The Evolution Of Our Navigation System

February 1, 2012 | Author: roni | Posted in Technology

Success in our civilization always needed access to accurate navigation. A system of navigation was needed by the peoples in our past in order to keep walking and progressing. The earliest astronomers were seafarers. They depended on the stars and the calendar to guide them. Same thing with the nomads who lived in the desert, the sky served as their map. Later on, the same people came about with the sextant.

Aside from the sextant, there was the compass. Without a compass, it would be difficult to interpret a map. Fast forward to the 17th century, Great Britain came up with the chronometer which was a timepiece that could measure the longitude of sailors. With chronometers and sextants, navigation even became more advanced.

During the Second World War, an accurate navigation system meant victory. Radio navigation systems were used and were of outmost importance.

Satelitte navigation was an offshoot when Sputnik was launched.

The U.S. Department of Defense came up with the Global Positioning System during the 1970s. As satelittes were launched, the system became more sophisticated and currently, there are 24 satelittes orbiting the earth.

Later on, the government decided to make the technology available to the public. Hence, GPS for cars and vehicles became available. The first GPS devices though did not have internet connection, and only had preloaded maps. Working as GPS receivers, the technology provided real time navigational support to drivers.

Nowadays, GPS technology is not limited to devices embedded in cars. Personal devices like phones and GPS watches provide help especially to those who are into outdoor sports. With personal GPS devices, a hikers is less likely to get lost. GPS wristbands can be your best friend in sports. Just look at Garmin 910XT review and Garmin 110 review sites.

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Author: roni

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