GPS - The Complete Guide

How useful would Google Maps be without the blue dot?

Almost useless!

When we grab our smartphone and open Google Maps, it’s usually because we need directions. But, if you don’t know exactly where you are and in what direction you’re facing, you’ll have to look for a point of orientation just as if you were using a traditional paper map. 

Thanks to GPS, the blue dot indicates our position on the map and we rarely have to rely on our own sense of locality. But what exactly is GPS, how does it work, what can GPS signals pass through, and can you use it indoors? 

What is GPS?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It’s a global satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Air Force. The systems consists of at least 24, but currently 31, satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD). 

How it works

Each GPS satellite sends a unique signal and orbital parameters that allow GPS devices, such as your phone, to decode and compute the precise location of the satellite. In other words, the GPS receiver in your phone measures the distance to each satellite by the amount of time it takes to receive a transmitted signal. This way, it can calculate its exact position very fast - most of the time at least, but we’ll get back to that later.

To pinpoint your exact location, your phone needs signals from more than one satellite. In general, GPS receivers track eight or more satellites depending on the time of the day and where you are on Earth. However, with signals from at least three satellites, GPS receivers are able to calculate your 2-D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites, GPS receivers can calculate both latitude, longitude, and altitude.

What can GPS signals pass through?

GPS works in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth, 24 hours a day. It doesn’t require subscription or setup, and it operates independently of any telephonic or internet reception, though these technologies can enhance the usefulness of the GPS positioning information. Plus, it’s extremely accurate. However, there are some disadvantages of GPS too.

GPS signals travel by line of sight. This means that they will pass through clouds, glass, and plastic, but they won’t pass through most solid objects, such as buildings or mountains. If you have ever used a navigation app in a dense urban environment with big buildings on either side of the street, you have probably experienced how the blue dot can flicker around for a while before determining your exact location. The problem is that the signals from the navigation satellites get blocked by these buildings or in some cases bounce off the buildings before they reach your phone. This makes it mis-calculate the distance to the satellites and incorrectly triangulate its position.

Does GPS work indoors?

Yes and no.

As explained, GPS satellites can transmit geolocation and time information to GPS receivers anywhere on or near Earth as long as there is an unobstructed line of sight to the satellites, meaning that the GPS signals can pass through glass and plastic, but not buildings. However, modern GPS receivers are more sensitive and can usually track through houses.

For instance, my Garmin GPS watch can track my indoor training, but my phone would probably fall short if I were to navigate a big, concrete building with the use of GPS signals. So, if you’re wondering whether you can use GPS signals to help people navigate your convention center, airport, hospital, or the like, the answer is “no”. If you’re wondering whether your phone or sports watch can catch signals from the inside of your house, the answer is, “probably, yes”.

Interesting things you didn’t know about GPS

• The official USDOD name for GPS is NAVSTAR
• The United States is committed to maintaining the availability of at least 24 operational GPS satellites, 95% of the time
• The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.
• A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994.
• Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.
• Each satellite circles the Earth twice a day
• A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended.
• GPS satellites are powered by solar energy, but they have backup batteries onboard, in case of a solar eclipse.
• Transmitter power is only 50 Watts or less.

If you’re looking for a way to help visitors and staff navigate your building(s), we recommend indoor navigation. Take a look at our indoor navigation platform, MapsIndoors, and discover the endless possibilities indoor wayfinding offers.