GPS and never having to say: 'Where am I?'

Useful sites

GPS Primer (The Aerospace Corporation, USA)

A good introduction to GPS.

All about GPS (Trimble, USA)

Another good introduction. Explains, with animated diagrams, the principles behind GPS. Presents the information in a logical sequence of sections. Includes explanations of how GPS works and examples of real world applications.

GPS: A new constellation (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, USA)

Based on an exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum, this site presents a basic introduction to GPS and its uses. Well-illustrated.

From stones to satellites (Javad Navigation Systems, USA)

An interesting history of navigation, from the stone age where the points of reference may have been markings on trees, to today's use of satellites.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (transcripts)

GPS – precision at work, play and war (Background Briefing, 18 November 2001)
Covers the current and potential uses of GPS, from geocaching to launching of missiles.

Precision agriculture (The Buzz, 29 October 2001)
Explains how GPS is being used in farming.

Notes on basic GPS positioning and geodetic concepts (Satellite Navigation and Positioning Group, University of New South Wales, Australia)

These notes were prepared for a short course on GPS, with particular reference to land-based applications such as mapping and surveys. There are three chapters available as PDF files: Introduction to GPS, GPS enhancements, and Mapping issues.

Special issue on Global Positioning System (Proceedings of the IEEE, January 1999, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. USA)

Provides a technical look at GPS – its development, measurement of the Döppler shift of signals, the accuracy of its location estimates, and examples of civil applications.

How GPS phones work (Howstuffworks, USA)

Reviews how cell phones and GPS receivers work and how phones combine these technologies.

Global Positioning System: The role of atomic clocks (Beyond Discovery, National Academy of Sciences, USA)

Describes how basic research into the nature of time and ways to measure time accurately contributed to the development of GPS. The complete article is available.

Global positioning system (GPS) technology and cars (CSA Illumina, USA)

Describes the uses of GPS technology in new cars.

External sites are not endorsed by the Australian Academy of Science.
Page updated August 2006.