GPS technology is used in everything from car satellite systems to iPhones to FitBits. How does GPS actually work? Who takes care of the vast constellation of satellites that are needed to make these systems work? Enhanced with full-color photos and fact boxes, this book showcases current military technology and tools, historical accounts leading to today’s global systems, and tips to prepare for a career in the military.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that was originally designed for the U.S. military. However, the number of civilian GPS users now exceeds the military users, and many commercial markets have emerged. This book identifies technical improvements that would enhance military, civilian, and commercial use of the GPS. Several technical improvements are recommended that could be made to enhance the overall system performance.

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.

"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.

A comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities created by worldwide access to this revolutionary technology.

GPS technology is used in everything from car satellite systems to iPhones to FitBits. How does GPS actually work? Who takes care of the vast constellation of satellites that are needed to make these systems work? Enhanced with full-color photos and fact boxes, this book showcases current military technology and tools, historical accounts leading to today’s global systems, and tips to prepare for a career in the military.

All the expert guidance you need to understand, build, and operate GPS receivers The Second Edition of this acclaimed publication enables readers to understand and apply the complex operation principles of global positioning system (GPS) receivers. Although GPS receivers are widely used in everyday life to aid in positioning and navigation, this is the only text that is devoted to complete coverage of their operation principles. The author, one of the foremost authorities in the GPS field, presents the material from a software receiver viewpoint, an approach that helps readers better understand operation and that reflects the forecasted integration of GPS receivers into such everyday devices as cellular telephones. Concentrating on civilian C/A code, the book provides the tools and information needed to understand and exploit all aspects of receiver technology as well as relevant navigation schemes: Overview of GPS basics and the constellation of satellites that comprise the GPS system Detailed examination of GPS signal structure, acquisition, and tracking Step-by-step presentation of the mathematical formulas for calculating a user's position Demonstration of the use of computer programs to run key equations Instructions for developing hardware to collect digitized data for a software GPS receiver Complete chapter demonstrating a GPS receiver following a signal flow to determine a user's position The Second Edition of this highly acclaimed text has been greatly expanded, including three new chapters: Acquisition of weak signals Tracking of weak signals GPS receiver related subjects Following the author's expert guidance and easy-to-follow style, engineers and scientists learn all that is needed to understand, build, and operate GPS receivers. The book's logical flow from basic concepts to applications makes it an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in electrical engineering, wireless communications, and computer science.

This study investigates Europe's motives to develop the independent satellite navigation system known as Galileo despite the existence of America's successful global positioning system (GPS). The author contends that Europe's pursuit of Galileo is driven by a combination of reasons, including performance, independence, and economic incentive. With Galileo, Europe hopes to achieve political, security, and technological independence from the United States. Additionally, Europe envisions overcoming the US monopoly on GNSS by seizing a sizable share of the expanding GNSS market and setting a new world standard for satellite navigation. Finally, the author explores Galileo's impact on the United States and reviews US policy towards Galileo. The study concludes with recommendations to strengthen the competitiveness of GPS. (Originally published by Air University Press)