GPS

What Is GPS

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based positioning system operated by the United States. Approximately 30 satellites orbit the Earth, and by receiving signals from at least 4 of them, a device can calculate its current latitude, longitude, and altitude.

GPS Accuracy and Complementary Technologies

GPS alone provides accuracy of about 5 to 10 meters. Smartphones improve this by combining GPS with Wi-Fi access points, cell towers, and accelerometers. Indoors, where satellite signals are weak, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth beacon-based indoor positioning is used as a supplement.

Location Data and Privacy

Location data is sensitive personal information. Since behavioral patterns can reveal your home and workplace, it is important to properly manage per-app location permissions.

• Limit "Always Allow" to apps that truly need it, such as navigation apps
• Use "While Using the App" as the default setting
• Remove location data (Exif) from photos before posting on social media

GPS vs GeoIP

GPS uses satellite signals to pinpoint location with meter-level accuracy, while GeoIP estimates location at the city level from an IP address - the accuracy differs significantly. The location shown on our homepage uses GeoIP and is not as precise as GPS.

To explore how the internet figures out where you are - including the differences between GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, and IP-based location - see How the Internet Knows Where You Are - IP Addresses and Location.

Common Misconceptions

GPS constantly monitors your location

GPS only receives signals from satellites - your device does not send signals back to them. It is apps that transmit your location data externally, not GPS itself.

Turning off location services makes you untraceable

Even with GPS turned off, your approximate location can still be estimated using Wi-Fi networks and cell towers.

GPS vs GeoIP Comparison

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