Summary

This review describes the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) in Mining including Mine and Ore Body Exploration, Development, Production, Closure, Reclamation, and Mine Title Application in British Columbia. The review also examines and evaluates web sites that specialize in GPS Technology, Mine Application of GPS, GPS Equipment Suppliers, and Consultants providing services in mining-related GPS Applications.

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INTRODUCTION

The 15-ft sail boat bobbed listlessly on the three-foot swells as I snoozed fitfully on deck and my daughter plotted our course from Catalina Island to Newport Beach. I was well drugged by some sea-sickness-avoidance pill but awake enough to be fascinated by the new toy my daughter sported: a GPS she called it. I had no idea how it worked but she claimed it told us where we were and, along with other gadgets that young nautical engineers lug around, which way we were going. My wife pointed out that it was a perfectly clear day and we could see the coast and where we were headed but she was promptly branded a techno-spoil-sport.

My next session with a GPS (Global Positioning System) followed devastating fires in San Diego. Umpteen of us got a GPS unit, a digital camera, and a companion from the County Office and we set out to identify areas that would be vulnerable to mudslides and flooding when rain hit the burnt landscape. We had fun, but the poor lad assigned to download the GPS data and the reams of digital photos until well past midnight was less fortunate in his assignment. I gained new respect for GPS and just enough knowledge to write this review.

GPS receivers are hand-held radio-receivers/computers which measure the time that the radio signal takes to travel from a GPS satellite until it arrives at the GPS antenna. Using the travel time multiplied by the speed of light provides a calculation of range to each satellite in view. From this and additional information on the satellites orbit and velocity, the internal GPS receiver software calculates its position through a process of triangulation. (from GeoForum)