How GPS Tracking Works

Many of us use GPS on a daily basis, but we haven’t the slightest idea how it works. Just in case you’ve been wondering, we are going to break down exactly how GPS tracking works as well as where it all began. It’s pretty interesting stuff.

GPS (or Global Positioning System) was originally used by the military, but became available to everyone in the 1980s. The GPS system contains 24 satellites that were originally placed, orbiting the Earth, by the United States Department of Defense. (There are always new satellites being made and sent out into orbit in the event one should stop working; but they are made to last about 10 years a piece

These 24 satellites that are in constant orbit, circle the Earth twice every single day; sending signals out into earth. (The signal transmitted by the satellites are two very low radio frequencies called L1 and L2. For everyday use, L1 is used with a frequency of 1575.42 MHz)

GPS receivers, such as your cell phone or GPS device; use the information sent from the satellites to find the devices exact location. The method used to locate where you are is called ‘triangulation’, which calculates how long the information took to get to your receiver from the satellite. This is used to calculate how far away the satellite is. Once that is determined; with the help of neighbor satellites, the exact location of the GPS device in your car (and/or pocket) can be found. This is what helps your GPS system display exactly which road you are on and calculate how far your destination is and so forth.

In order for your most simple GPS to work, your device must be receiving data from at least three satellites. This is how your latitude and longitude are calculated; giving you your current location. This also explains how speed is calculated. The only way to calculate your receiver’s altitude is if at least four satellites are in communication at any given time. Your receiver is constantly receiving data from space, and calculating all sorts of things for you. Crazy how quickly it all happens, huh?!

The GPS satellites are located about 12,000 miles above earth’s surface and travel at about 7,000 miles per hour. Each of these satellites are solar powered; and have a battery backup in case of a solar eclipse. There are rockets located on each satellite, which allows them to be moved in need be. Location is extremely important, so they are under constant surveillance.

The most amazing thing about GPS is the fact that it isn’t affected by weather. The only times you are going to notice any problems with GPS is if there is something blocking your connection with the towers. Of course, the speed of your receiver has a lot to do with it as well. The higher quality your receiver is, the quicker it’s going to be able to pick up signals and get you to where you need to go.