How Does GPS Work

Global Positioning System (GPS) uses a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to determine your location. The system consists of at least 24 satellites that send signals to GPS devices on the ground. These devices then calculate the distance between themselves and multiple satellites. By comparing the time it takes for the signals to reach them, the GPS device can pinpoint your exact location using a method called triangulation. This allows GPS to provide real-time positioning, whether you're walking, driving, or flying.

How Accurate Is GPS


GPS is generally very accurate, with modern devices being able to pinpoint locations within a few meters. The accuracy can be affected by various factors such as weather conditions, tall buildings, or dense forests. For instance, GPS signals may bounce off tall buildings in cities (this is called multipath error), causing slight inaccuracies. However, with advances in technology, newer systems like assisted GPS (A-GPS) can improve accuracy by using additional signals, such as from cell towers or Wi-Fi networks. Shutdown123

 

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