How does GPS work? Simply explained

GPS works through a network of about 30 satellites. Many devices, such as navigation devices, mobile phones or tablets, are equipped with GPS

How GPS works

Our earth is orbited by a large number of GPS satellites. These permanently transmit their position and the current time to Earth. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and is a satellite-based navigation system used to determine the exact position on Earth.

• For a GPS device to determine its own position, it must be in contact with at least four GPS satellites. The more satellites there are, the more accurately your position and speed can be determined.
• The GPS consists of a network of about 30 satellites that orbit the earth at an altitude of about 20,000 kilometres. These satellites constantly transmit signals that are received by GPS receivers on Earth.
• The GPS device calculates its own position from the positions and time sent by the GPS satellites. This is done using the time it takes for the signal from the satellite to reach the unit and the transmitted position of the satellite.
• Your own speed is then calculated from the time taken to travel the distance between two determined GPS coordinates.

Worth knowing about GPS

GPS has become an indispensable part of modern civilisation.

• GPS is used in many applications, including navigation systems in vehicles, aircraft and ships, outdoor activities such as hiking and geocaching, surveying and mapping, rescue services and even smartphones.
• GPS is extremely precise and can achieve position accuracy of a few metres. However, in some cases, accuracy can be affected by obstacles such as buildings or dense foliage.
• In addition to GPS, there are other satellite-based navigation systems such as the Russian GLONASS, the European Galileo and the Chinese BeiDou.
• Some modern GPS receivers can receive signals from multiple systems to further improve accuracy and reliability.
• GPS has impacted our lives in many ways, from making navigation easier to improving safety in emergency situations.
• It has also opened up new possibilities for outdoor activities and adventures and has become an indispensable tool for many people.