Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object

sureshjonna · 2011-10-22 20:10:14

Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object on the earth. Like,

1. How the data is communicated between satellite and the GPS Receiver.
2. How the object being monitored is mapped(projected) on to the screen.
3. How the position of the Object is synchronized with satellite.

I hope this is a relevant question related to maths.

Awaiting answers.

Bob · 2011-10-23 00:31:56

hi suresh,

You could start by looking at

http://www.nasm.si.edu/gps/work.html

There are quite a few pages like this.

Bob

sureshjonna · 2011-10-23 04:01:32

@bob bundy.. I was just looking for that kind of information. I thank you so much.

I have one more question: Which part of maths is used in GPS?

Bob · 2011-10-23 04:14:21

hi Suresh,

My friend Google did most of the work.

Which part of maths is used in GPS?

Please understand, I'm not a gps engineer but I'd say

distance / speed / time

triangulation (in 3D!)

And I learnt the other day from a real professor (so he should know) that relativity is involved!
Because the clocks have to be synchronised and the satellite speed around the Earth is sufficient to cause the clocks to run at different rates by a few nanoseconds. Doesn't sound much? Apparently, it's enough to make many metres difference when you get your position, because light can travel quite a way in a nanosecond.

Bob

sureshjonna · 2011-10-26 05:43:57

@bob bundy

Thanks for the info

Math Is Fun Forum

#1 2011-10-22 20:10:14

Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object

#2 2011-10-23 00:31:56

Re: Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object

#3 2011-10-23 04:01:32

Re: Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object

#4 2011-10-23 04:14:21

Re: Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object

#5 2011-10-26 05:43:57

Re: Can anybody tell me how GPS works to locate an object

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