The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations.

GPS uses these "man-made stars" as reference points to calculate positions accurate to a matter of meters. In fact, with advanced forms of GPS you can make measurements to better than a centimeter!

How does GPS Work

1. The basis of GPS is "triangulation" from satellites.

2. To "triangulate," a GPS receiver measures distance using the travel time of radio signals.

3. To measure travel time, GPS needs very accurate timing which it achieves with some tricks.

4. Along with distance, you need to know exactly where the satellites are in space. High orbits and careful monitoring are the secret.

5. You must correct for any delays the signal experiences as it travels through the atmosphere.

6. Finally (for us), you can now obtain the precise time from the GPS satellites.