Monitor Data

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a “constellation” of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. GPS equipment is widely used in science and has now become sufficiently low-cost so that almost anyone can own a GPS receiver.

The GPS is owned and operated by U.S. Department of Defense but is available for general use around the world. Briefly, here’s how it works:

21 GPS satellites are three spare satellite are in orbit at 10,600 miles above the Earth. The satellites are spaced so that from any point on Earth, four satellites will be above the horizon.

Each satellite contains a computer, an atomic clock, and a radio. With an understand of its own orbit and the clock, it continually broadcasts its changing position and time. (Once a day, each satellite checks its own sense of time and position with a ground station and makes any minor correction.)

On the ground, any GPS receiver contains a computer that “triangulates” its own position by getting bearings from three of the four satellites. The result is provided in the form of a geographic position-longitude and latitude-to, for most receivers within 100 meters.

If the receiver is also equipped with a display screen that shows a map, the position can be shown on the map.

If a fourth satellite can be received, the receiver/computer can figure out the altitudes as well as the geographic position.

If you are moving, your receiver may also be able to calculate your speed and direction of travel and give you estimated times of arrival to specified destinations.

The GPS is being used in science to provide data that has never been available before in the quantity and degree of accuracy that the GPS makes possible. Scientist are using the GPS to measure the movement of the article ice sheets, the Earth’s tectonic plates, and volcanic activity.

GPS receivers are becoming consumer products. In addition to their outdoor use (hiking, cross-country skiing, ballooning, flying, and sailing), receivers can be used.

The Jaguar XF has yet again been voted “Car of the Year” its fourth top title win since being launch in March. This time the premier award comes courtesy of Auto Express in their New Car Honours 2008. Jaguar’s multi-award-winning sports saloon claimed its crown following victory in the “Best Executive Car” category ahead of the BMW 5-series, the Mercedez CLS and E-class, the Audi A6 and the Lexus GS.

Dan Strong, editor of Auto Express magazine, said: “Jaguar’s XF is a machine that has proved the doubters wrong. It’s a car that impresses on every level, from design to drivability, practically to price. ” But that’s not the only reason why our judges chose this car. Our winner has raised the standards in a class where excellence is considered the norm. It’s home-grown package, designed and developed in the UK and built by a highly skilled workforce.”

Geoff Cousins, UK managing director of Jaguar Cars, said; “I am absolutely thrilled Auto Express, the UK”s biggest-selling magazine, has awarded the XF with its top accolade. This has been a fantastic year for Jaguar with the XF leading the success of our revitalization plan. In july, total Jaguar sales were up 29.2 percent versus the same month last year and we now have over 7,000 orders for XF in the UK and more than 22,000 worldwide-we couldn’t be more pleased with the reaction it has recieved.”

What car?magazine, What Diesel magazine and The Sun Motoring also named the XF “Car of the Year” while Top Gear magazine hailed it their “Limo of the Year,” Other notable awards include “Interior of the Year” from CAR magazine and the “Design Award” from Autocar Magazine.