Smartphone GPS Basics

Smartphone GPS Primer

Soon GPS will become almost as basic as the telephone, or more likely included with every cell phone. GPS can calculate locations accurate to a matter of just a few meters. In fact, amazingly with advanced forms of GPS it is possible to make measurements to less than a centimeter!

It’s just like assigning every square meter on the planet a unique address. GPS receivers have become extremely affordable as they have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits. These days GPS is becoming integrated into cars, boats, planes, construction equipment, movie making gear, farm machinery, laptop computers and especially smartphones.

Tracking cell phones is a active topic with a lot of interest. Much of the discussion dealing with cell tracking, mobile GPS and cell phone track software applications could be helped by a GPS Satellite primer and glossary.

GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. GPS satellites broadcast signals from earth orbit that GPS receivers use to calculate three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) plus precise time. The GPS system is made up of 3 main segments: Space Segment, Control Segment and User Segment.

The GPS Space Segment made up of twenty-four to thirty-two satellites that orbit the earth at a height of about 12,000 miles. These satellites are also known as as the GPS Constellation, and they make an orbit once every 12 hours. They are not parked over one spot, they travel at over 7,000 mph. They are solar powered but have battery reserve for when they are in the earth’s shadow. They are positioned so that at any given time there are at least 4 satellites ‘visible’ from any point on earth. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path. The satellites last about ten years until all their fuel runs out.

GPS Satellites are not communications satellites. Geostationary or communications satellites use a higher altitude 22,300 miles above the equator. These satellites are used for weather forecasting, satellite TV, satellite radio and most other types of global communications. At exactly 22,000 miles above the equator, the earth’s force of gravity and centrifugal forces are canceled and are in balance. This is the ideal location to position a communications satellite. The earth rotates at about 1,000 miles an hour, and because of their high earth orbit the geo-synchronous satellites need to move at about 7,000 mph to maintain position. This is approximately the same speed as GPS satellites, but since geo-synchronous satellites are 10,000 miles further away they stay in place relative to the earth.

The GPS Control Segment is composed of Master Control Station, an Alternate Master Control Station, and numerous dedicated and shared Ground Antennas and Monitor Stations that work together to ensure the satellites are working to specification and the data they send to earth is accurate.

The GPS User Segment consists of of GPS receivers taking the shape of devices and , laptops, in-car navigation devices and hand-held tracking units along with the people that use them, and the software applications that make them function.

GPS receivers compute location by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites. This data includes the time the message was transmitted, precise orbital information (the ephemeris), and the general system health and rough orbits of all GPS satellites (the almanac).

Consider that there is a basic difference between mobile phone GPS Tracking and GPS Navigation. GPS cell phone tracking is typically associated with someone keeping records of either real-time or historical smartphone position, while Navigation deals with the handset user determining how to get from point A to point B. Neither use works without some sort of third-party software application.

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Global Satellite System Glossary of basic terminology.

GPSThe Global Positioning System consists of 24 GPS satellites, portable GPS receivers, and various ground-based support facilities.

GPS receiverThe either a standalone handset device or electronic unit mounted on a automobile dashboard or other movable item such as a shipping container, and now particularly common to be included with phone handsets . Abbreviated “GPS” in common use.

Global Satellite System FAQ

Why does GPS receiver only work outside?

GPS satellites are orbiting such that from any point on earth there are a minimum four satellites visibile at any given time. Even though they use radio signals, the signal needs a clear of site to the receiver. If the GPS satellite slips below, or a building, or even heavy cloud cover, the radio signal may be lost.

What do the satellites do?

Each satellite is broadcasting the time. Both the satellite and the GPS receiver use atomic clocks for extreme accuracy. By measuring the difference between the time given by the satellite and the time in the GPS receiver, it can calculate the distance from the satellite.

How do GPS satellites know their location?

The satellites keep position archived inside in calculated tables. But satellites can deviate off course over time. To make adjustments, the satellite communicates with ground stations positioned around the globe. Whenever it connects with the ground stations, the satellite adjusts its internal location tables.

Does a GPS receiver send information back to the satellite?

No, they don’t do that. GPS equipped cell phones will send data but it isn’t going back to the satellite.

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Smartphone GPS Basics