SearchExclusive.com

The Basics of GPS and Navigation

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that uses information transmitted by orbiting satellites to determine the position of the receiver and to help in navigating through the neighborhood. There are many satellite systems that are designed for use in GPS and navigation systems.

What is GPS?

GPS is used to be an all-encompassing term for satellite-based navigation systems. However, there are now many of these systems that are in operational and development stage, so the term Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is the new umbrella term for these systems.
Now, GPS is used mainly to denote the US Navstar system. This was created for use by the US Military. Later, the US Department of Defense opened up this system to the public and for commercial use.

GNSS

Besides the NAVSTAR GPS, there are other global and regional Satellite Navigation Systems, either in the operational stage or under development.

US NAVSTAR GPS

The Navstar GPS is composed of a set of 24 satellites, known as a constellation. These satellites continuously transmit orbital information along with a timestamp. Each satellite uses an atomic clock to synchronize time across all the satellites in the constellation.
The Navstar GPS used to include an error code in its signals to restrict the accuracy of the information in commercial use. This error code was removed in 2000. However, this error code is the prime reason that other countries have begun developing their own Navigation Satellite Systems.

Russian GLONASS

GLONASS was developed during in the Soviet regime and is now under the control of the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces. This system is also a constellation of 24 satellites and is the only other GNSS in the world that is operational.

European Galileo

Galileo is a satellite system that is under development in Europe and is expected to be ready for use by 2019. It is being developed by the European Space Agency for use by EU countries. When operational, this regional NSS will provide a highly accurate positioning system for use by European countries, independent of other global and regional systems.

Chinese Compass

The Compass is a second generation satellite positioning system that is being developed by China. The first, BeiDou-1 was a test system that was composed of three satellites. The current version, BeiDou-2 or BeiDou Satellite Navigation System also known as Compass, consists of 35 satellites in the constellation. It is expected to be ready for use by 2020. It is designed primarily for China’s use.

Indian IRNSS

The Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) is under development by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This Regional NSS will be under the control of the Indian government. The positioning system will be available for civilian use. An encrypted service will be available for military use.

How do satellite-based positioning systems work?

The orbiting satellites in the Positioning System steadily transmit their position (orbital information) along with the time of transmission. Receivers on the earth can use this information to accurately determine their own position on earth. They use triangulation to find the position.
The receiver determines four parameters: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, and Time. However, there may be several inaccuracies in this calculation. The satellites are in an elliptical orbit, the earth has a curved and uneven surface.

Also, the satellites are traveling at a fast speed, so there is a time delay. To compensate for all these, receivers use augmentation systems to get an accurate estimate of the four parameters. They may also make use of local data sets that describe the local geography and topography to increase the accuracy of the positioning information.

GPS and navigation systems make use of this accurate positioning information along with maps, road maps, routes, and other relevant information to guide you through the city lanes. Advanced GPS and navigation systems also get live updates on traffic conditions, roadblocks, and other data to guide you through alternate routes or to take you through the shortest possible route to your destination.

GPS and navigation systems are making it hard for people to lose their way. If you have a phone-based GPS app or a dedicated GPS navigation device, you can almost always find where you are as long as your receiver is in direct line of sight of 4 or more satellites in the GPS constellation.

Related Reading

Tips for Buying the Best Dog Food

Most of the dogs do not have a food fuss and may eat almost anything that you feed them. Dogs are not choosy at all when it comes to food and nutrition. Hence, it is important to make sure that the food that you are purchasing for your dog is healthy. The landscape of dog food has been developing by leaps and bounds in recent times. There is a wide variety of options to choose from in the online and offline market. Given the wide range of options that are available today, buying the best dog food might seem to be a confusing task indeed. All the commercial pet food that is available in the market today is regulated by the FDA. Therefore, most of the products do contain nutritious, healthy, and safe ingredients. But it does help to know certain basic factors you should look for while buying food for your dog. Prioritize on the nutritional guarantee The best dog food, which meets the dog’s needs adequately has a statement written on the label of the product, from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Buy from some of the best dog food brands, such as Fromm Family Foods, Earthborn Holistic, Nature’s Variety Instinct, and The Honest Kitchen.

Different Types of Kitchen Cabinets Available for Your Home

The most important aspect when designing your kitchen is deciding on the type of cabinets. In addition to functionality, kitchen cabinets score on aesthetics as well. Once the layout is planned, you can go ahead with choosing the cabinets. If you’re remodeling your home or just the kitchen, what you need to consider are the types of cabinets that furnish your kitchen. Here are a few types of kitchen cabinets that you can choose from. Base cabinets These kitchen cabinets are mounted on the floor and they are placed after checking out the floor plan. A major part of your job in the kitchen is on these base cabinets, which hold and support the countertops. These base cabinets are combined to carve out kitchen islands. A number of base cabinets are fused/set against one another and installed on site. The base cabinets, in addition to supporting the countertops, serve as drawers to hold your cutlery and appliances. Wall cabinets Mounted on the walls, these cabinets can store everything, right from your cookware to cookbooks. In terms of design, they offer utmost flexibility. Wall cabinet kitchen is available in varying heights, multiple widths, and custom depth options. This customization helps you to fit in your stuff of varying shapes and sizes into the wall cabinets.

How to Pick the Right Dog Food for a Sensitive Stomach

In today’s world, where you are presented with over a dozen choices for every item you would purchase for your own kitchen, it is not surprising that you have an equal number of options for your dog’s food. However, choosing the perfect brand and formula for your dog out of a range of options in the market is not an easy job. Your pet depends on you and trusts you to make the right choice for them. Therefore, it is imperative that you do your research about the products available in the market, understand what your dog needs, know what might be your pet’s problems, and then make a sound decision. What is a sensitive stomach? Dogs are known to have voracious and large appetites. Keeping that in mind, it is normal to assume that they have strong stomachs. They can eat close to anything be it sweets, bakes, chewy gum, hard leather or even woolen socks for that matter! It always so happens that the strongest of them are prone to allergies and can develop a disorder which is medically translated as a sensitive stomach. This might be due to a sudden change in the food habits or even due an infection picked up from somewhere.

All You Need to Know about Cat Food

For cat owners, cat food is a hot topic. You need to think about it in different aspects. The best thing is to know which ingredients are good for cat food and which are harmful. If you are aware of this, you can get an idea about the quality of the cat food just by going through the label. It is always sensible to stick to one brand of cat food. However, you may also want to try and prepare cat food yourself. There are also various options for wet cat food as well. Cat’s love for fish is universal, so you can do without going for expensive cat food. Nevertheless, whether you buy it or prepare cat food at home, you need to ensure that the food contains enough nutrition and calories. You would need to have some idea about the ingredients that must be present in cat food and make a worthy selection for your cat. Basic ingredients present in good cat foods Cats need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy and active; they need various vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and oils. The following is a brief explanation of the basic ingredients that should be present in cat foods.