Every GPS unit needs a minimum of four (4) satellites to compute a
3-dimensional position, and performs more accurate calculations with
more satellites.
I think my TomTom is capable of using 12 simultaneous satellites if
it can see that many. Yours may be different.
GPS satellites are used to help us accurately determine the current time and our location. GPS satellites are not directly used to help us predict the weather. Weather satellites use many imaging and sensing technologies to help us predict the weather, but they are not useful in helping us determine our location. They are two different types of satellites with two different purposes. There are many other types of satellites too, such as communication satellites (such as used with Direct TV), space telescopes (such as Hubble) etc.
GPS systems use the twenty-seven satellites that orbit the earth. The GPS receiver uses a mathematical equation similar to trilateration. The GPS receiver uses four or more of the satellites that are constantly orbiting the earth and use the information received to find it's location.
GPS satellites orbit the earth, around 20,000Kms above us. They contain very precise atomic clocks which they use to produce a special timing signal which is then broadcast back to earth. Back on earth, we can use our GPS receivers (Like Sat Nav) to pick up the GPS signals, and by using very clever mathematical algorithms in conjunction with the timing signals we receive from the satellites, calculate our position on the surface of the earth.
There are currently 32 GPS satellites Orbiting earth at 20,000Kms above sea level There are also 24 GLONASS satellites (The russian version of a GPS satellite) Which many high end GPS receivers will use in conjunction with the standard GPS satellites. These orbit a little lower than GPS at arond 19,000Kms above sea level. There are 4 Galileo Satellites, which are currently un used, but are the start of the European satellite constealltion which is a work in progress. They orbit at 24,000Kms above sea level. On top of all that, there are 10 Chinese navigation satellites called COMPASS orbiting in an orbit above China and Asia. They orbit at around 21,000 Kms above sea level.
GPS uses satellites that were placed into orbit by the Department of Defense. The government set up the entire network on their own, and it is free to use as long as you already have a GPS device.
No. GPS Satellites are free to receive.
You can use a GPS anywhere the satellites shine.
No as GPS is obtained from satellites.
Smartphones use GPS receivers to receive signals from GPS satellites and determine their location. GPS receivers in smartphones work by triangulating the signals from at least four GPS satellites to calculate the phone's latitude, longitude, and altitude.
GPS
a GPS repeater will extend the use of any GPS device to locations where the line of sight to satellites is non existent and will provide an instant GPS service.
Tom TOM Gps units use the NAVTEQ GPS maps.
GPS satellites are used to help us accurately determine the current time and our location. GPS satellites are not directly used to help us predict the weather. Weather satellites use many imaging and sensing technologies to help us predict the weather, but they are not useful in helping us determine our location. They are two different types of satellites with two different purposes. There are many other types of satellites too, such as communication satellites (such as used with Direct TV), space telescopes (such as Hubble) etc.
I use artifical Satellites for making phone calls on my cell phone, and for navigating through unfamiliar cities with my GPS.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) use trigonometry. There are a number of satellites orbiting the earth. The GPS uses the time signals sent by these satellites to establish the distance to the satellites. Trigonometry is then used to find the location of the GPS unit.
There are currently 32 GPS satellites Orbiting earth at 20,000Kms above sea level There are also 24 GLONASS satellites (The russian version of a GPS satellite) Which many high end GPS receivers will use in conjunction with the standard GPS satellites. These orbit a little lower than GPS at arond 19,000Kms above sea level. There are 4 Galileo Satellites, which are currently un used, but are the start of the European satellite constealltion which is a work in progress. They orbit at 24,000Kms above sea level. On top of all that, there are 10 Chinese navigation satellites called COMPASS orbiting in an orbit above China and Asia. They orbit at around 21,000 Kms above sea level.
GPS systems use the twenty-seven satellites that orbit the earth. The GPS receiver uses a mathematical equation similar to trilateration. The GPS receiver uses four or more of the satellites that are constantly orbiting the earth and use the information received to find it's location.