Myths about GPS systems dismissed

GPS and navigation systems have been around for over three decades now. While we do rely on these systems to guide us on a daily basis, not many of us are aware of how these navigation systems are designed and function.

It also doesn’t help when there is too much information being bombarded on the internet, with a number of myths that question the very functioning of these devices. Myths about GPS and navigation signals, the involvement of the government, the impact of weather on the signal strength and location accuracy among many others are creating a lot of confusion about this beneficial technology.

There are facts which state otherwise and dismiss these myths. Here are common myths about GPS technology dismissed for your reference:

GPS signals: A lot of people believe that GPS signals originate from independent signal stations set up along multiple routes and coverage areas to help you locate and map out your travel. However, GPS and navigation signals are transmitted through the vast network of satellites orbiting planet earth. The signal bounces off through multiple satellites to provide all the relevant data. Bottom line, these signals originate from above through satellites and not ground signal systems.

The military does not control GPS signals: While many may argue that the military can monitor and control GPS and navigation signals, it is only partially true. The military has space squadrons which can monitor GPS signals, but not control them. The government still maintains all regulations of proprietary GPS systems, which is a taxpayer-funded program.

The government can track your movements: This is another myth! The basic systems are just designed to receive signals and not transmit your location back accurately. Most vehicles that have proprietary GPS and navigation systems are designed to receive satellite signals to pinpoint your location and navigate.

Weather can affect signals: Satellite TV can get affected due to bad weather owing to the inherent design of these signals. GPS, however, it does not get affected by bad weather. As long as the GPS systems are free of any obstruction which will block the signal strength, there is no reason to be worried about catching a signal on the go. Location accuracy also will not get affected when you are outside, regardless of the weather.

GPS is accurate: This is not so much as a myth, but a technical error. While most GPS and navigation systems are accurate to the letter, this will entirely depend on your software. Updated software and apps for that matter will provide an accurate location, but this does not necessarily mean the system is flawed. Proprietary systems work well when the software is updated from time to time.

Additional apps mess up the system: Traditional GPS had only one job, provide location accurately and help navigate through places. Modern-day GPS systems installed in premium automobiles have a bulk of apps installed and integrated with the system, which many people cite as the reason for GPS not working sometimes. Building identifiers, real-time traffic updates, alternative route suggestions are all just useful add-ons in your proprietary system and do not necessarily mess with the signal.

Military GPS versus Civilian GPS: Unlike the myth which is being propagated to mislead people, there is no such thing as military GPS and civilian GPS. Both happen to receive the same signals from orbiting satellites, with the quality and type of equipment used being the only distinguishing factor. The bandwidth is another factor which differentiates these two signals.

One of the most popular manufacturers of GPS and navigation devices is Garmin, both for civilian and military purposes.

Ancestry records are no less than time traveler tools to get to know about your family history. The journey toward having a deeper understanding of your ancestry, such as who they were and where they came from, begins during family conversations and while going through old documents. Arriving successfully at the ancestry records is rewarding and renders the opportunity of knowing your ancestors in the most meaningful and intimate way. It is no less than your own “journey home”.

If you wish to find your roots and get to those ancestry records, here are 5 tips to follow when getting started.

Communicate with your elders
The elders of the family are truly the ancestors’ record trunk. They have an immense bank of information and can save you a lot of time during your quest. While you may have heard family facts in the past, it would serve well to specially take some time out to interview them and note down the new details. You can also take aid of old photos or documents and ask them to identify any familiar factors. Talking with your elders will present you with the best foundational knowledge.

Organize well
Organizing your search and the results well are the key to effectively gathering all the facts. An online database can prove valuable in the search for ancestry records. These databases allow for better organization of facts and systematic compilation of the same. Moreover, they also prove to be an easier way to get information about your family tree.

Home hunt
There is no denying the fact that the valuable clues of your ancestry records quest are often present in the family home. There may be rooms or trunks within the home that might have in store some great photos, documents, and even correspondence that can get you far. You can also take help from professional genealogists as they are seasoned in performing a home hunt for family history. They also conduct research, study patterns, and collect data ensuring the most appropriate results.

The trip to acquiring ancestry records is bound to be full of surprises and unexpected turns. It can be a never-ending game and the key is to keep going. It is just going to be your very own quest for personal history.