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The Global Positioning System. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. Each satellite contains an extremely precise clock. The satellites continually emit microwaves, which contain data about the time and place they were emitted. A GPS receiver can receive the microwaves emitted by a number of different satellites.

These signals can be used by the GPS receiver to calculate its position. It does this by using a mathematical method called trilateration. The receiver uses the messages and the speed of light to calculate its distance to each satellite. We know that the receiver must be somewhere on the surface of the Earth.

We need at least three satellites to determine our exact location on it. If we know the distance to one satellite, we can narrow down our location to a circle. If we know the distance to two satellites, we have a pair of circles, which intersect at two different points. A third satellite can figure out which point is correct.

Using modern technology, very small GPS receivers can be built. They can rapidly calculate their location (and the time) from GPS signals. The accuracy of the satellites’ clocks allows the receiver to pinpoint its own location within a few metres. GPS has a number of uses in our lives today navigation, especially in cars or taxis, tracking, whether for espionage, rescue, wildlife observation, or fun and timekeeping, thanks to the accurate clocks of the satellites.

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