What Does a GPS Receiver Do?
A Global Positioning System (GPS) system can find any location on earth based on transmissions from satellites orbiting around the earth. These satellites make two complete cycles each day. This system enables you to find your exact location with very little information, and can direct you to any destination around the world.
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Global Positioning System
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The GPS transmits signals from satellites to devices on the ground to give a position. These 24 satellites orbit the earth at 12-hour intervals.
Receiver
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The GPS receiver locates at least 4 satellites and determines the distance at which they orbit by the signals they give off. Based on that distance, the receiver can determine its location by calculating the time it took to receive the signal.
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Process
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This process is similar to having 4 circles that intersect at one location. That one location represents the location of the GPS device. As the GPS moves, it locates new satellites and enters new spheres to track movement.
Time
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These systems are set in sync with an atomic clock located at the United States Naval Observatory. The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but soon opened it up to everyone.
History
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When the system was created, incorrect time was used on GPS signals to limit non-military GPS receivers to about 100 meters. This part of the GPS system was eliminated in May 2000.
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