Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the most accurate golf GPS is a must-have. It is a great way to boost your game while also locating the ball quickly, regardless of how massive the golf course is. The handy devices that we know today are a result of lengthy research and development. They have been altered and improved several times. Most importantly, they are an outcome of complicated GPS technology. That said, this article will take a quick look at the history of GPS to give you a background of how such innovation has found its way in the world of golf.
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GPS Technology Through the Years
Today, it is hard to imagine the world without GPS. It is easy to get lost without the help of modern technology. Nonetheless, before such a modern-day convenience, GPS has been through many years of development. Here is a look at how it came to be the way it is today.
1957
It all started with the launch of Sputnik I, the satellite of the Soviet Union. It was the first to orbit Earth and has been the predecessor of the modern golf GPS devices that we know today. It emits a radio signal, which is the technology that paved the way to the state-of-the-art and handy devices that we know today.
1978
The Block-I GPS satellite was launched this year, which was experimental equipment. Rockwell International was the initial manufacturer. 11 satellites were launched by the United States this year.
1983
With the crash of the Korean Air Lines Flight 007, the United States made their GPS devices available to civilians. That year, however, its use was limited to navigation for making air traffic safer.
1989
This was when the first handheld GPS came to the market. It was the NAV 1000 made by Magellan. It was also the year when the U.S. Air Force launched their first fully operational satellite.
1990
The United States made GPS readings more accurate, specifically for non-military applications.
1996
Through US President Bill Clinton, a policy was issued to declare GPS as a dual-use system. This has prompted the way for the development of GPS for civilian use, not just for military applications.
1998
US Vice President Al Gore publicized a plan for upgrading GPS, making it more accurate. This was another milestone in making GPS more available for non-military applications.
1999
Benefon, a commercial mobile phone manufacturer, introduced the first mobile device with GPS functionality.
2004
Qualcomm has introduced better accuracy of GPS in mobile phones. Cellular and GPS signals have been combined for the introduction of more reliable positioning systems. They introduced components that improve GPS functionality. This technology has been one of the foregrounds for the parts of a golf GPS today that make them more beneficial.
Finding Its Way in Golf
As of today, there is no available literature that takes a comprehensive look at the history of golf GPS. Even if you go online, no sources show when the first golf GPS was introduced to the market. Nonetheless, what we know so far is that these devices are getting smaller and more intelligent. The best golf smartwatch works as if it has a mind of its own, utilizing the most advanced GPS technologies to deliver a wealth of functionalities.
Conclusion
Given many benefits of golf GPS, it is one of the most useful technologies in the game. Nonetheless, the GPS that we know today has been through many years of development. Initially, the technology was available only for military applications, but soon found its way to civilians, including golfers.