GPS, Global Position System, is a global navigational satellite system that, through the use of satellites and other technological tools, allows one to see where he is located and can use its images to show the person where he is attempting to go. GPS was originally created for the use of the United States Department of Defense but the public has been given the ability to utilize this service for their own benefit as well.

GPS services have been extremely useful in creating maps around the world, for surveying the land for any number of reasons, for certain scientific purposes and also for trade and commerce. Scientists make use of GPS's ability to reference time, especially in the study of earthquakes and other natural occurrences.

Global Positioning System has been very useful in creating aerial maps. By using trilateration, a technique that compares the distance between three distinct satellites to determine the distance between certain points, professional users of GPS are able to create accurate maps of any area that is viewed by the satellites.

This service is also able to record different journeys that the satellites have taken; meaning that many places can be plotted and are then recorded into the "memory" of the GPS. Once this occurs there are certain tools that are used for drawing or for plotting the images and the distances between places onto a canvas or paper and the result is an aerial map.

Aerial maps have been created with the help of many different types of people. For example, pilots, skiers, joggers, whale hunters, skydivers, hikers, and cyclists have all used Global Positioning technology and after inputting their information, the results have been the production of maps. Although there may already be regular maps and aerial maps available for a certain area, there will undoubtedly be nuances and specifics that may not have been acquired and are therefore left out of the map. To make it more specific and to learn more about our world, scientist and people involved in this industry are always anxious to make aerial maps and images more precise. The contributions of even the regular public with their use of GPS can have a substantial input and influence in map-making as we become more familiar with Earth.

There is still much territory that has yet to be mapped and people who contribute information based on what they learn from their travels using Global Positioning can add a lot to the world of Aerial GPS maps. The more that is contributed, the more precise and expansive the aerial images will be that we can use for our specific purposes. Previously, GPS maps did not give details about the terrains that they've represented but as technology advances, these resources are offering more and more features including elevation and altitude. Stay tuned for the ever-improving maps available at your disposal!

Aerial Maps