What is GPS? 

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed and direction.

How does it work?

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the bus, boat, trolley, tram, or train’s position to trigger location relevant content [AudioConexus provides GPS guided tours in multiple languages simultaneously].

GPS receivers are also used to deliver GPS guided walking tours to visitors, where GPS chipsets and internal antennas are integreated into handheld devices for locational relevant multi-media tours and experiences.

How accurate is GPS?

Today’s GPS receivers are extremely accurate. AudioConexus provides GPS accuracy of 0.5 metres – 5 metres, providing GPS tours that trigger location relevant content based on your exact requirements. 

The software used to build interactive zones (trigger points) also allows users of the system to set trigger point tolerances [for triggering location relevant audio and video]. What this means is, GPS trigger points can be very small to very large, depending on the requirements of the project.

To learn more about GPS – please visit Howstuffworks “How GPS Receivers Work”.

*AudioConexus delivers GPS tours in multiple languages simultaneously.