Guide Note

GPS stands for global positioning system, which is a network of at least 24 satellites. A GPS receiver (more commonly referred to simply as a GPS) is a device that receives microwave signals from GPS satellites to aid in navigation by providing exact location, speed and time.

Fast Facts

1. GPS stands for Global Positioning System
2. Official name: NAVSTAR GPS
3. NAVSTAR = NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging
4. Developed by U.S. Dept. of Defense
5. Uses a network of at least 27 satellites¹
6. Cost about $750 million annually to maintain

The GPS was developed by the US Department of Defense and is officially named the NAVSTAR GPS. The name was given by John Walsh, a key person who helped make the budget for the GPS. The United States spends about 750 million dollars maintaining the GPS system.

A GPS works by calculating its distance from four or more satellites. It takes a very large number of satellites since it needs a very accurate time in order to function like it is supposed to. The receiver receives the measurements and then calculates for each of the stated measurements and converts them into a latitude and longitude format using Geometry and Trigonometry, which then displays on the screen.