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GPS stands for global
positioning system. It is a network of 24 satellites owned by US
Government and maintained by US Air Force which revolve around
the earth in Space. The many satellites revolving around the
earth make sure that at least four of them are available for
communication, no matter where we are on earth. Almost all the
modern smart phones contain a GPS chip which can communicate
with the ring of GPS satellites revolving around earth. Using
this network of satellites and the GPS chip in the smart phone,
it is possible to find the current location of the mobile device
accurate to a few meters (as close as three meters). There are
specialized applications for the same which using the GPS
technology return the co-ordinates of the location of the device
which can then be viewed on map to find the exact geographical
location. The GPS technology is not affected by weather or
distance and hence is very reliable in most circumstances to pin
point the exact location of the receiver.
Geo-locating is the term used to denote the tracing of location
using the GPS technology. It was primarily developed for
military use but later graduated to consumer technology, which
is now days found on devices costing as low as Rs.3000 (or US$
50). Using this technology in smart phones it is possible to
trace the location of the mobile it case of theft or other
unfortunate event. Real time tracking of mobile is also possible
using the technology. Most of the popular Mobile operating
system contains an app specifically designed for using GPS
technology and finding location on Maps. Two most the most
popular mobile platforms – Google’s Android & Apple’s iOS
contain in built GPS based mobile tracking system which can be
accessed via internet on web browsers to determine the current
location of the mobile phone on a map, in case of theft or other
such events.
Many mobile device manufacturers, like Samsung have also taken
initiatives to have their devices with inbuilt tracking system,
which alert the original owner in case the default sim is
removed or replaced by someone. These mobile tracking softwares
are normally based on SMS system and send an alerting SMS to
pre-configured number in case the device is stolen or misused.
They can also be set to ask for password whenever the sim card
is removed or replaced and in case of incorrect password being
entered wipe the data in phone and render it dead, or as
commonly used term ‘brick’ the device, so that it can not be
used any further. This deters thieves from stealing mobile
devices as it would be very hard for them to get it function
once the original sim is removed; and if it is not functioning
its next to impossible to sell it.
GLONASS is a similar technology which is operational fully
worldwide and is Russia’s global navigation system similar to
US’s GPS.
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