How Does GPS Technology Actually Work in Practice?
Just about everyone utilizes GPS technology these days. GPS technology can help us navigate our way through a busy city or even a country backroad. Without GPS, many of us would be lost.
But how does a GPS work? And what does it mean for a satellite to figure out your location?
This guide will answer all your burning questions about GPS technology.
What Is GPS Technology?
Made up of 24 or more satellites, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that allows us to get where we need to go. Operating under any weather, GPS runs 24/7 and requires no set-up, installation, or added fees.
The GPS satellites were originally placed into low-earth orbit by The United States Department of Defense (USDOD). When launching satellites in 1978, they had decided only to use them for military use.
However, in the 1980s, they were opened up to civilian use.
How Does It Work?
Still a relatively new technology, GPS works by tracking the movement of unique satellites as they orbit around the Earth. These satellites orbit the Earth twice per day. These orbits remain extremely precise to maintain the most accurate readings.
These satellites all have their unique signal, as well as unique orbital parameters. Because each satellite is the only one of its kind, devices enabled with GPS can decode the location of each individual satellite.
Once the locations of the satellites have been detected, GPS receivers can then calculate the user’s exact location. They do these calculations by measuring how long it takes to receive a transmission from the satellite to measure distance.
After receiving distance measurements from a few different satellites, the GPS receiver can then determine its user’s location. The information is used to help navigation efforts, customize the telecommunications industry, or engage in asset tracking.
Engaging the Satellites
For the GPS to track your latitude and longitude, it needs to be locked into the location of at least three different satellites. If it engages four or more satellites, however, it can determine your 3-D location, which includes your altitude in addition to latitude and longitude.
In most cases, GPS receivers are engaging eight or more satellites at any one time. However, the number of satellites engaged can depend on where on Earth you are and what time of day it is.
Gathering Information
GPS isn’t only good for tracking your location. Once your GPS receiver has determined your location, it can calculate a treasure trove of other information.
This includes:
- Speed of travel
- Trip distance
- Distance to destination
- Bearing and direction
- Sunrise and sunset
- Accurate weather
- And more!
All in all, the GPS is a pretty useful tool that has enabled a whole world of possibilities.
Pinpoint Your Spot on the Map
GPS technology may seem pretty commonplace today. But just 50 years ago, it felt like a far-flung idea right out of a sci-fi novel. Luckily, we can use it for all kinds of things, including helping you get from point A to point B.
To learn more about how stuff works, check out our Sci-Tech section today!
