GPS: How it Finds You

Have you ever wondered how GPS works? We often take it for granted that we can use a phone to pinpoint our exact location and navigate with it, but 30 years ago, it was impossible. The global positioning system relies on so many diverse and complex factors; it really is unbelievable that the system exists. GPS involves everything from atomic clocks, to trilateration using radio waves, to Einstein's General Relativity. And GPS had an initial cost of over $12 billion, with an annual operating cost of over $750 million! Fun Fact: The global positioning requires that there be at least 24 satellites to calculate your position, but the U.S. Department of Defense have outdone themselves and currently have 6 extra satellites for a grand total of 30 (this number changes as old satellites retire and new ones are sent up, but typically stays at around 30). What do those terms mean?: https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/05/18/how-do-satellites-keep-track-of-their-own-position/?sh=72c91ac86f6d Quartz Clock Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InHmJZ1_DC8&t Atomic Clock Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rFkVfWgz74 Thank you again so much to Dr. Judah Levine from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for your time and help on this video. Your explanations really helped clear things up, and it was an honor to speak with you. Learn more about the NIST here: https://www.nist.gov/ And thank you to my beta testing group for your input and suggestions. Your help is very much appreciated :) Created By Ben Mesko