GPS handheld - how it works - the GPS receivers

In our last article we covered the function of the gps satellites. What they do is send a signal out for you to receive. In this article we will cover the gps receiver.

You GPS handheld unit is a receiver in the GPS system. It is listening for a signal from the satellites. When it receives the signal it is processed to determine how long it took to get to the receiver, and then how far away the receiver is from the satellite.

Once the receiver know how far it is from 4 or more satellites it can calculate the exact position of the receiver. It will know longitude and latitude AND elevation.

There are MANY types of GPS receivers. Some examples include automobile GPSs, GPS pedometers, navigation GPSs, Golf cart gps units, GPS watches, GPS add-ons for laptops, and on and on.