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How does a GPS function work?

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Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 8/19/2019

There are many satellites that are positioned in the lower atmosphere. They relay their position by transmitting a "beacon" signal to a ground or water based station. When you have 3 or more satellites using a beacon, you can triangulate your position by using simple trigonometric geometric calculations. If you can obtain more satellites, then your position is more accurate. Many devices limit the number of satellites that they try to pick up the beacon because of the battery drain. Most devices on the common market are good to about 30 meters or 100 ft.

GPS satellites are maintained in orbit by using very small thrusters and powered by solar and/or extra powerful batteries.

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Wiki User

14y ago

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