globaalpositsioneerimissüsteem

globaalpositsioneerimissüsteem, commonly known as GPS, is a satellite-based radio-navigation system. It is owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. The system is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. GPS consists of three main segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The space segment comprises a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth. The control segment consists of ground stations that monitor and maintain the satellites. The user segment includes GPS receivers that are used by individuals and businesses.

GPS works by triangulating a user's position based on signals received from multiple satellites. Each satellite transmits a signal containing its location and the current time. A GPS receiver on Earth calculates its distance from several satellites by measuring the time it takes for their signals to arrive. By knowing the distances to at least four satellites, the receiver can determine its precise three-dimensional position: latitude, longitude, and altitude. This technology has revolutionized navigation, enabling accurate positioning for vehicles, aircraft, ships, and even handheld devices. It is also used in surveying, mapping, time synchronization, and various scientific applications. The accuracy of GPS can be affected by atmospheric conditions, obstructions like buildings, and the number of visible satellites.