Satelliitnavigatsioon

Satelliitnavigatsioon, commonly known as satellite navigation, is a global system that provides autonomous geospatial positioning. It allows electronic receivers to determine their location, velocity, and time information anywhere on or near the Earth. This is achieved through a constellation of satellites orbiting the planet, broadcasting precise timing signals and orbital data.

The most well-known satellite navigation system is the Global Positioning System (GPS), operated by the United States. Other prominent systems include Russia's GLONASS, Europe's Galileo, and China's BeiDou. These systems work by triangulating signals received from multiple satellites. A receiver must detect signals from at least four satellites to accurately calculate its three-dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and a precise time.

The accuracy of satellite navigation can be affected by various factors, including atmospheric conditions, satellite geometry, and signal obstruction by buildings or terrain. Despite these challenges, satellite navigation has become indispensable for a vast range of applications. These include vehicle navigation and tracking, surveying, precision agriculture, timing for financial transactions, and emergency services. The development of satellite navigation has revolutionized many industries and continues to evolve with advancements in technology.