Tianxiang Deng – Definitions Assignment

ENGL 301 definitions by Dennis

Introduction:

In this assignment, three types of definitions will be provided to readers to build a common understanding of the subject and provide basic clarity without previous knowledge. The objective is to define the term ‘The Global Positioning System (GPS)’, and explain its functionality and significance to my writing team members, using parenthetical, sentence and expanded definitions.

Parenthetical Definition: 

Mapping companies nowadays, with the aid of GPS (real-time location sharing service), can determine traffic conditions and provide route planning for traveling.

Sentence Definition:

GPS is a global navigation system that provides users with real-time geological coordinates and velocity information. It relies on a network of satellites orbiting Earth, crisscrossing the sky at all times during the day, therefore it is capable of broadcasting information at any given time and place. (Stanley)

Expanded Definition:

• What is GPS?

GPS is a three-part navigation system using satellites, ground stations and user devices to provide synchronized location, time and velocity information. Satellites in the sky are constantly broadcasting their orbital position and time information with radio signals. That signal is received by ground stations, then processed in a user device to provide users location information. (Team, 2020)

• How does it locate users?

The process of pinpointing a user’s location is based on simple mathematical calculations, it uses overlapping regions to find a common, intersecting area. To visualize this, imagine the satellite has a flashlight, when it shines on the ground it can only see a circle of light. Since a user device only gives information about the distance from a satellite, a single satellite cannot locate the device as it could be anywhere within the ‘light circle’ area. (See Fig. 1)

Figure 1: A single circle from satellite ‘A’

Source:  (Triangulation | National Geographic Society, 2022)

 

Figure 2: Now having a second satellite, it creates a second circle that intersects with the first one, and the user’s location is narrowed down to an area where the two circles intersect. (See Fig. 2)

Source:  (Triangulation | National Geographic Society, 2022)

 

Figure 3: Finally, a third satellite will pinpoint the user’s location, because there will only be one point at the intersection of all three circles. (See Fig. 3)

Source: (Triangulation | National Geographic Society, 2022)

 

• What field can GPS be applied to?

GPS has become an accurate and reliable tool for businesses and organizations that need precise positioning services. “Internet Companies, scientists, pilots, boat captains, and workers in mining and agriculture, are just some of the people who use GPS daily for work.” GPS is also a core perspective in military usage worldwide. It has changed the nature of the battlefield. (Team, 2020)

• How accurate is GPS?

GPS technology nowadays has become so advanced that it can determine your location with a 100 to 50 feet accuracy. For military users, the signals will be more powerful, and secured, pinpointing to within 30 centimeters. Yet some factors can hinder its accuracy, such as large obstructions, and the atmosphere. (Stanley)

 

 

References