GPS On Mobile Phones

GPS-Global positioning system or global navigation system, a technology which enables to find the exact location anywhere on the earth. The system works as the numerous satellites of medium orbit around earth transmitting signals which a GPS receiver receives and then its location, speed and time is determined. The GPS works in open space as it works on satellite imaging. GPS technology which is developing fast didn't take long to be on the mobile phones. The mobile phones which are GPS enabled, which means they have built in GPS receiver, also have some geographical maps preloaded(or can be downloaded on some phones). The working of GPS on mobile phones goes like this, for instance, we choose our destination as geek arena's office in south delhi. The GPS application using the preloaded maps will locate the destination on the maps(Our point of interest should be on the map). Then, we select a path(amongst the options given) to reach it. There is also an easiest route option(in certain phones only). Point to note is that the application might not take into account size, condition or traffic on roads. Although, the movement is reflected on the maps but some handsets also offer voice guidance which gives handsfree experience. A voice prompts when to turn and offers additional information about the area (only if the option is selected). There are options of updating and adding maps along with geotagging. Geotagging gives the user an option of taking pictures on the mobile phones and saving them with map coordinates and hence they will be visible on GPS application and locate the place where the picture was taken. Also A-GPS or Assisted GPS is a way to use GPS through WAP and GPRS. GPS take few minutes to connect to satellite and location position whereas A-GPS can locate it much faster as it connect through internet via service provider. GPS on mobile phones is certainly a technology which will stay and follow us in future with a lot more enhancements. GPS technology on mobile phones have made the mobile a gadget to reckon in the ever changing geek arena in the time to come.