The Citizen, 2019-04-25, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019.
Evolution of GPS systems starts with radio waves
MS –Global positioning systems
can now be found in many devices
and have transformed the way that
people interact with their
environments. Navigation tools have
evolved over the years, and the
world has long been on the precipice
of something more accurate and
intuitive.
Many people believe GPS started
with the launch of the Russian
satellite Sputnik. Scientists at MIT
noticed that the frequency of the
radio signals transmitted by the
satellite increased as it approached
Earth and decreased when it moved
away.
Satellites could be tracked by
measuring the frequency of these
radio signals, and thus the locations
of receivers on the ground could be
tracked by their distance from the
satellites. This is essentially the
basis behind GPS technology.
The United States Navy built the
first real satellite navigation system
in 1959. Known as TRANSIT, the
system was designed to locate
submarines and would pave the way
for the GPS systems that today are
used in vehicles, aircraft, phones and
more.
Satellites are necessary for all GPS
systems to work. In the U.S., the
Federal Aviation Administration says
the baseline satellite constellation in
space consists of 24 satellites
positioned in six earth-centered
orbital planes with four operation
satellites and a spare satellite slot in
each orbital plane. The system can
support up to 30 satellites in orbit.
The exact number of satellites
operating at any one particular time
varies depending on the number of
satellite outages and operational
spares in orbit. Due to this
constellation, the basic GPS signal is
accurate at the worst to within
approximately 100 metres lateral
and 140 metres vertical everywhere
on earth.
People may be surprised at just
how far-reaching GPS technology is
today. GPS sensors are used on
objects to track them, as is the case
for fleet vehicle management or
finding missing persons. Sensors
deliver real-time data on horse races
and military missiles. However,
navigational GPS in vehicles is
where GPS may be much more
pervasive on the consumer level.
These systems can not only provide
step-by-step directions and mapping,
but also they can alert us to traffic
jams, provide alternate routes, help
people avoid accidents, and even
find others you know on the roads
nearby.
GPS continues to evolve and be a
valuable navigational tool for people
around the world.
Eye in the sky
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) rely on an intricate network of satellites to help determine
not just the geographic location of a device, person or vehicle, but also its elevation, allowing
for step-by-step directions, even with complex interchanges and stacked streetways. (MS photo)
Underinflated tires wear quicker
MS –Making driving more safe
can come down to ensuring that the
vehicle is in good working order –
starting from the ground up.
In the United States, the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration warns that an
average of 200 people die each year
in tire-related crashes. In 2016, 733
people across the United States lost
their lives in accidents in which tire
malfunction was a contributing
factor. Roughly 70 per cent of single
vehicle accidents are tire-related.
Taking tire maintenance seriously
can greatly reduce the chances of
blowouts, accidents and fatalities.
• Maintain the right pressure:
Caring for tires not only improves
safety, but also it extends the life of
Making it last
Many different factors come in to play when determining how long a tire will last. From the
basics, like how many years and kilometres the tires have been used to more complex factors
like under- or overinflation, tire life can be impacted drastically. Keep an eye on tire treads and
maintenance to make the investment of new tires last as long as possible. (MS photo)
Neil’s Repair Service
Neil Warwick, Owner
Hours: 8 am - 6 pm Monday to Friday
General repairs to
all makes of cars, trucks,
farm equipment and ATVs
• Tune-ups • Tires
• Exhaust • Air Conditioning
• Transmissions • Brakes
• Licensed MTO Motor
Vehicle Inspection Station
519-357-9508
183 Clyde Street, Bluevale
Complete
Collision
Repairs
BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0
24 Hour Towing
"Big or Small, Will Tow 'em all!"
519-523-9474
TOLL FREE 1-800-350-6993
Auto Body & Towing Ltd.
Carter Cloakey
Licensed Technician
Owner & Operator
84561 Clegg Line, Brussels, ON
519-440-2252
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