Ian Ramsey C of E School GCSE ICT On the move Finding the way

Starter: What do the initials GPS stand for? Answer: Global Positioning System Write a description of “Sat Nav” for someone who has never heard of it before. Answer: A navigation dependent on information received from satellites to provide the user with maps and directions. It locates your position and tells you the time an distance of the journey. Your latitude and longitude on Earth.

Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson you will be able to: explain how the global positioning system (GPS) works describe the uses of GPS explain what is meant by ‘geotagging’ describe the effects of introducing new technology

GPS – Did you know?: Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites (plus 3 spares in case any go wrong). These GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise time and more.  

Sat Nav: Sarah and Simon want to take a sat nav system when they travel around Europe. Sarah’s father has offered to lend them the one that he uses in his car. Sarah’s dad’s Sat Nav In the table, list the reasons why this Sat Nav system would probably not be suitable for Sarah and Simon. Its specifically made for a car and they aren’t driving. Not always suitable for use in other countries as may not have the maps. Need a sat nav device that can be used when walking. Now research on the Internet to find a sat nav that would be suitable for Sarah and Simon Answer: Teasi One2 Hiking and Cycling GPS

Convergence: Convergence is one of the features of modern digital devices, where one device is developed to carry out functions that were originally performed by other devices. An excellent example is the mobile phone. It’s primary function is to make voice calls, but it can also be used for other things such as taking photos, listening to music, watching videos and surfing the net. Now more mobiles are appearing on the market with GPS facilities. Carry out research to find a mobile phone with GPS capabilities. Enter some details and an image below.

More convergence Sarah and Simon have received a link from a friend travelling in Italy. The link is to an online photo album and, using GPS technology, the images have the exact geographical coordinates of where the photograph was taken. When you take a digital image, lots of information such as date, time, camera type, speed and exposure are stored in the file. This information is called metadata. If you have a camera with GPS, it also stores the exact location coordinates. This shows the metadata linked to a photo in an online album.

Camera and GPS Sarah and Simon would love to be able to include this facility in all of their photos when they are travelling. Carry out research to find them a camera with GPS facilities. Enter some details and an image below. SONY Cyber-shot HX60VB Superzoom Compact Camera - Black Product features •20.4 megapixels •Sensor type: 1/2.3" / 6.17 x 4.55 mm CMOS sensor •Optical zoom: 30x •3" / 76.2 mm LCD screen •Built-in WiFi & GPS & NFC £169.00

GPS tracking Businesses have been making use of GPS to increase their efficiency. For firms that have lots of delivery vans, knowing where each one is at any given time can be a problem. If each van is fitted with a GPS system and a modem, then it’s location can be constantly sent via the mobile phone network to the firm’s computer system. Using GPS for tracking people or vehicles raises issues to do with privacy. Click on the link below to read about a mother who tracked her son around the world! Click here What do you think? Is it a breach of an individual's human rights to track them using GPS? Can you think of any circumstances where it would be a really good thing to do?

Knowledge check How many satellite signals need to be received by a GPS device for it to work out your position? Answer: 3 List 3 pieces of information that a sat nav system can give. Answer: Track time of arrival and trip distance and how to get somewhere. Describe what is meant by the term “Convergence”. Convergence is one of the features of modern digital devices, where one device is developed to carry out functions that were originally performed by other devices. Give 2 advantages to a company of tracking their delivery vans with GPS Answer: You can make sure your workers are doing the correct job and not losing you money by taking breaks. You can track them if they get lost or stolen.

Homework Research “Geocaching”. Use the sheet provided to record the information you find.