TABLE OF CONTENTS GPS has been available for civil and military use for more than two decades. That period of time has witnessed the creation of numerous new GPS applications. Because it provides high-accuracy positioning in a cost-effective manner, GPS has found its way into many industrial applications, replacing conventional methods in most cases. For example, with GPS, machineries can be automatically guided and controlled. This is especially useful in hazardous areas, where human lives are endangered. Even some species of birds are benefiting from GPS technology, as they are being monitored with GPS during their immigration season. This way, help can be presented as needed. This chapter describes how GPS is being used in land, marine, and airborne applications.
Accurate and up-to-date maps of utilities are essential for utility companies. The availability of such maps helps electric, gas, and water utility companies to plan, build, and maintain their assets.
The GPS/GIS system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and accurate tool for creating utility maps. With the help of GPS, locations of features such as gas lines can be accurately collected, along with their attributes (such as their conditions and whether or not a repair is needed). The collected information can then be used by a GIS system to create updated utility maps.
In situations of poor GPS reception, such as in urban canyons, it might be useful to use integrated GPS and LRF systems [1]. This integrated system is an efficient tool for rapid utility mapping. A...
