How Does A Gps System Know Where To Go?

The gps system consists of three pieces. There are the satellites that transmit the position information, there are the ground stations that are used to control the satellites and update the information, and finally there is the receiver that you purchased. It is the receiver that collects data from the satellites and computes its location anywhere in the world based on information it gets from the satellites. There is a popular misconception that a gps receiver somehow sends information to the satellites but this is not true, it only receives data. So, just how is it able to compute its position?

Here is a website that will tell you more in detail than I can. Peace

www.gpsinformation.org

Thmpsn is right.  I'll add that a GPS system doesn't know where to go.  That is left to the user.  The GPS reciever can tell where it is in relation to the satelites and if the user inputs another point, the GPS can figure out the direction and distance from its present location to the desired location.  If there is a computer connected and it has maps, it can even follow a path that is not a straight line.

It is really a bunch data and rules built into a computer program, but hey, it seems like it can read a map.  I think it is cool when they talk too.

Thompson is right about how the gps can pinpoint your location within 10 sq. Ft., but the direction it gives comes out of a constantly updated map/address database with a voice interface.  They work amazingly well most of the time, BUT every great now and then they get a little confused... The confusion comes from incomplete or inaccurate information in the database.   Pretty neat combo of technologies, isn't it?
-WB

It has several satalight conections in the sky and can find you anywhere with this system. Isnt tecnology great these day

Because it picks up satellite receptions