GPS (satellite navigation)
device · 1978 · Digital age
Finding a position from satellite signals.
What it is made of
- Artificial satellite — has part. A constellation of satellites.
Principles and materials it uses
- Atomic clock — uses. The satellites carry atomic clocks; the position is calculated from signal arrival times.
- Electromagnetic waves — uses. Radio signals.
- Theory of relativity — uses. Corrections for the relativistic slowing of clocks.
- Silicon — is made of. The receivers are silicon.
Where it is used
- Self-driving car — is part of. Satellite navigation.
- Smartphone — is part of. A satellite navigation receiver.
- Reusable rocket — is part of. Navigation during landing.
- Military drone — is part of. Satellite navigation.
- Car navigator — is used in. GPS.
- Online maps — is used in. The position.
- GPS tracking — is used in. GPS.
History: what it evolved from and what it influenced
- Map — evolved from. Digital navigation on a map.
- Radio navigation — evolved from. Satellite radio navigation.
Things built in a similar way
- GLONASS — works like. An alternative satellite navigation system.