How GPS Locators Work

GPS locators are increasingly used in both business and personal endeavors. GPS is used to locate missing cell phones, track stolen cars, generate maps and more. Knowing how GPS locators work allows you to use the technology appropriately and avoid some of its downfalls.

Satellite connection

GPS systems are connected to a system of satellites. There are a total of 24 satellites, connected to a large series of towers on the ground. GPS systems triangulate your location by "pinging" off of towers on the ground and determining your distance from each tower, in order to pinpoint your exact location. The satellite system was designed by the United States Department of Defense, and is largely maintained by their funding. Today, however, civil use of the GPS satellite system is significantly larger than military use

Information available through GPS

The only information a GPS satellite can provide about a person, a car, a phone or any other GPS enabled device is its location. Microwave technology used in satellite tracking is not technologically advanced enough to give other information. Services like OnStar and cell phone companies use GPS in addition to other technologies for the combined services that they offer.

Two primary uses

The two primary uses of GPS technology is to pinpoint an exact location at a single point in time, like determining at what address you can find your lost cell phone, and tracking. Tracking technology gives a list of where a person, vehicle or other GPS enabled device was recently used or located.

GPS tacking provides improved security and makes traveling easier. It is useful on family vacation or when dispatching cars in your business's service. Whatever your use, understanding how GPS locators work can help you use them efficiently and effectively.