Global Positioning System (GPS) – How does it work?

Описание: #gps #ngscience ‪@NGScience‬
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Today, we use digital maps pretty much every day, often without even thinking about it. With just a few taps on our smartphones or a quick command to our car's navigation system, we can find the best route to almost anywhere. This ease of finding our way is a modern luxury, a stark contrast to times not so long ago.

These were the days when street directories were essential in every car, hikers carried topographic maps to navigate trails, and sailors relied on nautical charts to traverse the seas. It was an era where understanding how to read a map was a vital skill, and getting lost was a common part of any journey.

Now, let's talk about a technology that changed all of this - the Global Positioning System, or GPS. GPS is like a super-smart, invisible friend in the sky that can tell you exactly where you are on Earth. But how does it do that?

Well, far above us, orbiting our planet, are a bunch of satellites. These satellites, part of the Global Positioning System, send signals down to Earth. A GPS receiver, like the one in your smartphone or car navigation system, picks up these signals. But how does it determine your exact location?

Here's how it works in a simple way: Your GPS receiver, like the one in your phone, talks to at least four satellites up in the sky. Each satellite sends a signal down to your receiver. This signal tells your receiver where the satellite is and what time it sent the signal.

The receiver looks at this information and figures out how long it took for the signal to get from each satellite to where you are. By knowing how far away each satellite is, your receiver can then figure out exactly where you are.

But where did GPS come from? Believe it or not, GPS was first developed by the United States military as a tool for soldiers and pilots. However, realizing its vast potential for civilian applications, the U.S. government decided to make GPS technology available to the public in the 1980s. This decision transformed GPS into a global utility, accessible to everyone.

Today, GPS is a part of our everyday lives, seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our daily routines. When you're going somewhere new in the car, your parents might use GPS to find the best route, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.

Think about when you order a ride from services like Uber. GPS plays a crucial role in connecting you with the nearest available driver, guiding them to your exact location for pickup, and then navigating them to your destination.

Food delivery apps use GPS to allow you to order and track your order from the restaurant to your doorstep. It enables delivery drivers to find the quickest and most efficient routes to your home, ensuring your meal arrives hot and fresh.

In these ways, GPS isn't just about getting us from point A to point B; it's about connecting us with services and experiences that make our lives more convenient and enjoyable.

Have you ever seen someone playing a game on their phone, walking around looking for virtual creatures? They're using GPS too!

And it's not just for fun and games. Scientists use GPS to study earthquakes, and farmers use it to help plant their crops in neat rows. GPS is also used by scientists to track wild animals. This helps them learn about where the animals go and how they live.

You can use applications on your phone to let your parents know where you are, ensuring they can keep track of your safety. This feature is particularly helpful for children and teenagers who are out on their own, whether it's for school, visiting friends, or any other activities.

Even though GPS is super helpful, it's important to use it safely. Remember, it's not good to share your location with people you don't know, and always pay attention to your surroundings, especially when you're walking and looking at your GPS.

So, the next time you’re in a car following the GPS or playing a location-based game on your phone, think about those satellites zooming around the Earth. It's pretty amazing how we can find our way in the world with a little help from the sky!


1. What does GPS stand for?
Answer: Global Positioning System


2. How many satellites does a GPS receiver usually need to determine your exact location?

Answer: At least four


3. GPS was first developed by which country?
A) United Kingdom
B) Poland
C) Australia
D) United States

4. GPS was initially developed for use by the _____.

Answer: military


5. In what decade did GPS become available for public use?

A) 1970s
B) 1980s
C) 1990s
D) 2000s
Answer: B) 1980s


6. List 3 ways people use GPS in their daily lives.

Examples provided include navigation, utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber, sharing your location with others and ordering and tracking food deliveries.