How Does a GPS Know Where You Are?

GPS uses tiny robots in space to find you! Imagine a group of friendly robots floating around the Earth. Each robot sends a message to your phone telling it how far away it is. Your phone listens to all these messages and figures out where it must be, like solving a fun puzzle with distances from four different friends.

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Examples

Your phone finds your way home by listening to four satellites telling it how far away they are.
You use GPS on a hike and know exactly where you are, thanks to the robots in space.
Your car knows when to turn right because of messages from satellites above.

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Categories: Technology · GPS,Satellites,Navigation