The design of GPS is based partly on the similar ground-based radio navigation systems, such as LORAN and the Decca Navigator developed in the early 1940s, and used during World War II. Additional inspiration for the GPS came when the Soviet Union launched the first Sputnik in 1957.
A team of U.S. scientists led by Dr. Richard B. Kershner were monitoring Sputnik’s radio transmissions. They discovered that, because of the Doppler effect, the frequency of the signal being transmitted by Sputnik was higher as the satellite approached, and lower as it continued away from them. They realized that since they knew their exact location on the globe, they could pinpoint where the satellite was along its orbit by measuring the Doppler distortion.
From those small beginnings the GPS industry has now grown to cover air, land and sea and is an important part of our lives. There is an ever increasing number of devices that feature GPS technology and by utilising Bluetooth the functionality is being enhanced even more.
One of the latest developments is the inclusion of a Reverse Camera with the GPS device which now makes it possible to monitor activity while reversing you motor vehicle. I believe this will become a standard feature in all new cars in the not so distant future…
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