GPS Advantages and Disadvantages

This page covers the advantages and disadvantages of GPS (Global Positioning System). It mentions GPS advantages and GPS disadvantages. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is developed and managed by the US Department of Defense.

It’s the only fully operational Global Navigation Satellite System in the world. The system has about 24 to 32 Earth-orbiting satellites that transmit radio signals. These signals help GPS receivers determine location, time, and velocity. Devices are embedded with a GPS receiver chip to enable this functionality.

GPS satellites are typically located at a height of 20,000 km above the Earth and orbit at a speed of 14,000 km/hr. Signals are transmitted at the speed of light by these GPS satellites.

Advantages of GPS

Here are some of the advantages of using GPS:

• Global Availability: The GPS signal is available anywhere on the globe, ensuring users have access to GPS functionality regardless of their location.

• Free to Use: There is no charge to utilize the GPS service, as the US Department of Defense bears the cost of the GPS system. It’s maintained and upgraded by them.

• Cost-Effective: It is cheaper compared to other navigational systems.

• Easy to Use: The GPS system calibrates itself, making it easy for anyone to use.

• Location-Based Information: It provides users with location-based information, which is helpful in various applications such as:

  • Mapping (used in cars)
  • Location tracking (geocaching)
  • Performance analysis (used in sports)
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

  Example: Google Earth Application.

• Retail Locator: GPS helps find retail outlets in new visitor locations.

Disadvantages of GPS

Here are some of the disadvantages of using GPS:

• Power Consumption: GPS chips are power-hungry, which can drain a device’s battery in 8 to 12 hours. This requires either battery replacement or recharging.
• Signal Obstruction: GPS signals don’t penetrate solid walls or structures well and are affected by large buildings. This means you won’t be able to utilize GPS service indoors, underwater, in dense tree regions, or in underground locations.
• Accuracy Issues: GPS accuracy depends on sufficient received signal quality. The signal can be affected by multipath interference, atmospheric conditions (i.e., the ionosphere), electromagnetic interference, etc. This can lead to errors of about 5 to 10 meters in GPS signal accuracy.
• Reliance on US Authority: Although the system is currently managed by the US DoD and users are utilizing the system free of cost, it’s ultimately up to the US to allow or deny the GPS service at any time.
• Potential for Failure: It’s better not to rely completely on the GPS system. Backup travel maps with directions can be helpful in the event of a GPS system failure.