Related expressions

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), GLONASS, GALILEO

Explanation

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is currently the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a group of electronic satellites working in concert known as a satellite constellation of at least 24 orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed and direction. Approximately orbital period is 12 hours.
GPS was developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named NAVSTAR GPS. The satellite constellation is managed and funded by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$ 750 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite this fact, GPS is free for civilian use as a public good.

GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.
The Russians developed a similar system as GPS, called GLONASS at the same time as the USA. GLONASS. Originally GLONASS consisted of 24 satellites, but today only 13 are still working. Approximately orbital period is 11,25 hours.
GALILEO is a European system consisting of at least 27 satellites. It is still under development and will be completed in 2010.

Application/usage in Indisputable KEY

GPS can be used to positioning the logs in the forest, realising and facilitating the use of IAD. GPS coordinates is absolute geo-referenced information that can be used to trace the wood products back to the forest (even the stump) where the tree serving as raw material was growing.

Institutions with teaching capabilities

There are some teaching courses in GPS but it is more for private users. Institutes in Europe dedicated to teach enterprises GPS technology are scarce. It seems that there are more possibilities in USA.
For instance, GIS Services (USA) provides commodities, services, and training for implementing and integrating solutions with GIS, GPS, and imagery. http://gisservices.net/

Available text books and training material

“ GPS Theory, Algorithms and Applications ”, Guochang Xu, 2007: This reference and handbook describes theory, algorithms and applications of the Global Positioning System (GPS/Galileo).
“ Integrating GPS, forest Inventory, GIS, and image processing for an operational resource information system ”, Robert A Wright, 1994: