intended route.

Construction workers count on their high-tech GPS receiver to pinpoint their location by accepting signals from up to 20 different satellites. This gives a much more accurate location and when looking for property boundaries, this can save a lot of time for construction. It can also help in locating underground utility lines and prevent them from being damaged during digging.

Many businesses will have a GPS receiver in their office to help keep track of their vehicles, if equipped with tracking devices, and also keep track of shipments to better determine estimated arrival times. They can also use this equipment should a vehicle become lost or stolen on its route.

For persons traveling a GPS receiver can help if they get lost. By calling local authorities they give them their current location and get directions to where they need to go.

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