What is GPS and UTM What is GPS and UTM and how do they and how do they

work?work?

K. MichalskiK. Michalski

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

GPSGPS ► a satellite-based a satellite-based

navigation system navigation system made up of 24 made up of 24 satellites placed satellites placed into orbit by the US into orbit by the US Department of Department of DefenseDefense

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

GPSGPS ►Originally designed Originally designed

for military for military applications, the US applications, the US government made government made the system the system available to civilians available to civilians in the early 1980’s.in the early 1980’s.

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

GPSGPS ►GPS satellites circle GPS satellites circle

the earth twice a the earth twice a day in a particular day in a particular orbit and transmit orbit and transmit signals to GPS signals to GPS receivers.receivers.

► Triangulation is Triangulation is used to calculate a used to calculate a user’s exact user’s exact position.position.

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

GPSGPS ► Using four or more Using four or more

satellites, the GPS satellites, the GPS receiver can receiver can determine a user’s determine a user’s 3D motion such as 3D motion such as latitude, longitude, latitude, longitude, and altitude. and altitude.

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

UTM UTM ► UTM is a meter-UTM is a meter-based global based global coordinate system coordinate system developed by the developed by the US in World War II.US in World War II.

► It works like latitude It works like latitude and longitude and longitude system but is easier system but is easier to convert.to convert.

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

UTM UTM ► The UTM system is The UTM system is always measured in always measured in meters.meters.

► There are 60 UTM There are 60 UTM Zones, each Zones, each covering 6 degrees covering 6 degrees longitude from east longitude from east to west.to west.

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

UTM UTM ► There are 10 Zones There are 10 Zones in the Continental in the Continental United States.United States.

►Maps are on a grid Maps are on a grid system and system and positions are positions are defined by the UTM defined by the UTM Zone.Zone.

US UTM ZonesUS UTM Zones

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

UTM UTM ► The X-coordinate is The X-coordinate is called the Easting called the Easting (in meters from (in meters from western edge of western edge of zone)zone)

► The Y-coordinate is The Y-coordinate is called the Northing called the Northing (in meters from the (in meters from the equator)equator)

Let’s reviewLet’s review

►Where were GPS and UTM first Where were GPS and UTM first developed and used?developed and used?

►What are some applications for GPS?What are some applications for GPS?►How many satellites are needed to get How many satellites are needed to get

a good location?a good location?►What advantages does UTM have over What advantages does UTM have over

latitude and longitude?latitude and longitude?

Introduction to GPS and UTMIntroduction to GPS and UTM

UTM UTM ► An example of a An example of a location in location in WisconsinWisconsin

UTM Zone 16UTM Zone 16

Easting: 510939Easting: 510939

Northing: 4827021Northing: 4827021