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The only thing your unit can tell from a single satellite is roughly

how 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, and

where you are up/down. Your receiver calculates each of these

by comparing its distance from different satellites.

And if you want all three dimensions, then you need a minimum

of four (4) different satellites, not 3.

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How many satellites does Tom Tom GPS use?

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.


What made accurate navigation possible?

Accurate navigation became possible through advancements in technology, such as the development of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. GPS allows users to determine their exact location utilizing signals from these satellites, leading to precise navigation worldwide.


What are the benefits of using gps vs regular weather satellites?

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.


What instrument is most precise in measuring location on ocean?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most precise instrument for measuring location on the ocean. It uses satellites to provide accurate location data in real-time.


What does it mean that GPS has a lock?

When GPS has a lock, it means that the GPS device has successfully connected to enough satellites to accurately determine its location. This allows for accurate positioning and navigation information to be provided.

Related Questions

Can 2 satellites run gps?

If your hand-held receiver only hears 2 GPS satellites, then it'll indicate a location, but what it indicates won't be accurate or reliable.


How many satellites does Tom Tom GPS use?

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.


What made accurate navigation possible?

Accurate navigation became possible through advancements in technology, such as the development of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. GPS allows users to determine their exact location utilizing signals from these satellites, leading to precise navigation worldwide.


What are the benefits of using gps vs regular weather satellites?

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.


Why does g.p.s. need 4 satellites?

GPS needs signals from at least 4 satellites to accurately calculate a 3D position on Earth. By receiving signals from multiple satellites, the GPS device can triangulate its position using the known positions of the satellites. This allows for highly accurate location determination.


What instrument is most precise in measuring location on ocean?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most precise instrument for measuring location on the ocean. It uses satellites to provide accurate location data in real-time.


What does it mean that GPS has a lock?

When GPS has a lock, it means that the GPS device has successfully connected to enough satellites to accurately determine its location. This allows for accurate positioning and navigation information to be provided.


How many satellites do you need to find your location?

A single satellite can only give you relative location. 3 satellites can give a 2-D positioning/location that includes longitude and latitude. 4 satellites can give a 3-D positioning/location that includes longitude, latitude and altitude. Only 4 satellites can give you absolute location.


How do global positioning systems work?

They calculate the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.


What kind of satellites do sailors and pilots use to determine their exact location?

Sailors and pilots use Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS (Global Positioning System) to determine their exact location. These systems rely on a network of satellites to provide accurate positioning data anywhere on Earth.


What are three types of artificial satellites?

Communication satellites: these are used to transmit television, radio, telephone, and internet signals. Navigation satellites: like the GPS system, these help determine location and provide accurate time information. Weather satellites: used to monitor weather patterns and provide important data for weather forecasting.


What uses satellites to identify location?

A GPS uses satallites to identify location