Global Positioning System (GPS)

Keywords

GPS
Global Positioning System
satellite navigation
sat nav
satnav

What is GPS and how does it work?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of satellites that sends information about time and location to a vehicle’s navigation system. This information can then be used to show you where you are on a map and plot a route to where you want to go. The more sophisticated systems today also use real-time traffic information (RTTI) to help you avoid any jams or hold-ups. GPS have made your trusty A-Z redundant and make sure you never need get lost again.

Related Jargon

How does satellite navigation work in a car?

A car’s satellite navigation system, or sat nav, uses the information from GPS satellites to work out its latitude, longitude, altitude and movement.

What is GPS and how does it work?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of satellites that sends information about time and location to a vehicle’s navigation system.