TABLE OF CONTENTS GPS has been available for civil and military use for more than two decades. This period 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 monitored with GPS during their migration 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.
GPS, integrated with a geographical information system (GIS), provides a cost-effective, efficient, and accurate tool for creating utility maps. GIS is a computer-based tool capable of acquiring, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatially referenced data [1]. Spatially referenced data is data that is identified according to its geographic location (e.g., features such as streets, light poles, and fire hydrants are linked by geography). 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). Once the information is collected,...
