Topic > The Evolution of GPS - 718

The Evolution of GPSIn this article I will compare the development of GPS (Global Positioning System) using the incremental model and a social construction model. I believe that in this case the incremental model does a better job of describing the development of GPS as it allows for innovation and evolution than the linear one as it is more accurate in everyday life. To compare the evolution of GPS I have to go back to the early years when ships navigated the world using mediocre instruments. However, I will further elaborate on three crucially important eras of navigation. The three eras of navigation I will discuss are: the navigation of explorers, the evolution of printed maps, and today's GPS. First, early explorers used paltry tools to navigate the world. Besides that, thanks to these navigation tools, they also discovered unknown places and used them with enough precision to take them to new places. Referring to Olivia Isil, in her article “Navigation and related instruments in 16th century England” she argues that: “Starting from a known or presumed position, the navigator measured, as best he could, the course and speed of the ship, the of ocean currents and the leeward (leeward) drift of the vessel, and the time spent on each course” (Isil p. 1). Therefore, having this information we can deduce that they mean instruments such as the compass, the stars and their own written maps; for example, these were used to the maximum to bring results to the explorers. Even though they were primitive tools, they left room for the development of something better to become more precise than ever before. Additionally, people saw the need to carry something with them that included most of the world so they could navigate... middle of paper... maps are able to find your current location, calculate the route to where you are going and has the function of speaking (indicates what you should do next). In conclusion, the incremental model has led to the perfection of the means of orientation. So nowadays all previous versions were good but not better than GPS. The characteristics that GPS possesses have led to the replacement of previous versions. However, this incremental model will bring something better for the future as it evolves more and more. All these events happened due to social constructionism because people's demand further pushed the evolution of navigation tools. Therefore, we must see the disadvantages of this model and start building something better for the current population and which we will inherit for the future to our children..