QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

Newsletter

PO Box 2199 Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109 Email [email protected] Phone No (07) 3345 9543 http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

June 2012

Boyd's Butte Walkers

The BWQ Bushwalk Database on the Web

Club News

This database now has 300 walks in the south-east Queensland region. The walks range from short easy walks to hard multi-day throughwalks. Each walk has a route description, usually including grid references, a topographic map with the walk route overlain and a gps file which can be downloaded to a GPS.

As members of a bushwalking club we walk as a group, are required to carry certain basic gear and usually have an experienced member on the walk to prevent any untoward events. Any QBW member who wishes to access the walk database can email [email protected] and the information will be sent to them. Note that the maps, walk descriptions and gps files are only to be used by members affiliated with BWQ. The maps are not to be distributed or sold to any third party.

The route description includes the length of the walk in kilometres, the overall height gain in metres plus the type of terrain covered. The topographic map is usually a Sunmap topographic map, 1:25,000 scale. BWQ has acquired a licence to use these maps on the website. However these maps only cover a small portion of Queensland and where no Sunmap is available another topographic map is used (e.g. a Google terrain map). Each map has the route drawn on it plus usually an elevation profile. The gps file is a .gpx file which is an open format and can be used without the need to pay license fees. It stores location, elevation, and time and can be used to interchange data between GPS devices and software packages. QBW has 4 Garmin GPSs for use by members. These GPSs have a 20 metre contour map of the whole of Australia included. The GPSs can even exchange information wirelessly between themselves or can download gps files via a computer. The database is password protected and does not cover walks which go on to private property where permission has to be sought first. The reason for the password protection is to prevent someone who is not a bushwalker undertaking a walk which may put them at risk from injury or getting lost. It also does not contain any walks which put at serious risk any sensitive area.

QBW GPSs
Several QBW members have now bought their own GPSs to learn how to use them. They are using them to track walks and to assist them if leading a walk. If anyone is contemplating on buying a GPS, please talk to the Equipment Officer first to make sure you get one which is suitable for bushwalking. There will be a series of articles about GPSs in the Newsletter over the next few months. Also any available GPSs will be brought to Club meetings. These are available from the Equipment Officer. To also assist members the Club laptop will be brought to each meeting. Members will be shown how to download the gps file to the GPS and how to use software on the computer to edit those files. In addition, I am happy to show members on any of my walks how to use a GPS. If a spare GPS is available, it will be lent out for the duration of the walk, but please contact me first so that I can bring any spare GPS along. If any member has tracked a walk with a GPS, it would be appreciated if that track was made available for the Bushwalk Database. Many thanks Richard Kolarski

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Meeting Place

General Information

President Secretary Treasurer

The Management Committee

Gil Gunthorpe vacant Marion Laban John Hinton John Brunott David Kenrick Geraldine Burton Richard Kolarski Lynn Nicol David Haliczer

0408 980 694 0405 536 718 3343 3724(H) 0448 761 097 3349 8238(H) 3376 9454(H) 3345 9543(H) 3219 6228(H) 0432 901 030

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30pm. There is no Club meeting in January. Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.

Vice President

Outings Officer Membership Officer Editor Social Secretary Training Officer

Membership
Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no fee payable to become a Probationary Member. However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership Form and paying the membership fee. Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee member or walk leader. The proposer may be a friend (who is a member of the Club) of the applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, the Membership Officer at a Club meeting or if the Membership Officer is not available, one of the committee members. An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has neither of these rights. Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Librarian BWQ Rep BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski Maggie Samootin Noelene McCay Gil Gunthorpe Richard Kolarski 3345 9543(H) 0419 739 500 3889 0264(H) 0408 980 694 3345 9543(H)

Campsite Monitors
John Brunott Kerry de Clauzel Ann Kemp Richard Kolarski John Shera John & Julie Shera Ballows, Paddys Knob Throakban, Barney Gorge and Lower Portals Spicers Peak (east & west) Running Creek Falls Panorama Point Mt Superbus & Rabbit Fence Jct Lower Panorama

Club Equipment
Compasses UHF Radios Steripen Topo Maps Emergency Lights First Aid Kits

Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs

Redlands Bushwalking Club
Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority over visitors. Calendar is available at: http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html

The above are for free use by members. Garmin GPS. QBW has 4 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole of Australia included. Some of these are on permanent loan to members. PLBs with inbuilt GPS The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at the following Club meeting. Back Pack for Hire Bivy Bags For Sale $5.00 charge $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)

BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader. Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations. Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/

These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. Lightweight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Richard on 3345 9543 for any of the above.

YHA Bushwalkers
Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at: http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings

For Sale
Garmin GPSMap 60CSX $300 This GPS has an altimeter and compass. Plus a high sensitivity receiver so it will pick up a signal in rainforest. It comes with a written manual, topo maps covering all of Australia (20m contour) and USB cable. Pre-loved but still working well. Ph. Richard on 3345 9543 Down Sleeping Bag Uniden uh036 twin pack $100 $15 Mountain Designs Travelite 500 Ph. Richard on 3345 9543 Walkie-talkies are still in the original box and have never been used. Ultra-compact design with range up to 3 km.

Family Bushwalkers
There is a $5 temporary membership fee per adult. Phone: (07) 3878 3293

Gold Coast Bushwalkers

Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with BWQ, or recognised overseas club of like nature when visiting the Gold Coast for the duration of their visit. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management Committee.

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Special Coming Events

Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane
15-17 June 2012 Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane will be held 15-17 June 2012 and will see more than 350 teams walk 100km through D'Aguilar National Park to raise $1.2 million for people living in poverty. Oxfam Trailwalker is a huge logistical exercise, and we couldn't do it without the support of our wonderful volunteers. We are in need of 600+ volunteers who will work out on the trail, at the checkpoints, and as part of logistics crews on the day. Register soon and encourage friends and family to do so too. The more the merrier! What to do next? Register via the Oxfam Trailwalker website: trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/brisbane Once we have received your registration, someone from Oxfam Trailwalker will be in touch with you to find you a suitable role. We look forward to hearing from you and thanks for supporting Oxfam!

2012 Pilgrimage

7-9 September 2012

A chance to walk & meet with other clubs. Hosted by Redlands Bushwalking Club At Canungra Showgrounds (Showgrounds Road, Canungra) On Cost Early Bird Until 31/7/2012 - $36 After 31/7/2012 - $42 We are also offering a Tasty Spit Roast Dinner on Saturday night for $18.50 (BYO drinks) The cost for the weekend includes: Camping, Hot Showers, Friday Night Soup, Tea, Coffee & Nibbles all weekend, Bushwalks from Hard to Easy, Bush band Stone the Crows, and Sunday Morning 'Sausage Sizzle'. For more info and booking see our web http://pilgrimage2012.weebly.com/index.html site Contacts Hilary Riley 0415 526 910 & Betty Murray 0408 129 241 7th 9th September 2012

Jatbula Track - Katherine to Edith Falls, Northern Territory

I have a booking for 1-2 people to join me to do this 6 day trek from 18th July. This 58 km trek traverses the escarpment with lots of cascades and swimming holes all the way, with wonderful campsites to enjoy the waterways. If youre interested in the trip, please contact me and I can perhaps assist with accommodation and transfers in Darwin. The cost of the bus from Darwin to Katherine return, camping charges for the trek, transfer from end of trek approx. $230. Check out this website http://en.travelnt.com/advice/itineraryideas/jatbula-trail.aspx Please email [email protected] or phone 0407 716122 home 5528 5952 if you have any questions. Dee Mitchell from the Gold Coast Bushwalkers

Bibbulmum Track

Sept -Oct 2012

Women only bush walking experience on the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia this September by the Adventurous Women travel company. Dates: Cost: September 29th, 2012 October 7th, 2012 AU$2400.00

This challenging but spectacular 125km section of the Bibbulmun Track is possibly the best seven consecutive days on the whole track! There are some steep sections and some sandy dune walking..However, you will be rewarded for your efforts with fantastic coastal scenery, brilliant wildflowers and the wonderful tingle forest. Walking distances range from 13 to 21km per day. By carrying only a daypack, people with a moderate level of fitness should be able to complete the walk. Excellent food, comfortable accommodation and knowledgeable guides from Inspiration Outdoors will complement your trip. For more information go to the Adventurous Women website.

Annual Shepherds Walk

Saturday 21st July 2012

Sponsored by Beaudesert Historical Society Inc. Tel./Fax: (07) 5541 3740. Email:[email protected] Intending walkers must register their names by 18th July with the Society. Business Hours: 10.00am to 2.00pm Daily. Walkers must assemble at the Historical Society Complex, located at the corner of Brisbane St and McKee St Beaudesert by 8.00am on the morning of the walk to check in, pay and sign the Disclaimer Form. It is preferable that Leaders of Bush Walking Clubs have their members complete the Disclaimer Form or their own Clubs Disclaimer Form prior to checking in and paying. Children under Fourteen Years and under must be accompanied by an adult and his/her name included on the Disclaimer Form, signed for by person responsible. Buses will leave the Society Complex at 8.30am and travel to Christmas Creek to view the Monument erected in memory of the Chinese shepherds killed in the skirmish. A short address will be given here on the Historical significance of the day. The walk will start in Christmas Creek and walkers will walk over the Jinbroken Range and down to the Washpool on the Albert River in the Kerry Valley Walkers must check their name with the society representative stationed at the river crossing. On the grounds adjacent to the crossing, Society members and members of the Restored Auto Club will have everything ready for walkers and non-walkers to enjoy a real Aussie BBQ sausage sizzle, with toast, tea, coffee, cordial and freshly cooked damper and syrup. Marquees and huge shady gum trees will provide lots of shade. Buses will return to Historical Complex at about 2.30pm .

Nepal Trip

October 2012

I have made enquiries with regard to a 17 day fully supported trek through Langtang region in Nepal with Saran Saba. Departs October 2012 17 days 14 day moderate trek, fully supported tea house or camping option plus 3 nights Tibet Hotel Kathmandu Cost $1645 US or AUS (all land content included) For details phone Steve Pritchett 0431 599317 or [email protected]

Active Outdoors Expo

Where: Bayside Park, Manly

6 October 2012

When: Saturday October 6, 9:00am 3.00pm We are pleased to announce the return of the Active Outdoors Expo in 2012 - new logo, new website - same great event - the only event designed to showcase the diversity of Outdoor Recreation opportunities in Queensland. Bookings will be open SOON for exhibitor / activity provider places at the EXPO and the new website www.activeoutdoorsexpo.com will have all the information you'll need when making your booking.

Members
As at 29/5/2012 we have 105 financial members

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Illinbah Lookouts

Past Walks
18 March 2012

snig track to where it crossed the creek and continued up the ridge towards the Cougals Boyds Butte ridge. This track, although a little overgrown, is fairly easy to follow and we quickly climbed towards the top of the ridge. Just past the end of the snig track we came out onto a very flat area before the last very steep climb to the top of the Boyds Butte ridge. When you study the map it appears from the flat area it would be easy to do a quick traverse to the Cougals saddle but as I hadnt done this walk for about 15 years John Brunott and myself did a pre outing a couple of weeks previously to check this out but the wait-a-while was so horrendous on this traverse that is was much easier to do the steep climb. After huffing and puffing our way to the top of the ridge we stopped for a well earned morning tea break before setting off to negotiate the saddle towards the Cougals. The wait-a-while in the saddle wasnt as bad as I had seen it in the past and we were soon starting the climb towards east peak bypassing a large rock outcrop to the left before regaining the top of the ridge not far from the top of the peak. When we reached the top we found parking to be at a premium as a large group from B.B.W. had come up from the Garden of Eden so we had to share our view into northern N.S.W. with them.

At the northern end of the Illinbah Circuit there are two lookouts marked on the map, Cooginbano and Bimboolba. They were part of the old track system which is now in disrepair. Six members met up in Canungra and then drove to the end of Illinbah Road to the start of the walk. Though we had to enter private property, there is a gazetted road through it which was part of the forestry road to extract the Mountain Cedar . After crossing through this section we came to the National Park fenceline and a track.

The View from Cooginbano Lookout

However this track was not for us today, as we turned off and headed uphill practically straight away. There was rainforest and jungle vine along the hill side and it was a hot humid day. We all felt the humidity and as we got higher,the lantana appeared. After trying and failing to force a trail through the lantana we contoured to the north and came to a grassy ridge which though steep, had only patchy lantana. Finally we got to the top of the ridge line and we sat down for a well earned morning tea rest. From here it wasn't far to Cooginbano Lookout which gave views up the Coomera Valley. The old lookout had only a single upright post to show we had arrived. Heading north we followed the ridge and came eventually to the other lookout which gave views down Illinbah. Again only a single upright post marked the spot. From the top of the ridge we could see the lantana had taken over extensive areas of the hillsides. However with the GPS we were able to retrace our steps along the grassy slope and then enter the rainforest which avoided most of the lantana. We had afternoon tea down in Canungra to finish off the day. Many thanks to Patricia, Helen, Gerry, Peter and David for coming along. Richard

Looking Back at the Boyd's Butte-Cougals Saddle

After lunch we set out on the track back to the Garden of Eden road negotiating some steep terrain before reaching the old rabbit fence on the border. Back in the late nineteen eighties I did this walk a couple of times and remember the track used to come up near a cave that went right through the mountain but the track must have changed for even though I looked out for the cave I did not see it. The border fence is no longer maintained and although easy to follow in the rain forest once out of the forest we had to work our way through some dense undergrowth. My recollection of this area back in 1988 that this was open grazing paddocks but now there are places where you go though grass that is well above your head and in some places having to get down nearly on our hand and knees to crawl through tunnels in the lantana. This subtracted from the enjoyment of the walk a little but we eventually made it back to the car and headed off for a cup of coffee and a snack at a place in the Currumbin valley. Thanks to all those who came along. David Kenrick 7 April 2012

Cougals Via Currumbin Creek

1 April 2012

The Cougals are a double peak feature on the McPherson Range which is the first major feature on the range inland from the Gold Coast. They are usually approached along the Queensland/N.S.W. border from the Garden of Eden road near the Tomewin border gate but to make an interesting circuit I decided to ascend the Cougals from Currumbin creek and return along the border. The only trouble with this approach is that it involves a rather lengthy car shuttle. To make things a little easier I limited the number of walkers to only 10 which meant I unfortunately had to knock back a couple of experienced walkers who were a bit late in nominating for the walk. After meeting at Beenleigh to pool transport we drove down the freeway to the Currumbin creek exit and after organising the car shuttle made it to the start of the walk at the Currumbin Creek National Park car park. From here we walked a few hundred metres to the old sawmill site and from there followed an old

Enoggera Creek Descent

This was basically an exploratory as the Club had never done this walk before. I had heard about this walk down Enoggera Creek and its gorge which seemed to rival Northrook Gorge from some other bushwalkers but on asking a couple of members of QBW they were unaware of it. This was just the type of walk I relished. A walk with something new to discover! There were only the four of us, Bob, Tony, Ken and myself as we met up at The Gap. On the drive up to the start of the walk at Jolly's Lookout we dropped one car at the end of the walk at Scrub Road. Parking at Jolly's Lookout we began the walk along the Thylogale Track.

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After walking on this graded track for about a kilometre and a half we turned off into the bush and after about 75 metres hit an old forestry road. We followed this down to Enoggera Creek where the real adventure began. The first kilometre or two was easy flat creek walking and as we stopped for morning tea I began to wonder if this gorge was just a myth. However this was soon dispelled in the next kilometre as the creek began to narrow and we cam to some cascades and waterfalls. It was impossible to keep in the creek without swimming through some of the pools and as I was unsure what lay ahead, I decided to bypass the falls and pools by going high up on the sides of the gorge. We could see the falls and pools below as we traversed round and after a while when I thought the gorge had become less steep, I re-entered the creek again. There were still pools and cascades and we had to wade through them but there were no compulsory swims.

A welcome to our new member, David Sullivan. For the record and for those considering a walk on Mount Mitchell, a description of the walk follows: Cross the road at the Cunningham Gap Car-park (Public toilets are available at the car-park) Take care with the traffic. The roadway is wide and the traffic swift. From the sign, it is a steady climb up through rainforest and open areas with tree-ferns and grassy areas in places. The track is well-maintained so that you need not worry about fallen logs (apart from the odd fallen tree-fern easily negotiated) Initially the track moves east to Southeast, but then swings back to the West when it works its way steadily around the northern peak of Mount Mitchell through 270 degrees. You eventually reach a cross-over point, crossing from westerly to easterly outlooks, located in the saddle between the North and South peaks of Mitchell. This last section is relatively long but there are views towards the West, towards Warwick and the Darling Downs.

Enoggera Creek Explorers

Just as we were crossing the last pool, Ken slipped and hit his leg on a rock. For a few minutes we were uncertain whether he had broken anything as he was in severe pain. However luckily he was able to stand and then walk though he had a bad graze on his leg. There was still about another kilometre of creek hopping before getting to Scrub Road and Ken was able to manage that. On reaching Scrub Road it was a staight forward walk back to the waiting car. We had our afternoon tea at Jolly's Lookout as Ken and I had brought our thermoses along. This walk will definitely become a Summer walk for the Club. Many thanks to my fellow walkers. Richard 15 April 2012
Mt Mitchell

For those wanting to climb the Northern peak from the saddle, this is your starting point. There is no cleared track and the peak offers no view whatsoever, so that it is best to stay with the track. After the saddle, the track continues along the South-eastern face of the mountain. This area can be a little windy and exposed, but the views to the East are spectacular. There are also views of the Cunningham Highway and the new road-works below. In this section there are some steps to negotiate. Theyre a little narrow for those with boots and big feet, and can sometimes be slippery. Take care on these rock-faced steps as some are close to sheer drops. Now you climb a sharp-stepped rise and youre looking to the West again. We move around the Southern Peak (not worth climbing because of the canopy) and suddenly youre there! The view: To the East, the coast. To the south, Spicers Peak and the Main Range Panorama. To the West, the valley leading to Warwick and Toowoomba. To the North-west, Mount Cordeaux and Bare Rock (a bit of imagination required for this!). Anyway, 270-degree views and a dramatic drop to the timbered areas below. Take your kids/grandkids, but keep the young ones close at hand at this point. A great place for refreshments and a short rest before the downhill return Norman Johnston

Mount Mitchell

Our party of thirteen walkers met at Aratula at 8.00 am (-ish) The high (low)-light of the walk was the leeches. The leading walkers couldnt wait for the stragglers because of the leech assault and the stragglers; well there werent any because of the leech assault. A gentle pace saw us on the top after one and a half hours. The threat of rain and disappointing views turned the group around in an half-hour so that we were down by 12.30 pm. We returned in two groups with the leading group avoiding most of the rain and the tail group getting a bucketing on arrival at the car-park. There we were pleased to greet a group of Redlands bushwalkers who had been on a different track No failed equipment, no broken bones. No incidents to report and the only complaint was from your leader re. the undersized but glamorous leather boots that dont go downhill as fast as they go up. Thanks to our sub-group co-ordinator Ken for delivering Haylee, Annes, Charlie and Sue to Aratula. Thanks also for the company of Marion, Gerry for membership (yes, she signed up another member on the day) John for his wisdom, Lyn and Judi for setting a respectable pace. Evelyn, I did promise a fine day with views were to die for. Sorry about the cloud.

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This is the first of several article about GPSs and how bushwalkers can use them on bushwalks. This first article is mostly on theory to give you background knowledge. The next few articles will cover the practical use of a GPS.

GPS

How a GPS Works A GPS receiver calculates its position by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites high above the Earth. Each satellite continually transmits messages that include the time the message was transmitted and the satellite position at time of message transmission The receiver uses the messages it receives to determine the transit time of each message and calculates the distance to each satellite. These distances along with the satellites' locations are used to compute the position of the receiver. How Many Satellites Do You Need? Usually four or more satellites are necessary to determine accurately the position and time. However if one variable is already known, a receiver can determine its position using only three satellites. For example, a ship or aircraft may have known elevation while some GPS receivers may assume information such as reusing the last known altitude when fewer than four satellites are visible. GPS Accuracy Civilian GPS horizontal position fixes are typically accurate to about 15 meters. However with the advancement of technology, civilian GPS receivers under a clear view of the sky are on average accurate to about 5 meters. For vertical height the accuracy is somewhere between 10 to 20 meters. Causes of GPS Error

Garmin GPSMap 62s as used by QBW

Signal Arrival Time Measurement The GPS can measure to approximately 10 nanoseconds. Since GPS signals propagate at the speed of light, this represents an error of about 3 meters. Atmospheric effects Atmospheric conditions affect the speed of the GPS signals as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere, especially the ionosphere. These effects are smallest when the satellite is directly overhead and greater for satellites nearer the horizon. Humidity also causes a variable delay, resulting in errors similar to ionospheric delay, but occurring in the troposphere. Multipath effects GPS signals can also be affected where the radio signals reflect off surrounding terrain; buildings, canyon walls, hard ground, etc. These delayed signals can cause inaccuracy. Ephemeris and clock errors An ephemeris is a table of values that gives the positions of the GPS satellites and other astronomical objects in the sky at a given time. While the ephemeris data for the GPS satellites is transmitted every 30 seconds, the information itself may be up to two hours old. The satellite's atomic clocks experience noise and clock drift errors. These problems tend to be very small, but may add up to a few meters of inaccuracy. Geometric dilution of precision computation (GDOP) Satellites that are close together cannot provide as much information as satellites that are widely separated so there is increased inaccuracy if the satellites are close together in the sky. Natural sources of interference Natural radio signals or scattering of the GPS signals can make acquiring and tracking the satellite signals difficult or impossible. Space weather such as solar radio burst noise degrades GPS operation. Artificial sources of interference In automotive GPS receivers, metallic features in windshields, such as defrosters, or car window tinting films can degrade reception just inside the car. More information at Wikipedia and GPS.gov (To be continued)

What is GPS? The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based satellite navigation system that can provide location and time information for a user in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. Three distinct parts make up the Global Positioning System: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The U.S. Air Force develops, maintains, and operates the space and control segments. Space Segment The space segment consists of GPS satellites that transmit oneway signals that give the current GPS satellite position and time. The GPS satellites fly at an altitude of approximately 20,000 km. and circle the Earth twice a day. They are managed to ensure the availability of at least 24 GPS satellites, 95% of the time and at least four satellites always in view from virtually any point on the planet. Control Segment The control segment consists of worldwide monitor and control stations that maintain the satellites in their proper orbits and adjust the satellite clocks. It tracks the GPS satellites, uploads updated navigational data, and maintains health and status of the satellite constellation. User Segment The user segment consists of the GPS receiver equipment, which receives the signals from the GPS satellites and uses the transmitted information to calculate the users three-dimensional position and time. History The GPS project was begun in 1973 by the U.S. Department of Defense and was originally designed to assist the military in accurately determining their locations world-wide. Initially, the highest quality signal was reserved for military use, and the signal available for civilian use was intentionally degraded (Selective Availability). The precision then by civilian GPS was about 100 metres. This changed when the US President ordered Selective Availability to be turned off in May 2000.

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