GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and it is a satellite navigation system that accurately determines the location of a person or object on Earth.
It works by having a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 20,200 kilometres, constantly transmitting signals to GPS receivers.
When a GPS receiver picks up signals from four or more of these satellites, it is able to triangulate its exact location.
The receiver uses the data it receives to calculate its latitude and longitude, providing an accurate pinpoint of its location on a map.
This data is then relayed to a computer or mobile device, which in turn can use it to calculate directions and estimated travel times to a destination.
By using the GPS receiver’s current location and the desired destination, the software can generate a route that takes into account traffic, weather, construction and other obstacles.