An introduction to the global positioning system and its applications

The global positioning system (GPS) was declared operational for civilian users in December 1993. Although this declaration may have political importance, it is likely to have little impact on the ever increasing numbers of civilian users. Of more significance is the final completion of the operation constellation of satellites in March or April this year. The developments in the applications of GPS, over the last 10 years, have progressed at a far higher rate than the realisation of the constellation. This short paper aims to briefly introduce the basic principles of measurement with GPS, review the current status of the system and provide an overview of some of the many possible applications of this revolutionary positioning system