Nowadays, weve got the wonders of GPS to guide us there and back again.
I appreciate the convenience of GPS and it has saved my butt on more than a dozen occasions.
But like a lot of technology, we tend to take it for granted.
I know I do.
Do you know how GPS works?
Whats the secret behind the near-pinpoint accuracy that it offers?
Keep reading to learn about the impressive thought that went into building this magnificent navigational system.
What is the common point between nuclear power,the Internet, and GPS?
They all started as projects meant to bolster the USs technological edge over the rest of the world.
Specifically, the technological edge of theirmilitary.
How do our mobile devices and car trackers tap into the system to figure out where exactly we are?
And if there are so many satellites floating around up there, why does yourGPS signal sometimes fail?
Think about what you use for GPS navigation.
In other words, your unit receives data from the GPS satellites overhead.
What sort of data?
Simply put, each satellite tells your unit the distance between you and that satellite.
And youd be right!
Using the distance from each satellite, your GPS gadget can use a technique calledtrilerationto find where you are.
Imagine youre lost out in the wilderness.
So you call a second friend in New York City and he says youre 300 miles away.
Thats where you are.
But since satellites work in 3D space, youd have to imagine the intersection of spheres instead of circles.
For accurate GPS data, most devices try connecting to at least four satellites.
This is also why it sometimes takes a long time for your unit to update GPS locations.
Of course, theres a lot more math and science behind how GPS works.
Ever wondered whyGPS kills your phones battery?
Its because your phone needs to constantly correct errors in calculation.
Image Credits:GPS web link Via Shutterstock,GPS Phone Via Shutterstock,GPS Satellite Via Shutterstock
