You've found your ticket out of the Rub al Khali. Your
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver makes use of a system of 24 satellites
in orbit 17,700 km (11,000 miles) above the Earth to help you locate your exact
position. Each satellite, which takes 12 hours to orbit the Earth, continuously
broadcasts a time-coded radio signal transmitting its location. The receiver
picks up these signals and, by calculating the distance to several of the
satellites, determines your location (longitude and latitude), to within about
91 meters (100 yards).
The GPS, developed by the Department of Defense, was used by troops in
Operation Desert Storm to navigate through the desert. It can also be used to
track vehicles, such as delivery trucks, or for anything else requiring
precision locating, such as surveying.
Phew! You found your way out of the desert. What about the Lost City of Arabia?
Well, maybe after all you've been through, it would be best if the lost city stayed lost
a little while longer and you went home for a shower and bed. Sleep well.
