The Nature of Geographic Information

17. Satellite Ranging


GPS receivers calculate distances to satellites as a function of the amount of time it takes for satellites' signals to reach the ground. To make such a calculation, the receiver must be able to tell precisely when the signal was transmitted and when it was received. The satellites are equipped with extremely accurate atomic clocks, so the timing of transmissions is always known. Receivers contain cheaper clocks, which tend to be sources of measurement error. The signals broadcast by satellites, called "pseudo-random codes," are accompanied by the broadcast ephemeris data that describes the shapes of satellite orbits.

Diagram showing signal time difference between GPS
satellite and GPS receiver.
Figure 5.18.1 GPS receivers calculate distance as a function of the difference in time of broadcast and reception of a GPS signal. Distance = Speed of Light * Time Difference.
Adapted from Hurn, 1989

The GPS constellation is configured so that a minimum of four satellites is always "in view" everywhere on Earth. If only one satellite signal was available to a receiver, the set of possible positions would include the entire range sphere surrounding the satellite.

Sphere around a GPS satellite representingall possible locations a GPS receiver could be
Figure 5.18.2 Set of possible positions of a GPS receiver relative to a single GPS satellite.
Adapted from Hurn, 1993

If two satellites are available, a receiver can tell that its position is somewhere along a circle formed by the intersection of two spherical ranges.

Spheres around 2 GPS satellites representing all possible locations along the circular intersection where GPS receiver could be
Figure 5.18.3 Set of possible positions of a GPS receiver relative to two GPS satellites.
Adapted from Hurn, 1993

If distances from three satellites are known, the receiver's position must be one of two points at the intersection of three spherical ranges. GPS receivers are usually smart enough to choose the location nearest to the Earth's surface. At a minimum, three satellites are required for a two-dimensional (horizontal) fix. Four ranges are needed for a three-dimensional fix (horizontal and vertical).

Spheres around 3 GPS satellites showing the two possible locations along the circular intersections where a GPS receiver could be
Figure 5.18.4 Set of possible positions of a GPS receiver relative to three GPS satellites.
Adapted from Hurn, 1993

Satellite ranging is similar in concept to the plane surveying method trilateration, by which horizontal positions are calculated as a function of distances from known locations. The GPS satellite constellation is in effect an orbiting control network.

Try This!

Trimble has a tutorial "designed to give you a good basic understanding of the principles behind GPS without loading you down with too much technical detail". Check it out at Click "Why GPS?" to get started.

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