what is the GPS? |
= Network of about 30 satellites + Signal-receiving device + Super accurate clock + Lots of math.
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The Global Positioning System is a navigation system based on the usage of satellites.
The GPS is composed of a network of about 30 satellites maintained by the U.S. airforce, which works together with GPS receivers, atomic clocks, and centuries of engineering. All of these combined help calculate your global position on Earth, thus the Global Positioning System.
These GPS satellites are found at medium Earth orbit at around 20,000 km altitude, and travel at a speed of 11,000km/hour.
Though there are always around 30 satellites, only 24 operational GPS satellites essentially are needed; this is mainly due to how trilaterization works. The GPS uses satellites to send radio signals back to GPS receivers on Earth, giving the following information:
The receivers take the information from the signals and makes use of it to find out your location, and to get you to where you need to go. |
The main goal of the Global Positioning system is to help people find the
quickest and most convenient route from point A to point B.