10.3.2019

In Practice

Here are some of the many uses of GPS devices.

Search-and-rescue: GPS can be used to locate aircraft that have crashed; boat passengers who have been swept overboard; hikers who have gotten lost; and even skiers trapped underneath avalanches of snow (as long as they’re carrying GPS devices).

Surveying: GPS allows surveyors to mark the precise locations where things like buildings and roads will be built.

Archaeology: Archaeologists use GPS to make three-dimensional maps of their dig sites, and pinpoint the exact location of every artifact they find.

Emergency services: In the United States, GPS can be used to locate the mobile phone of someone who’s in an emergency situation and doesn’t have access to a GPS device.

Weather prediction: The distortion of GPS satellite signals in the atmosphere can tell meteorologists about atmospheric conditions like temperature and humidity.

Social networking: And finally, if you and your friends all have GPS devices, you’ll be able to locate each other at anytime on customized maps.