"One of the most mesmerizing and exhilarating, yet alarming modern technology books…an extraordinary tale." —Gillian Tett, Financial Times Pinpoint tells the fascinating story of a hidden system that touches nearly every aspect of modern life. Tracking the development of GPS from its origins as a bomb guidance system to its present ubiquity, Greg Milner examines the technology’s double-edged effect on the way we live, work, and travel. Savvy and original, this sweeping scientific history offers startling insight into how humans understand their place in the world.
When Dan set out to drive his Jeep from the Northern tip of Alaska to Tierra del Fuego on the Southern tip of South America, he had no idea how much the adventure would change his life. Over the course of two years, Dan's expedition spanned forty thousand miles through sixteen countries. Now he will never be the same. After years of saving, dreaming and planning, Dan wanted to find out if an ordinary guy can achieve the extraordinary. With no sponsorship, a modest savings account and a willingness to learn Spanish, Dan threw himself in. Going solo, with no GPS and sleeping in a ground tent, Dan wanted to experience everything the Americas have to offer. From poking lava with a stick and hiking among world-famous mountains to corrupt military and camping with Ecuadorian locals - every day provided something new. With his eyes and ears open to the world around him, Dan met many interesting and thought-provoking characters. With their guidance and prodding, and by using their unique perspective, Dan was able to learn many valuable life lessons. Running to the beat of a different drum, Latin America was the perfect classroom for Dan to view our modern work-a-day world through an entirely new lens.
GPS Declassified examines the development of GPS from its secret, Cold War military roots to its emergence as a worldwide consumer industry. Drawing on previously unexplored documents, the authors examine how military rivalries influenced the creation of GPS and shaped public perceptions about its origin. Since the United States' first program to launch a satellite in the late 1950s, the nation has pursued dual paths into space-one military and secret, the other scientific and public. Among the many commercial spinoffs this approach has produced, GPS arguably boasts the greatest impact on our.
Fundamentals of GPS receivers covers GPS receivers' theory and practice. The book begins with the basics of GPS receivers and moves onward to more advanced material. The book examines three types of GPS receiver implementations: first is the custom design by the author; second is an industry standard design, now part of the open source network; the third relates to the receiver designed by JPL /NASA. Each receiver is unique allowing the reader to see how each design solves the same problems. Chapters discuss carrier phase measurements and GPS time and frequency measurements. The overall text is measurement oriented as opposed to processing the measurements. With a focus on the fundamentals of measurements the reader will be building their intuition for the physical phenomenon at work.
Richly illustrated and information-packed tools for anyone whose play or work takes them to remote areas. Basic Illustrated Using GPS, 3rd is a guide to practical field use of the Global Positioning System, written in simple language, with each new term explained as it's used. This book is a wealth of useful backcountry navigation advice for beginners and experts alike. It also includes information on using GPS with the latest mapping software. Disocver how to: Pick the best GPS receiver for your specific needs Read and pregrid topographic maps Identify waypoints with various coordinate systems Use GPS to navigate on land and water Create your own maps with GPS software
Need directions? Are you good at getting lost? Then GPS is just the technology you’ve dreamed of, and GPS For Dummies is what you need to help you make the most of it. If you have a GPS unit or plan to buy one, GPS For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you compare GPS technologies, units, and uses. You’ll find out how to create and use digital maps and learn about waypoints, tracks, coordinate systems, and other key point to using GPS technology. Get more from your GPS device by learning to use Web-hosted mapping services and even how to turn your cell phone or PDA into a GPS receiver. You’ll also discover: Up-to-date information on the capabilities of popular handheld and automotive Global Positioning Systems How to read a map and how to get more from the free maps available online The capabilities and limitations of GPS technology, and how satellites and radio systems make GPS work How to interface your GPS receiver with your computer and what digital mapping software can offer Why a cell phone with GPS capability isn’t the same as a GPS unit What can affect your GPS reading and how accurate it will be How to use Street Atlas USA, TopoFusion, Google Earth, and other tools Fun things to do with GPS, such as exploring topographical maps, aerial imagery, and the sport of geocaching Most GPS receivers do much more than their owners realize. With GPS For Dummies, 2nd Edition in hand, you’ll venture forth with confidence!
A classic navigation tool returns, newly updated to reflect the latest advances in GPS technology and including everything a modern explorer of all skill levels needs to know about path finding, compasses, maps, and more. Original.
Today, increasing demands and expectations are being placed on GPS systems. Assisted GPS (A-GPS) has been developed to provide greatly improved capabilities, helping GPS work better and faster in almost any location. Offering a detailed look at all the technical aspects and underpinnings of A-GPS, this unique book places emphasis on practical implementation. The book reviews standard GPS design, helping you understand why GPS requires assistance in the first place. You discover how A-GPS enables the computing of a position from navigation satellites in the absence of precise time - a topic not covered in any other book. Moreover, you learn how to design and analyze a high sensitivity GPS receiver and determine the achievable sensitivity of a GPS receiver. The book provides detailed worksheets that show how to compute, analyze, and improve the processing gain from the signal strength at the antenna to the carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N0) at the front end, to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) after the correlators. This cutting-edge volume discusses special forms of assistance data, industry standards for A-GPS, and government mandates for location of mobile phones. You also find coverage of future global navigation satellite systems and how they can be designed specifically for instant-fixes and high sensitivity. The book features numerous tables, worksheets, and graphs that illustrate key topics and provide the equivalent of a technical handbook for engineers who design or use A-GPS.
In a few years' time, GPS receiving devices will be as ubiquitous as cell phones are today. This plain English guide contains a full glossary with over 500 terms; a full bibliographic reference; and appendices on the history of navigation, time and technology, triangulation, and vendors. Beginning with the basics such as GPS satellites and signals, this book also discusses the popular uses of GPS such as devices for transportation. Also included are the technical uses for GPS such as defence, cartography, and surveying as well as costs and world-wide commercial opportunities.
