GPS or Global Positioning System is a space-based satellite
network that provides individuals with location and time information anywhere
on Earth in any weather when they have an unobstructed line of sight to four or
more of the satellites. The satellite network is maintained by the United
States government and is free to use by anyone with access to a GPS receiver.
GPS is a truly remarkable system that provides critical advancements to the
military, commercial and private sector that can't be found in any other
technological product.
While GPS was at one time an entirely military project, it
has become a dual-use project over the years offering both military and
civilian applications. GPS is today used for a wide variety of projects ranging
from commerce to scientific uses. GPS also offers an accurate time keeping
system that regulates a number of everyday activities like banking, cell phone
operation and even the synchronization of power grid systems. So how can a
system with so many benefits have problems?
The biggest issue with the GPS system is the regulatory
spectrum issue. Within the United States, GPS receivers are regulated under the
FCC or Federal Communications Commission. All GPS-enabled devices within the
United States are listed as Part 15 devices in their manuals. This means that a
GPS device is obligated to accept any interference it receives, including those
that cause undesired operation. This means that despite the numerous benefits a
GPS receiver can offer, like all other forms of technology there can still be
interference that causes undesired operation.
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