外文翻译----全球定位系统：全球发展和机遇

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1、附录一 英文原文 THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM: GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES James M. Brandon Background The Global Positioning System (GPS), which is the worlds most accurate method of navigation, was conceived to enhance navigation accuracy for U.S. military forces during the early 1970s. Since 1

2、984, the GPS has found application in a myriad of systemsfrom automotive monitors advising drivers of the locations of hotels and restaurants to guidance systems which allow bombs and missiles to make direct hits on targets. Of the two global satellite navigation systems currently operating, the GPS

3、 has gained preference in most international markets. The operation of the GPS relies on signals received from 24 NAVSTAR satellites, each of which orbit in space about 11,000 miles above the earths surface. These satellites revolve around the earth twice a day (or once every 12 hours) and transmit

4、signals to GPS receivers positioned on or above the earths surface. GPS receivers, which process data emitted from GPS satellites, compare the time the satellite signal was transmitted with the time the signal reaches the receiver. The receiver is then able to determine its precise distance from the

5、 satellite. U.S. Government Policies On March 29, 1996, the President of the United States approved a comprehensive national policy on the future management of the GPS and related U.S. Government augmentations. The policy seeks to enhance the countrys productivity and economic competitiveness while

6、protecting U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Based on recommendations from the Departments of Defense, Transportation, and State, the policy requires the President to make annual determinations regarding certain GPS operational functions. Global Industry and Markets Japan, followe

7、d by the United States, is the principal global supplier of GPS-related products. In 1998, Japan accounted for 47 percent ($2.0 billion) of the global GPS market, whereas the United States represented 32 percent ($1.4 billion). Eighteen percent ($784 million) of the remaining market share was largel

8、y accounted for by European countries. Although the United States and Japan are comparable with respect to GPS manufacturing technology, the United States is generally believed to enjoy a slight lead in higher value-added products with an advanced software content. Global demand for GPS products gre

9、w significantly during 1997-2001, with total global sales of such products increasing by 275 percent to $10.7 billion. Car navigation, which is the largest international market for the GPS, accounted for 34 percent ($3.6 billion) of totalglobal GPS sales in 2001. The consumer sector, which is the se

10、cond largest market, represented 22 percent ($2.4 billion) of such sales. The third largest market sector, surveyingand mapping, accounted for 16 percent ($1.7 billion) of global sales in 2001. Rising sales were recorded in all market sectors during 1997-2001, and are projected to continue upward du

11、ring 2002-03. Global Developments GPS receivers are available at a fraction of the price of a decade ago. Current prices of GPS receivers may range from approximately $100 for a small, one-hand operated 12 channel receiver to $2,000 for a deluxe color automobile GPS receiver capable of displaying ro

12、utes and giving turn-by-turn directions and voice prompts to drivers. Prices of receivers designed for avionics, military equipment, and other sophisticated applications may by higher. Car navigation systems are continuing to grow in popularity in Asia, with Japan leading in output (about 2.2 millio

13、n units shipped in 2001) and product innovation. While CD-ROMs have been an essential software for car navigation, DVD-ROMs are now being used extensively. Certain European countries, especially in Scandinavia, are taking a more entrepreneurial approach to GPS technology by focusing on immediate app

14、lications in land survey, vehicle tracking, geographic information systems, and coastal navigation. In some instances this has led to the acquisition of U.S. firms or technology, such as the transfer of the Magnavoxs GPS product line to the Swiss firm Leica. Forecast Rapidly expanding GPS technology

15、 will continue to provide both U.S. and foreign users with tremendous capabilities in consumer, commercial, industrial, and military applications. Worldwide sales of GPS products are projected to total nearly $16.5 billion by 2003, with U.S.-made products accounting for 30 percent ($4.9 billion) of

16、those sales. The nextgeneration of GPS satellites, which are scheduled to be launched by 2005, will have increased flexibility to accommodate new augmentations and auxiliary payloads, and larger processor and memory capacity. Introduction The Global Positioning System (GPS), which originated in the

17、United States in the late 1970s, is widely recognized as the worlds most accurate method of navigation. The GPS is also well known for precision time signals that synchronize global information network systems utilizing fiber optics, satellites, radio, coaxial cable, and copper wire. Being an embedd

18、ed technology, the GPS is not generally visible in personal computers, automobiles, surveying equipment, weather tracking systems, military munitions, electronic receivers, and other products incorporating the technology. Most individuals, for example, are unaware that data received from domestic an

19、d international financial institutions are dependent on the accurate synchronization of data streams provided by the GPS. Since its creation by the U.S. Department of Defense almost 25 years ago (at a cost of about$12 billion)4 and its emergence into broader public awareness subsequent to becoming a

20、vailable for civilian use in 1984, the GPS has evolved into a wide range of technologies that have provided an enormous range of benefits for consumers. For example, numerous police, fire, and emergency medical services have incorporated the GPS into vehicles to ensure the quickest possible response in life-or-death situations. Automobile