Plugging a Latitude/Longitude fix into GPS
If you have a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, you can enter the Latitude and Longitude fixes for TreasureMaps® into it, and then follow the readings right to the spot. GPS units have come down radically in price. Some units are available for $120 or less.
We love this little Garmin eTrex unit (pictured to the left) for an inexpensive GPS solution. It retails for $120. Garmin makes a high quality product. We've used them for years and found them to be extremely reliable. Many models of GPS units are available for a wide range of prices and with a wide range of features. The unit shown here would be a good, basic starter unit. Available on the web and at outdoor and electronic retailers.
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system developed and maintained by the U.S. government. Initially designed for military applications, civilian users have found numerous applications using GPS. The reason this is so cool is that now you can find and get to a location of a spot anywhere on earth, within about 20 feet, with a GPS unit (if you know the longitude and latitude).
On March 29, 1996, a Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) was signed by President Clinton that described GPS as an international information utility. The PDD included the following directives:
- The U.S. government will continue to operate, maintain and provide basic GPS signals worldwide, free of direct user fees.
- The U.S. will advocate the acceptance of GPS and it's augmentations as a standard for use by initiating international discussions and agreement with Japan and Europe.
How GPS Works
Radio signals are sent from orbiting satellites to earth. GPS receivers on the ground can collect and convert the radio signals into position, velocity, and time information.
Some GPS receivers have the ability to store attribute information in addition to position information. Examples of attribute information are the condition of a street sign, the name of a road, or the condition of a fire hydrant. Position and attribute information can be stored in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to help users manage their assets more efficiently.
GPS Gets Super Accurate
As of May 1, 2000, the Presdent of the United States ordered the GPS system to become as accurate for you and me as it previously had been only for the US Military. President Clinton, in a press release said: "This increase in accuracy will allow new GPS applications to emerge and continue to enhance the lives of people around the world".
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