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For an unconstrained solution, you need 4 satellites in view to get a GPS fix. If you know one variable, such as altitude (on a ship, for instance) you can do it with 3.

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Q: How many satellites does the receiver need to be fixed on in order to know it's position?
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How many satellites does it take for GPS to find something?

Your receiver must pick up at least 4 to get an accurate 3D lock. If your receiver can safely assume you are on or near surface of earth it can get a good 2D lock with just 3. This is usually a safe assumption to make, especially with civilian receivers. Less than 3, all it can do is set its clock.


Why does the GPS unit need to interact with a minimum of 3 different satellites in order to give an accurate location?

The only thing your unit can tell from a single satellite is roughlyhow far you are from that satellite.But what you want is your location nailed down in 3 dimensions ...where you are left/right, where you are forward/backward, andwhere you are up/down. Your receiver calculates each of theseby comparing its distance from different satellites.And if you want all three dimensions, then you need a minimumof four (4) different satellites, not 3.


What are the disadvantages of GPS?

In order to calculate its current positions, the GPS device needs to receive a data signal from 4 different satellites. If it cannot get signals from 4 satellites then it won't be able to calculate an accurate position.


What satellites or moons does Pluto have?

Moons: In order of distance from the planet, they are Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra. Satellites: N/A


Where does a gps receiver get its signal?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) consists of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth at a height of 20,000 km. Receivers at stations on Earth (such as WES2 in Westport, Massachusetts) use the signals from satellites to calculate the location of the station. Geoscientists have set up a network of targets all over the world in order to monitor the movement of lithospheric plates. Steel spikes pounded into the ground (preferably embedded in solid rock) make up the targets. A high-precision GPS receiver is then mounted on a tripod and positioned directly above the target. The targets are revisited over a period of months or years. The receiver measures the distance to four or more GPS satellites and then uses stored data on satellite locations to compute the location of the target. Changes in horizontal and vertical positions can be detected within several millimeters.

Related questions

Where can one purchase a Sky Receiver?

You can purchase a Sky Receiver online at Satellites Superstores. The Receivers all come with handset, leads and a manual. You will also get discounted shipping with any order done on the website.


What do you have to have to make a GPS work?

GPS devices receive signals from several Global Positioning Satellites, which orbit the earth. The device uses the difference in timing from the signals to calculate its own position. I don't remember, but I think you can get a position with signals from 4 satellites, so you would need to have a clear signal from the satellites in order for the device to calculate its position.


How many gps transmitter can be connected with one gps receiver?

One GPS satellite can serve an unlimited number of receivers, if they have unobstructed line-of-sight. GPS receivers need to see a minimum of 4 satellites in order to calculate an accurate 3-dimensional position. Almost all of them have the ability to work with up to 12 satellites simultaneously, if they can see that many.


How many satellites does it take for GPS to find something?

Your receiver must pick up at least 4 to get an accurate 3D lock. If your receiver can safely assume you are on or near surface of earth it can get a good 2D lock with just 3. This is usually a safe assumption to make, especially with civilian receivers. Less than 3, all it can do is set its clock.


What is mobile radio communication?

Mobile radio communication is performed by utilizing a battery-powered radio in the field in order to transmit messages to a fixed home base receiver.


Why does the GPS unit need to interact with a minimum of 3 different satellites in order to give an accurate location?

The only thing your unit can tell from a single satellite is roughlyhow far you are from that satellite.But what you want is your location nailed down in 3 dimensions ...where you are left/right, where you are forward/backward, andwhere you are up/down. Your receiver calculates each of theseby comparing its distance from different satellites.And if you want all three dimensions, then you need a minimumof four (4) different satellites, not 3.


How are satellites numbered?

Usually in order of their launch.


Do you need satellite radio to use gps?

No, that won't work.You need a special GPS receiver with a super-accurate clock in it (and lots of other goodies) in order to take advantage of GPS signals from the group of 24 GPS satellites.


How a curved reflector is used as a satellite dish receiver?

The reflector piece of a Dish satellite is curved in order to receive the proper signals from the orbiting satellites in space (also known as orbital locations). In order to view a specific satellite channel, each Dish reflector is designed with a different curvature.


What information do you need in order to give the position of an object?

Its location in 3 dimensions of space and one of time. Usually in relationship with some fixed point.


What are the disadvantages of GPS?

In order to calculate its current positions, the GPS device needs to receive a data signal from 4 different satellites. If it cannot get signals from 4 satellites then it won't be able to calculate an accurate position.


What is a satellite receiver?

A satellite TV receiver is needed in order to view satellite programming. Additionally, a satellite dish is needed in order for the receiver to decode digital signals which then allows you to watch TV.