Lesson 27 — Activity 2: Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
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Lesson 27 — Activity 2:
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
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You've probably heard of GPS, and you may have even used it when driving in your car trying to find a new location. But what is GPS, and how does it work? In this activity, you will learn more about global positioning systems (GPS).
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a network of orbiting satellites that send precise details of their position in space back to Earth. The signals are obtained by GPS receivers, such as navigation devices, and are used to calculate the exact position,
speed, and time at the vehicle's location.
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While driving in an unfamiliar city, most people take the instructions from their GPS device for granted — never pausing to wonder how the voice they hear on their navigation system knows their destination is just two right turns away!
But GPS, in fact, is a marvel of space-based technology. The GPS receivers in cars and smartphones calculate locations, velocities, and directions based on signals pinged out by a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting thousands of miles above
Earth.
@unsplash
While driving in an unfamiliar city, most people take the instructions from their GPS device for granted — never pausing to wonder how the voice they hear on their navigation system knows their destination is just two right turns away!
GPS began its life as a strictly military technology, and to this day, the United States Air Force operates and maintains the satellites. But GPS has now flooded into the everyday lives of billions of people around the world, letting them know
where they are at any moment — and how to get to a better place.
You might be surprised at all the different practical ways that GPS is used. Let's take a look at some of them below:
- navigating in your car
- checking in on social media to your favourite spot (e.g., the mall)
- finding the location of a nearby restaurant
- using ATMs
- locating pets by their collars
How Does GPS Work?
Wherever you are on the planet, at least four GPS satellites are visible at any time. Each one transmits information about its position and the
current time at regular intervals. These signals, travelling at the speed of light, are intercepted by your GPS receiver, which calculates how far away each satellite is based on how long it took for the messages to arrive.
Once it has information on how far away at least three satellites are, your GPS receiver can pinpoint your location.
Click on the Play button below to watch a video that further explains how GPS works.
Click on the Play button below to watch a video that further explains how GPS works.