Navigation


 * 1. **** Describe the term. **

Navigation is the process of planning, recording, and controlling the course and position of a vehicle. Nowadays, people uses a GPS or Global Positioning Systems to navigate their way in ships, aircraft, cars, trucks, buses and many other types of vehicle. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

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GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. The GPS receiver then compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. The receiver can determine the user’s position and display it on the unit’s map by using the distance measurements from a few more satellites. A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.
 * 2. **** Describe the use of IT in each area, (internet, database, etc) **

The GPS are widely in use today for navigation, land surveying fishing, treks and many scientific applications. There are many advantages of having a gps system. First of all, using a GPS will get rid of the hassle of maps. The GPS system these days are very smart, some comes with a “panic button”. This will allow the user to talk to an operator at the gps carrier and can help you out or alert the authorities. This will keep you safe in case of accidents or hi jacks. Some of the newer GPS will support traffic update information, which will save you time and prevent you from an accident. Using a GPS greatly increases safety in traveling; the risk of getting lost is decreased and therefore it is less likely to find someone in a compromising situation. The services are free and it is available 24/7 year round.
 * 3. **** Explain how IT helps with each area. **

The number one problem of using a GPS is its inaccuracy. Especially in rural area or in a country that is not well developed. GPS signals are not completely accurate. Obstacles like buildings and trees can deflect the signal, causing your position on the GPS screen to be off by as much as 100 feet. Atmospheric conditions (such as geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity) may also affect GPS accuracy. For highway driving, this can cause you to miss a turn or exit.
 * 4. **** Describe any problems with IT in each area. **

[|Advantages & Disadvantages of GPS Systems | eHow.com] [|http://www.ehow.com/list_5912431_advantages-disadvantages-gps-systems.html#ixzz1YHeh0kZ3]

The GPS services needs to be a non-stop reliable service because airplanes and many major transportation lines depend on it. The need for at least three satellites to be on a specific location at any given moment causes an inconvenience due to aging satellites. And satellites are very expensive to repair. Susceptible to electronic interference from magnetic fields and solar flares, which can hinder the reliability of the GPS. If the system is insecure or if it can be hacked into and altered, the hacker could track or obtain the user’s home address and other private information. The GPS navigation can pose as an invasion of privacy because any third-party can use it to track or follow someone, and can constantly be aware of their location. []
 * 5. **** Identify and explain possible issues with each area. (Strand 1) **
 * Reliability **
 * Security **
 * Privacy and Anonymity **