Name: how gps satellites find your location
Uploaded: 2025-03-26T15:38:32.000Z
Duration: 1 min 30 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

ohios-learning-standards-and-model-curriculum

Ohio’s Learning Standards and Model Curriculum

9-12

Physical Geology

Plate Tectonics

Plate motion

introduction-to-global-positioning-system

Introduction to Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionized navigation by providing precise locations through satellite signals.&nbsp;Initially developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s for military use, it became available for civilian applications in the 1980s, offering free and reliable global service.GPS operates through three components. The space segment consists of a constellation of 24 operational satellites and several backups, orbiting Earth at approximately 20,200 kilometers. These satellites maintain precise paths using advanced systems.&nbsp;The control segment includes six global monitoring stations that track satellite positions and transmit corrections to account for gravitational and solar influences.&nbsp;The user segment involves receivers determining positions by processing signals from at least three satellites.GPS has diverse applications. It supports secure navigation, missile guidance, and rescue operations&nbsp;in military contexts.&nbsp;Surveying benefits from precise mapping for construction and land use. For the public, GPS supports fleet management, vehicle navigation, outdoor activities, and time synchronization for industries like banking, communications, and power grids.Modern GPS integrates with GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, enhancing global accuracy and reliability, even in challenging environments.

introduction to global positioning system

The Global Positioning System (GPS) revolutionized positioning on Earth, providing precise location data through satellite ranging. The GPS system was developed in 1978 by the U.S. Department of Defense&nbsp; for military use, and it became available for civilian applications in 1983, transforming fields including navigation, fleet management, and time synchronization for telecommunications systems.GPS consists of satellites in medium Earth orbit, about 20,200 kilometers above the surface, completing an orbit every 11 hours and 58 minutes. A fully operational constellation of 24 satellites, established in 1994, ensures global coverage. Ground support includes monitoring stations that track and adjust satellite positions to maintain accuracy against gravitational and solar influences.As part of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), GPS integrates with systems like Russia’s GLONASS, Europe’s Galileo, and China’s BeiDou. This collaboration improves coverage, offers redundancy, and enhances accuracy in challenging environments.Initially designed for military applications, GPS supports secure navigation for aircraft, ships, land vehicles, missile guidance, and search-and-rescue operations. It enables efficient surveying for land and construction, eliminating line-of-sight limitations and reducing survey time. Tasks that once took weeks can now be completed in a day. Public applications of GPS include navigation, fleet management, recreation, and critical services like time synchronization for banking and telecommunications.GPS positioning relies on satellite ranging, measuring the time that radio signals travel from satellite to receiver. Distances are calculated using the time delay of signals traveling at the speed of light. At least three satellites determine a position, with a fourth to correct timing errors. Atomic clocks, accurate to a billionth of a second, ensure that the GPS system provides reliable, cost-effective positioning for diverse global applications.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) revolutionized positioning on Earth, providing precise location data through satellite ranging. The GPS system was ...

Education

JoVE Core

Civil Engineering

Unit 1

Global Positioning System (GPS)

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

how gps satellites find your location

The Global Positioning System, or GPS, finds a location on Earth by using satellites and radio signal timing. It changed how people navigate and how many industries work. GPS was developed in 1978 by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use. It became available for civilian use in 1983.

GPS satellites orbit in medium Earth orbit about 20,200 kilometers above Earth. Each satellite takes about 11 hours and 58 minutes to complete one orbit. A full GPS constellation has 24 satellites, which was established in 1994. Ground monitoring stations track these satellites and adjust their positions to keep the system accurate. They help correct for changes caused by gravitational and solar influences.

GPS is part of the Global Navigation Satellite System, or GNSS. It works alongside Russia’s GLONASS, Europe’s Galileo, and China’s BeiDou. This cooperation improves coverage, adds backup, and increases accuracy in difficult places. GPS supports aircraft, ships, land vehicles, missile guidance, and search-and-rescue operations. It is also used for secure navigation in military and civilian settings.

The system is useful in surveying for land and construction. It removes line-of-sight limits and cuts survey time. Work that once took weeks can often be completed in a day. GPS is also used for navigation, fleet management, recreation, and time synchronization in banking and telecommunications.

GPS position finding depends on satellite ranging. This means it measures how long radio signals take to travel from a satellite to a receiver. The distance is calculated from that time delay at the speed of light. At least three satellites are needed to determine a position, and a fourth satellite corrects timing errors. Atomic clocks, accurate to a billionth of a second, help make GPS reliable and cost-effective for many global uses.

How GPS Satellites Find Your Location

The Global Positioning System, or GPS, finds a location on Earth by using satellites and radio signal timing. It changed how people navigate and how many industries work. GPS was developed in 1978 by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use. It became available for civilian use in 1983. GPS satellites orbit in medium Earth orbit about 20,200 kilometers above Earth. Each satellite takes about 11 hours and 58 minutes to complete one orbit. A full GPS constellation has 24 satellites, which...

errors in global positioning system

GPS Error Sources and Accuracy Limits

GPS accuracy can change because of signal delays, reflections, and device problems. These errors come from the atmosphere, nearby surfaces, satellites, and the receiver itself. To get reliable positioning, GPS systems must reduce these effects as much as possible. As GPS signals pass through the ionosphere and troposphere, they slow down. The ionosphere contains charged particles and is strongly affected by solar activity. The troposphere contains water vapor, which also changes how the signal...

geoid and ellipsoid

Earth Shape and GPS Height Models

Earth shape and GPS height models are explained using the ellipsoid, the geoid, and modern coordinate systems. The Earth is best described as an ellipsoid, which is a slightly flattened sphere formed by rotating an ellipse around its minor axis. This flattening makes the polar axis about 21 kilometers shorter than the equatorial axis. The geoid shows a different side of Earth’s shape. It is the Earth’s gravitational shape and matches mean sea level, or MSL. The geoid is an irregular...

field application of global positioning system

field-application-of-global-positioning-system

GPS Field Mapping for Surveying Sites

Global Positioning System (GPS) helps map field locations for surveying, navigation, and infrastructure work. Satellite signals let a GPS receiver find an object’s position very quickly, often in less than a second. This speed makes GPS a practical tool for fieldwork. Modern GPS receivers are small, light, and energy efficient. They are built for portable use in real field conditions. GPS signals use the microwave spectrum, so they can work in rain and fog. Even so, ionospheric disturbances...

types of global positioning system surveys

types-of-global-positioning-system-surveys

GPS Surveying for Accuracy and Speed

GPS surveying uses different methods to balance accuracy, speed, and field conditions. The main approaches are static GPS, kinematic GPS, and real-time kinematic (RTK) surveying. Each one collects position data in a different way, so each fits a different kind of surveying and mapping job. Static GPS uses two receivers. One stays at a known reference point, and the other is placed at the target point. It measures several satellite ranges over a long time, which can give centimeter-level...

design example: identifying the locations of monuments in the field using global positioning system device

design-example-identifying-locations-monuments-field-using-global

GPS Surveying for Park Monument Coordinates

Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying can be used to find the coordinates and elevations of park monuments. Surveyors use this method to measure precise points on Earth. In this survey, GPS receivers were used to locate two monument markers and record their height above the ground model. The work began with mission planning. Surveyors checked satellite visibility and tried to reduce Position Dilution of Precision, or PDOP, which is a measure of how satellite geometry can affect accuracy. A...

key terms and concepts

Learn how GPS satellites use signal timing, atomic clocks, and satellite ranging to find location on Earth and support navigation, surveying, and more.

How GPS Satellites Find Your Location | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Civil Engineering offers a foundational exploration of essential construction materials such as bricks, stones, steel, wood, and concrete, along with fluid mechanics topics like flow over immersed bodies, open channel flow, and dimensional modeling. It also covers key surveying concepts, including leveling, traverse adjustments, curve design, topographic mapping, and geospatial technologies (GPS & GIS). Science-in-action videos showcase laboratory research on materials, fluids, and surveying practices in real-world engineering systems.

civil engineering

Glacial Geology

Glaciers and glaciation

determining-spatial-orientation-rock-layers-with-brunton

Determining Spatial Orientation of Rock Layers with the Brunton Compass

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Most rock units exhibit some form of planar surfaces or linear features. Examples ...

Using GIS to Investigate Urban Forestry

Source: Laboratories of Margaret Workman and Kimberly Frye - Depaul University
Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped ...

Dynamics of Structures

Source:&#160;Roberto Leon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
It is rare nowadays that a whole year goes by ...

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Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt

The morphology and structure of plumbing systems can provide key information on the eruption rate and style of basalt lava fields. The most powerful way ...

Igneous Volcanic Rock

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Igneous rocks are the products of cooling and crystallization of magma. Volcanic rocks ...

Making a Geologic Cross Section

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Geologic maps were first made and utilized in Europe, in the mid-to-late 18th century. ...

using-topographic-maps-to-generate-topographic-profiles

Using Topographic Maps to Generate Topographic Profiles

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Topographic maps are &#34;plan-view&#34; representations of Earth&#39;s ...

Energy and Power of a Wave

The total energy associated with a wavelength is the sum of the potential energy and the kinetic energy. The average rate of energy transfer associated ...

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Using Generative Art to Convey Past and Future Climate Transitions

The ability to understand modern day climate relies on a foundational understanding of past climate variability and the ways in which the planet is ...

an-overview-of-alkenone-biomarker-analysis-for-paleothermometry

An Overview of Alkenone Biomarker Analysis for Paleothermometry

Source: Laboratory of Jeff Salacup&#160;- University of Massachusetts Amherst
Throughout this series of videos, natural samples were extracted and ...

Reflection of Waves

When a wave travels from one medium to another, it gets reflected at the boundary of the second medium. A common example of this is when a person yells at ...

Propagation of Waves

When a wave propagates from one medium to another, part of it may get reflected in the first medium, and part of it may get transmitted to the second ...

Reflection and Refraction

Source: Derek Wilson,&#160;Asantha Cooray, PhD, Department of Physics &#38; Astronomy, School of Physical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA
...

Internal Earth
• Seismic waves
    ◦ S and P waves
    ◦ Velocities, reflection, refraction of waves

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, plate tectonics is studied in grade 8. Topics include plate motion (evidence and causes, characteristics of oceanic and continental plates), seismic waves, continental drift, seafloor spreading, the structure of Earth's surface and interior (including specific layers) and paleomagnetism. In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included. In the Physical Science strand, density, convection, conductivity, motion, kinetic energy, radiometric dating, seismic waves, thermal energy, pressure and gravity are explored. In this course, Earth's interior and plate tectonics are investigated at greater depth using models, simulations, actual seismic data, real-time data, satellite data and remote sensing. Relationships between energy, tectonic activity levels and earthquake or volcano predictions, and calculations to obtain the magnitude, focus and epicenter of an earthquake are included. Evidence and data analysis are key in understanding this part of the Earth system. For example, GIS/GPS and/or satellite data provide evidence for moving plates and changing landscapes (due to tectonic activity). The causes for plate motion, the evidence of moving plates and the results of plate tectonics must be related to Earth's past, present and future. The use of evidence to support conclusions and predictions pertaining to plate motion is an important part of this unit.

Internal Earth

Electrostatic Boundary Conditions

Consider an external electric field propagating through a homogeneous medium. When the electric field crosses the surface boundary of the medium, it ...

Gravity between Spherical Bodies

Newton&#39;s law of gravitation describes the gravitational force between any two point masses. However, for extended spherical objects like the Earth, ...

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among ...

The Soil Ecosystem

Plants obtain inorganic minerals and water from the soil, which acts as a natural medium for land plants. The composition and quality of soil depend not ...

Igneous Intrusive Rock

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Igneous rocks are products of the cooling and crystallization of high temperature ...

What are Biogeochemical Cycles?

The most common elements in organic molecules, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, are only available in the ecosystem in limited ...

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

Source: Ketron Mitchell-Wynne, PhD,&#160;Asantha Cooray, PhD, Department of Physics &#38; Astronomy, School of Physical Sciences, University of ...

Newton's Law of Gravitation

Our everyday observation tells us that all objects close to the Earth naturally tend to fall to the ground. Early philosophers assumed that this downward ...

Structure of Earth (Note: specific layers were part of grade 8)
• Asthenosphere
• Lithosphere
• Mohorovicic boundary (Moho)
• Composition of each of the layers of Earth
• Gravity, magnetism and isostasy
• Thermal energy (geothermal gradient and heat flow)

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, plate tectonics is studied in grade 8. Topics include plate motion (evidence and causes, characteristics of oceanic and continental plates), seismic waves, continental drift, seafloor spreading, the structure of Earth's surface and interior (including specific layers) and paleomagnetism. In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included. In the Physical Science strand, density, convection, conductivity, motion, kinetic energy, radiometric dating, seismic waves, thermal energy, pressure and gravity are explored. In this course, Earth's interior and plate tectonics are investigated at greater depth using models, simulations, actual seismic data, real-time data, satellite data and remote sensing. Relationships between energy, tectonic activity levels and earthquake or volcano predictions, and calculations to obtain the magnitude, focus and epicenter of an earthquake are included. Evidence and data analysis are key in understanding this part of the Earth system. For example, GIS/GPS and/or satellite data provide evidence for moving plates and changing landscapes (due to tectonic activity). The causes for plate motion, the evidence of moving plates and the results of plate tectonics must be related to Earth's past, present and future. The use of evidence to support conclusions and predictions pertaining to plate motion is an important part of this unit.

Structure of Earth

an-overview-of-bgdgt-biomarker-analysis-for-paleoclimatology

An Overview of bGDGT Biomarker Analysis for Paleoclimatology

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Sonication Extraction of Lipid Biomarkers from Sediment

Source: Laboratory of Jeff Salacup&#160;- University of Massachusetts Amherst
The material comprising the living &#34;organic&#34; share of any ecosystem ...

soxhlet-extraction-of-lipid-biomarkers-from-sediment

Soxhlet Extraction of Lipid Biomarkers from Sediment

Source: Laboratory of Jeff Salacup&#160;- University of Massachusetts Amherst
Every lab needs standards that track the performance, accuracy, and ...

extraction-of-biomarkers-from-sediments-accelerated-solvent-extraction

Extraction of Biomarkers from Sediments - Accelerated Solvent Extraction

Source: Laboratory of Jeff Salacup&#160;- University of Massachusetts Amherst
The distribution of a group of organic biomarkers called glycerol-dialkyl ...

conversion-fatty-acid-methyl-esters-saponification-for-uk-37

Conversion of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters by Saponification for Uk'37 Paleothermometry

Source: Laboratory of Jeff Salacup&#160;- University of Massachusetts Amherst
The product of an organic solvent extraction, a total lipid extract (TLE), ...

Historical review (Note: this would include a review of continental drift and seafloor spreading found in grade 8)
• Paleomagnetism and magnetic anomalies
• Paleoclimatology

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, plate tectonics is studied in grade 8. Topics include plate motion (evidence and causes, characteristics of oceanic and continental plates), seismic waves, continental drift, seafloor spreading, the structure of Earth's surface and interior (including specific layers) and paleomagnetism. In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included. In the Physical Science strand, density, convection, conductivity, motion, kinetic energy, radiometric dating, seismic waves, thermal energy, pressure and gravity are explored. In this course, Earth's interior and plate tectonics are investigated at greater depth using models, simulations, actual seismic data, real-time data, satellite data and remote sensing. Relationships between energy, tectonic activity levels and earthquake or volcano predictions, and calculations to obtain the magnitude, focus and epicenter of an earthquake are included. Evidence and data analysis are key in understanding this part of the Earth system. For example, GIS/GPS and/or satellite data provide evidence for moving plates and changing landscapes (due to tectonic activity). The causes for plate motion, the evidence of moving plates and the results of plate tectonics must be related to Earth's past, present and future. The use of evidence to support conclusions and predictions pertaining to plate motion is an important part of this unit.

Historical review

Selected Data About Geographic Locations

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rely on two core types of data: spatial data and attribute data.Spatial DataSpatial data defines the physical ...

Introduction to GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are tools for storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data alongside related attributes. Unlike traditional ...

Plate motion (Note: introduced in grade 8)
• Causes and evidence of plate motion
• Measuring plate motion
• Characteristics of oceanic and continental plates
• Relationship of plate movement and geologic events
• Mantle plumes

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, plate tectonics is studied in grade 8. Topics include plate motion (evidence and causes, characteristics of oceanic and continental plates), seismic waves, continental drift, seafloor spreading, the structure of Earth's surface and interior (including specific layers) and paleomagnetism. In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included. In the Physical Science strand, density, convection, conductivity, motion, kinetic energy, radiometric dating, seismic waves, thermal energy, pressure and gravity are explored. In this course, Earth's interior and plate tectonics are investigated at greater depth using models, simulations, actual seismic data, real-time data, satellite data and remote sensing. Relationships between energy, tectonic activity levels and earthquake or volcano predictions, and calculations to obtain the magnitude, focus and epicenter of an earthquake are included. Evidence and data analysis are key in understanding this part of the Earth system. For example, GIS/GPS and/or satellite data provide evidence for moving plates and changing landscapes (due to tectonic activity). The causes for plate motion, the evidence of moving plates and the results of plate tectonics must be related to Earth's past, present and future. The use of evidence to support conclusions and predictions pertaining to plate motion is an important part of this unit.

How GPS Satellites Find Your Location

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