Summary

The uses the general public finds for GPS will undoubtedly continue to grow as the cost and size of the receivers continues to shrink. The number of users in surveying will be small when compared with the large numbers of trains, cars, boats and airplanes with GPS receivers. GPS will be used to position all categories of civilian transportation, as well as law enforcement, and emergency vehicles. Nevertheless, surveying and geodesy have the distinction of being the first practical application of GPS, and the most sophisticated uses and users are still under its purview. That situation will likely continue for some time.

The number, range, and complexity of GPS receivers has increased in recent years. There are widely varying prices and features that sometimes make it difficult to match the equipment with the application. Part of Lesson 4 will be devoted to a detailed discussion of the GPS receivers themselves.