GPS Navigation

GPS GPS is the navigation system that knows where you are!

The satellite based system works by tracking a number of satellites (there are 24 in orbit, maintained by the US Department of Defence) and by working out the distance from these, dependent on the time it takes a signal to be received from each, the GPS can calculate a very accurate position. (It should be noted that the accuracy of the data provided to the public service is limited but the system still provides locations to within 25 metres).

As long as you can get line of sight to the satellites, your GPS system should provide you with the information you need, but it will need to find at least 4 satellites. This is not as difficult as it may sound, as the system was designed to ensure there are that many satellites in the correct position at any one time. Whilst weather conditions should not hinder the device's ability to function things that physically shield you from the sky (dense trees, for example) may cause problems.

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