The Physics of GPS
6 hours ago
- #Science
- #Navigation
- #Technology
- GPS is a translation tool that converts time into distance using signals from satellites.
- Trilateration with three satellites pinpoints location, but a fourth satellite is needed to correct for phone clock errors.
- GPS must account for both Special and General Relativity effects to maintain accuracy, requiring built-in corrections.
- Modern receivers use multiple satellites and constellations to improve accuracy and geometry, mitigating errors like multipath in urban areas.