How a GPS Receiver Works

Global Position Satellites, or better known as GPS, has become a very popular electronic device. Years ago, it was rare people in society had them, but today almost everyone is familiar with a GPS receiver and the benefits it offers. GPS is steadily replacing maps for finding the right way. Can you imagine today's world without a GPS? I think it is one of the most popular inventions of the last years. Nowadays many people have them already installed in their car.

PURPOSE:
Finding the way to your destination is not always easy. It has happened to all of us at one point or another that we were driving for a long time and discovered we were lost. This often happens when driving a car, but it can also occur if you are taking a tour with your bicycle or during your walk.

A GPS can help you through this process to find the destination you want to reach. A GPS system is popular for people who are navigating in surroundings they are not familiar with or visiting attractions which are not easy to find. A GPS system shows you exact street names and will indicate to you immediately when you have to turn right or left. When you have a GPS system installed in your car, a voice will speak in the language you prefer and give the necessary instructions.

HOW A GPS WORKS:

A GPS receiver calculates the distance and how to get your destination in three steps:

1) The position of the satellites: a GPS receives the radio signals of the GPS satellites. Embedded in these radio signals are the calendar details which shows the position of the satellites. These details are stored in the memory of the GPS receiver. The correction position will be determinate with the help of a radar and compared with the calendar details.

2) Distance between satellite and receiver: radio signals move with the speed of the light, which is 300.000 km in one second. If you know the time the radio signal needs to reach the receiver it is easy to know the right distance. The radio signal shows the right time and the receiver compares this with the location of the satellites and the time it takes to reach the receiver.