A network of 24 evenly spaced satellites orbiting the Earth and the receiving devices is known as GPS (Global Positioning System). It lets users determine the exact position of an object on Earth. For most GPS-enabled equipment, the location accuracy is 10 meters, and with specialized military devices, it can be as low as one meter. 24 primary satellites in 6 orbits make up the US Navstar GPS, which circles the planet every 12 hours.

Understanding the working of GPS
At the height of 10,600 miles above the Earth, 21 GPS satellites and three backup satellites are in orbit. Four are always visible above the sky from any location on Earth, thanks to their spacing. A computer, an atomic clock, and a radio are all built into each satellite. It continuously records its shifting location and time. Once a day, each satellite checks its sense of time and position with a ground station and makes minor corrections, if any. A GPS receiver on the ground is connected to a computer that measures the angular distances of an object from 3 satellites and locates its position on Earth. This is accurate to within 100 meters for most receivers. The location can also be displayed if the receiver has a display screen and a map. It can determine the altitude as well as the geographic location if a fourth satellite can be received. Your receiver may also compute your speed and direction of movement and provide you with an estimated arrival time at predetermined locations. For example, your phone is a type of handheld GPS device.

Applications of GPS
Some of the uses of GPS are as follows:

In various industries, including farming, building, mining, surveying, package delivery, and logistical supply chain management, the use of GPS increases the output.
Power grids, banking systems, financial markets, and navigation systems rely significantly on GPS service for accurate time synchronization.
GPS helps prevent traffic accidents, aids in search and rescue operations, and expedites the provision of emergency services and catastrophe relief.
The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), which will improve flying safety while expanding the use of airspace, depends on GPS.
Weather prediction, earthquake tracking, and environmental preservation are made possible with the use of GPS.

Types of GPS
GPS has undergone several changes since its inception that resulted in various models. Each class specializes in fulfilling particular requirements, even though they all operate according to the same basic concept. The various types of GPS include:

A-GPS
Assisted GPS enables receivers to access data from nearby network sources to locate a point. It is typically used in places where satellite signals are difficult to receive.
S-GPS
Simultaneous GPS enables voice data and signals to be transmitted concurrently from a phone. Instead of alternating the signal, both data kinds are sent at the same time.
D-GPS
Differential GPS is a correction method used to boost the precision of location information received from a conventional GPS receiver. Differential GPS uses indirect satellite signals to determine location, whereas non-differential GPS uses direct ones. Although the latter has a much wider variety of applications, it is less accurate than D-GPS.
Mapping and Non-mapping
A GPS device with built-in maps is known as a mapping GPS. Images can be downloaded and added to the GPS navigation system. This kind of gadget is frequently used in mobile and other handheld devices. Non-mapping GPS lacks maps. Without displaying any roads or landmarks, it demonstrates your current location and the path to another area.

GPS devices and accessories
There are several types of accessories for GPS devices and systems, including cables, cases, and software. The gadget mount is a common accessory; it enables the GPS device to be mounted in a stationary location on the console or dash. Other common accessories include cables, adapters, and rechargeable batteries, especially for portable GPS systems. Another in-demand commodity is cases.

GPS tracking software is also available in specific devices. This program enables the tracking of any vehicle with a GPS device.
There are two primary choices when selecting the best GPS tracker: battery-powered portable trackers and hardwired tracking devices. The preferred tool for finding someone or something is a portable tracker. Devices with extended battery lives and access to a wealth of information were made possible by innovations in this field. Hardwired tracking devices are preferable for tracking vehicles because they require a power supply. A connected tracker is best installed under the dashboard, where it can be covertly fastened to the vehicle’s battery. Despite not being mobile, hardwired GPS devices are less prone to interference and offer precise target locations.