Visions from Above
Planes, trains, and automobiles use satellites for navigation. Amtrak locomotives in California use satellites to report their location, making it easier to estimate the train’s arrival time. Satellites also are used to track large shipments. Northrop Grumman uses satellite tracking to monitor the integrity of its containers on trans-Atlantic voyages. The company even receives security alerts if container tampering is detected.
With GPS, an aircraft’s computers can be programmed to fly a direct route to a destination. The savings in fuel and time can be significant. GPS also can guide planes to a safe landing, even when visibility is poor.
Progressive Auto Insurance uses a combination of GPS and cellular technology to track how much, when and where a vehicle is driven. The company charges based on how much the car is used rather than the traditional flat rate.
Many types of GPS systems can be used on vehicles, providing the driver with their current position and a local map. Photo courtesy Trimble
Vehicle tracking is one of the fastest-growing satellite applications. GPS receivers on buses, delivery trucks, and railroad cars record the length of stops, speeds en route, and can estimate the arrival time.
