The Global positioning System, a viable industry that allows public and private sectors to track and identify current locations, started long before companies like Garmin and Magellan began development of technology that permitted tracking in handhelds, laptops, cell phones and other devices.
In fact, GPS history began on October 4, 1957, upon discovery that satellites could be used for navigational purposes. This discovery was found through the Russian satellite, Sputnik, the evening after the launch.
The Institute of Massachusetts discovered that the satellite could be tracked from earth based on the frequency and strength of the radio signal. Based on location, the strength would vary, allowing them to determine the distance from their position on earth to the position of the satellite.
The Beginning
Being able to track the position of something in space was the very first step to establishing the global positioning system, and a vital point in GPS history. Without this basic ability, further development of technology would be impossible. Over the course of the next few years, especially in the early 1960s, the US navy began research into GPS for use with their submarines. This "transit system" that was developed consisted of six satellites positioned in space and designed for subs carrying Polaris nuclear missiles. While this was a very private endeavor, the technology was used by the US Department of Defense in order to expand and develop the system into something that could be used by the government.This transferring of interest drastically changed the history of GPS systems. When the US Department of Defense began in depth research of the Global Positioning System, their initial findings aided in national security, and would eventually evolve to the public sector. Their research, development, and maintenance of satellites eventually evolved so that the public has the ability to make use of the system to track family, friends and loved ones. By collaborations with companies such as Magellan and Garmin, the boundaries between government technology and the everyday world was drastically lowered.
In order to fully appreciate the Global Positioning System, it is important to understand how the government funded research and technology has benefited companies that have joined in the development process. By sharing and distributing new technology between the government and businesses, the system has grown from government-only status to world-wide use. This world wide use has permitted the improvement of the technology so that it takes only seconds for use instead of ten minutes like the original US Navy based system required. As the technology is open for many companies, it is difficult for the system to be abused, as even the public is aware of its existence and how accurate the system is.
Big Government & Businesses Join Forces
The development, by both government and private sectors, allowed the system to evolve quickly. The first GPS system for the public sector was created by Sony, and used the NAVSTAR system that is maintained by the US Department of Defense. In Europe, Russia's system, GLONASS, is highly popular, and works much like the US equivalent. Due to these two different global positioning systems, you do need to be aware of which satellite system your device accesses. GLONASS is primarily for use in Europe, while NAVSTAR is primarily for use in the United States and Canada. Your service provider will be dependent on which satellite system your device accesses.Unlike the past, GPS systems are not just used for tracking submarines and other war based machines and devices. Instead, the system is now used for more peaceful alternatives. Many families use GPS devices to gather information about travel routes so they can safely go from one point to another while knowing where gas stations and other way points are. This information can help prevent vehicles from running out of gas, as the trip will be planned down to the very last mile. Not only does this make the trip much safer, it allows parents to suffer through less stress during travel.
As many cell phones now include the GPS e911 system, emergencies can be resolved quicker, which can result in the saving of lives. With a GPS enabled cell phone, if 911 is dialed, the phone will automatically relay the position of the phone to emergency personnel. This is a vital part in ensuring the safety and life of those in an emergency. However, if you own one of these phones, you will need to make certain that your provider allows for use of the system.
With these types of systems openly available to the public sector, there have also been a wide range of financial effects that many do not consider. As GPS devices gain popularity in cell phones, laptops and handheld devices, more companies have joined the trend, which has resulted in more higher paying jobs. This is one of the most notable 'hidden' benefits that has developed through GPS history.
The Best in the Industry
Of all of the GPS companies providing devices and services, Magellan and Garmin are among the top of the boards for reputation and quality products. Magellan is one of the older companies, having been founded in 1986. This level of experience in dealing with GPS systems has allowed this company to be a primary player in the development of GPS units and the over all history of GPS systems and research. Magellan is responsible for creating the first handheld GPS unit, the GSC 100 in 1997.Magellan's close competitor, Garmin, was founded in 1989. This is important GPS history, as the development of this company resulted in competition between Garmin and Magellan. This competition allowed both companies to stretch beyond their initial goals and create better units for the private and public sectors.
With the high levels of competition between Garmin and Magellan, many aspects of GPS devices have improved. One of the most notable improvements has been the accuracy of the units. The original units were accurate within numerous meters of the actual location. While this allowed for the units to be mostly reliable, advances in technology have allowed the devices to be accurate within one meter. Some units are accurate within a foot, which is notable over the original devices like the GSC 100.
The progress of GPS history has allowed for many improvements to be made. Even then, devices are growing more reliable and better with each passing year, allowing it to be a viable resource that is being found in more homes for every day use.
About the Author
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and educating people about GPS cell phones, cheap GPS receivers, and everything GPS!