A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides users with precise location, navigation, and timing information anywhere on or near the Earth. It works by using a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth, which continuously transmit signals containing their location and the exact time the signals are sent. GPS receivers, such as those in smartphones, cars, or watches, pick up these signals from multiple satellites and use the time differences to calculate the user's exact three- dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and current time
. GPS serves several key functions:
- Location: Determining the precise position of a user or object.
- Navigation: Providing directions to move from one location to another.
- Tracking: Monitoring the movement of vehicles, people, or assets.
- Mapping: Creating and updating maps using accurate geographical data.
- Timing: Offering precise time synchronization critical for telecommunications, financial systems, and scientific applications
The system is widely used in many fields including transportation, emergency response, agriculture, construction, and fitness tracking. It operates continuously worldwide and is freely available for civilian use, while also supporting military and government applications
