Some basic knowledge and functions of GPS signals

What is GPS?
The term GPS stands for Global Positioning System -: Global Positioning System. The official name is NAVSTAR GPS (Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging-Global Positioning System). As the expression shows, it is a satellite system for global positioning. GPS was developed by the US Department of Defense in the 1970s to replace the Navy’s NNSS satellite navigation system. At the same time, GPS has become the most important positioning method in the world and has been used in standard navigation systems.

How does GPS work?
GPS continuously sends its position and time via satellites. Everything applies to encoded radio signals. In turn, the GPS receiver can use this information to calculate its own opinion. They can also know the current speed. Use techniques such as the Doppler effect to measure speed. It is the process of compressing or expanding the signal by changing the distance between the transmitter and receiver (for example, satellites and navigation equipment). It is also used to determine the direction of movement and the function of the compass.

What is the story behind satellite tracking?
The ancestor of determining the location was the German engineer Karl Hans Janke, who obtained a patent for a position indicator in 1943, which is very similar to today’s GPS. In 1958, the U.S. Navy developed the Naval Navigation Satellite System (NNSS, also known as: transit), which was used to guide missiles, among other things. GPS was subsequently invented by Bradford W. Parkinson, Roger L. Easton and Ivan A. Getting. The Americans Easton and Getting are both responsible for civilian GPS. GPS was planned to be officially launched in 1973. Five years later, the first functional GPS satellite was launched into orbit. It took another 17 years to become fully operational. Man-made deterioration has temporarily introduced those that are not without keys. The reason is that so-called military opponents are blocked. This kind of human error was finally eliminated in 2000. Since then, GPS has been able to transmit accurate location determination values, and is increasingly installed in vehicles and GPS-enabled devices.

What is the task of GPS?
In the civilian field, GPS is mainly used for positioning or navigation purposes. For example, GPS signals are used to locate mobile phones or other terminal devices with GPS functions. This type of application can be used not only for criminology, but also for lost mobile phones. Therefore, GPS plays an important role in the field of control and security. In addition, GPS can also be used to obtain information. From a military point of view, GPS satellites are vital to national defense. They are integrated into the so-called DSP (Defense Support) program, which ensures the recording of atomic bomb and rocket explosions, for example. GPS also provides a unified time system. The difference between

How is GPS signal interfered?
If the GPS signal is interfered, there are different options. In addition to the fact that the United States may distort or disable GPS signals for political reasons, there are also gps blocker or GPS deceptions.

The GPS jammer is a jamming transmitter, which can prevent or interfere with the reception of GPS satellites even under low field strength. By performing additional modulation on the jamming transmitter, GPS reception can also be completely prevented. GPS jammers have been tested by government agencies. It works because the signal strength of GPS is -155 dBW, which is very low. A few watts are enough to interfere with or suppress navigation signals. Unexpected interference (for example due to the 15th harmonic of the hybrid oscillator) is also possible. GPS spoofing is more complicated and may lead to signal manipulation, etc. The term refers to the transmission of pseudo signals that mimic GPS signals. This allows valid but fake location data to be sent. GPS spoofing-such as GPS jammers-is mainly used for military reasons. In 2016, researchers used GPS deception technology to manipulate drones.

Does your phone have GPS?
Almost all modern mobile phones or smart phones have GPS functions. Not only can you use the navigation application, but you can also locate the phone. If you are careful, you can consult the user manual of your phone for relevant information.

Can you use GPS to track your phone?
Basically. Strictly speaking, the location is not the phone itself, but the SIM card. Tracking can only be done when the phone is turned on and you have activated the GPS function. Due to the higher density of transmission masts, positioning in cities is more accurate than positioning in rural areas. Since GPS signals are usually not strong enough there, locating buildings or tunnels becomes more difficult.

What does GPS do for you on your phone?
Location detection via GPS provides you with many advantages. For example, there may be recommended restaurants or movie theaters nearby. You can also share your location with friends. If they don’t know the area, they can find you more easily. Most manufacturers provide navigation applications. In the app store, you can also use various apps for route planning online or offline. GPS is also needed to locate your location and guide you to the desired destination. You can use the same principle to find tourist attractions or get information about traffic jams. The cost is borne by ADAC. In addition,

How to activate GPS on the phone?
To be able to use GPS, you must activate the function on your phone. This option can be found under “Settings”. For the Android system, it can be activated via Settings→Location (and security) or via the notification bar. This will open when you swipe down from the top of the screen. If you click on the GPS symbol here, you have activated the service. Many navigation applications require you to turn on location information sharing. Depending on the application, you will be automatically redirected to GPS activation. You must accept location approval to confirm the service.

What if your phone does not receive GPS signal?
If your phone cannot use GPS, you must first check whether the service is enabled. If so, your smartphone may operate in power saving mode. If you enable this feature, you can only locate via cellular network or WLAN. Another factor of interference may be the phone case. In addition, it is usually impossible to establish a GPS connection in a building. Thick walls can interfere with the signal. Depending on the area, it may take longer than usual to connect to GPS.