What is GPS?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. When you use a GPS device, you will notice that it takes a bit of time to connect to satellites. Sometimes, the signal strength is stronger or weaker depending on where you are located. This is because GPS uses space satellites to figure out navigational information as well as time, speed and temperature. The following article provides you with an overview of GPS.

Understanding GPS

How does GPS work? It is almost like a radio. GPS data is collected through communications between the GPS receiver and signals sent from satellites. GPS devices and locations are dependent on the information gathered and distributed by the satellites. Just as you can have a radio that gets static because there is no transmission, you can have GPS receivers without data because the GPS satellite service system isn't offering information. GPS position and information come from various satellites. So, you can get weak signals that give general information even if you are in a very rural area. What is a GPS satellite? A simple satellite definition is something orbiting in space, but a GPS satellite is complex. There are fixed satellites and mobile satellites. GPS coordinates are determined by navigation satellites that communicate locations to receivers. You can learn detailed information about GPS satellites at Howstuffworks.com.

How GPS is used

GPS satellites orbit the earth and send signals to receivers. Through triangulation, the receivers are able to report locations with great accuracy. Although this was originally intended for military use, the civilian use is a huge market. Use GPS is used in a lot of devices. Clocks, cell phones, and watches can use GPS to stay accurate. GPS systems are used in different sport situations. For instance, runners and cyclists use GPS to track their distances and mileage. Navigators use GPS for travelling, and cities use GPS for civil engineering and traffic. Mobile tracking You can get GPS on your mobile phone, and you can track someone's mobile phone location through GPS systems. There is a lot more to GPS than a simple car Sat Nav. Search on Wikipedia The calculations behind GPS systems are exacting. Wikipedia has a great explanation of the navigation equations, the maths behind GPS and how the different satellites are used to get an accurate location. All these can be read on En.wikipedia.org (wiki GPS).