The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is powered by a global radio navigation system made up of a minimum of 24 operational satellites that continually orbit Earth. All GPS trackers rely on the same data from this satellite network to track and calculate the vehicle’s location.
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network emits radio signals from medium Earth orbit to communicate with your GPS device. Receivers process the data contained within these signals to compute the exact position of the GPS device as well as their time and the velocity of travel. The data is then sent to your computer or smartphone using the cellular network.
GPS operation is based on trilateration, which uses the position of three or more satellites and their distance from the GPS device to determine latitude, longitude, elevation and time. Information about the satellite location and signal travel time of at least four satellites will quickly and accurately calculate your vehicle’s travel route, speed and more.
