How do GPS receivers calculate their position by measuring the time delay of signals from multiple satellites?

GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers use a process called trilateration to determine their location on Earth. The receiver uses signals from multiple GPS satellites to determine the distance between the receiver and each satellite. By knowing the distance to each satellite, the receiver can determine its position in three-dimensional space.

The GPS receiver determines the distance to each satellite by measuring the time it takes for the signal to travel from the satellite to the receiver. Each GPS satellite broadcasts a unique signal that includes a time stamp indicating when the signal was transmitted. The GPS receiver uses the time stamp information to calculate the time delay between when the signal was transmitted and when it was received by the receiver. By multiplying the time delay by the speed of light, the receiver can calculate the distance between the satellite and the receiver.

The GPS receiver needs signals from at least four satellites to accurately determine its position in three-dimensional space. Once the receiver has determined its distance to four or more satellites, it can use trilateration to determine its position. Trilateration is a process that uses the distance from multiple points to determine the location of a fourth point. In the case of GPS receivers, the four points are the GPS satellites and the fourth point is the location of the receiver.

In summary, GPS receivers calculate their position by measuring the time delay of signals from multiple satellites. By knowing the distance to each satellite, the receiver can determine its position in three-dimensional space using trilateration.