GPS – where is it taking you?
Joseph Mendoza
CDS/Muery Services
3411 Magic Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78229 U.S.A.
Abstract
Global Positioning System technology is moving at a breakneck pace. As a result, it seems that
everyone has a GPS receiver mounted to the car dashboard, hiking backpack- and even the
handlebar of the paperboy’s bicycle. As the cost-to-accuracy gap of GPS closes, what impact
will this have on industry grade equipment, methodologies, and cost?
This paper will address how GPS works and explain industry terminology (geekspeak) such as
PDOP and multi-pathing. It will explain how accuracy levels are determined and the
methodologies used to achieve these, such as differential GPS versus corrected signal post-processing
applications.
Additionally, this paper will discuss how the latest advances in GPS technology impact field data
collection, outlining how GPS works and the latest technology trends, as well as discussing when
and if GPS is appropriate. Further, a comparison of GPS methodologies and accuracy targets will
be included to best evaluate what method will meet the requirements of the end-user without
breaking the budget.
In short this paper will take you on a whirlwind tour of the GPS world at its current state and
what the not-too-distant future will hold for you and your paperboy.
Introduction
Ever since the first man drew lines in the ground to represent rivers, mountains and lakes, man
has been intent on referencing himself to the physical world he lives in. In time, the need, or
perhaps more to the point, the desire, to more accurately reference himself to the physical world
has driven methods and technology to new levels. With the advent of the Global Positioning
System (GPS), man now has an accurate and powerful tool at his fingertips.
GPS products now seem to be in use everywhere in a variety of applications as diverse as
engineering and surveying to the leisure activities of the weekend backpacker and fisherman.
The GPS market is certainly a growing and vast arena that seems to come up with new and
varied applications all the time. This prompts the question: where is GPS taking us and how will
it affect you? Before addressing that question, let’s look at the history and development of GPS.
Note: In an effort to succinctly explain GPS, many scientific details have been left out of this
paper. What remains is a general overview with the aim to introduce you to the exciting – and
dare I say cool – world of GPS.
