Lacombe County Lacombe County

Login to your account

Username *
Password *
Remember Me
  • Forgot your password?
  • Forgot your username?

Main Menu

  • Election 2021
  • COVID-19
  • Departments
    • Agriculture
    • Corporate Services
    • County Manager
    • Community Peace Officer Services
    • Environmental
    • Fire and Emergency Management
    • Operations
    • Planning & Development
  • Council
  • County Services
  • News
  • County Information
  • Doing Business
  • Explore & Play
  • Contact Us
    • Hours & Stat Holidays

What is GPS?

Details
Mapping / Technology
03 Nov 2009
  •  Print 
  • Email

imageGPSThe Global Positioning System, most commonly known simply as GPS, is a network of 24 satellites that continually orbit the earth at an altitude of over 19,000 kilometres. Each satellite travels at approximately 11,000 km/h which allows it to circle the earth every 12 hours. The satellite constantly travels along a very precise path, and if the satellite veers off this path, small rockets guide the satellite back into place.

The way GPS works is that each satellite continually transmits a signal down towards earth. A GPS receiver is able to lock into this signal and then it performs a number of distance calculations and through triangulation a relative ground location can be determined. A minimum of 3 satellites must be able to communicate with the receiver to calculate a precise latitude and longitude location on the earth's surface. The locational accuracy of a position depends on the quality of the GPS receiver used. Survey grade receivers provide sub-centimetre accuracy, mapping grade receivers provide metre accuracy, and recreational grade receivers provide accuracy down to about 10 metres. As with any technology, the accuracy of these receivers is always improving. Lacombe County currently utilizes GPS in its Agriculture, Public Works and Mapping departments.

Search

Corporate Services

  • Accounting & Finance
    • Financial Statements
    • 2021 Interim Budgets
    • 2020 Budget
    • 2019 Budget
    • 2018 Budget
  • Mapping & Technology
    • What is GIS?
    • What is GPS?
    • Maps & Pricing
  • Assessment & Taxation
    • Online Assessment Search
    • Assessment FAQs
    • Property Classification
    • Calculate Your Taxes
    • Tax Installment Payment Plan
    • How to File a Complaint
    • Tax Rates
    • Paying Your Taxes
  • Online Payment Portal

Quick Links

  • Virtual Council Meeting Info
  • Assessment Roll Search
  • Construction Notifications
  • Council Agendas
  • Council Highlights
  • Crime Prevention Resources
  • Current Planning Projects
  • Events & Workshops
  • Employment Opportunities
    • Online Employment Application
  • Fire Permit Request
  • Forms & Applications
  • Fireworks Permit - Consumer
  • For Sale
  • Maps & Pricing
  • Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater Commission
  • OptionPay Portal
  • Purchasing & Tenders
  • Road Use Information
  • Waste Services
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Search
Copyright © 2021 Lacombe County. All Rights Reserved.