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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

  • Health Equity Framework Homepage
  • Strategies
  • Indicators
  • Tools

The Global Positioning System (GPS)

The Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system that furnishes the user’s location and time information in all climate conditions. GPS is also used for navigation in bicycles, planes, ships, cars, and trucks. In bicycles, apart from tracking beacons, the GPS provides data screens which are usually configurable to suit personal preference. It also possesses support fields displaying power and heart rate sensor readings for pacing workouts and other rides. Most also have some course-following functionality and provide pop-up turn notifications to notify precise locations.

This tool will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Estimation Technique

The GPS can be used to measure the health impact of active transport, such as walking and cycling. This is done by looking at the amount of physical activity that is undertaken during these activities. The GPS can also be used to track the progress of people who are trying to improve their health by becoming more active. This information can then be used to help design better interventions to promote physical activity.