GPS: How Cars Know Where to Go, Explained!

what is gps how does gps work

“Turn left in 500 feet!” You’ve probably heard that voice in the car before. That’s GPS—short for Global Positioning System. Your car doesn’t magically know the way. Sometimes the driver already knows the route, like heading to school or your grandparents’ house. But when the road is new, GPS steps in.

Using satellites high up in space, GPS helps drivers find the fastest, smartest way to get where they want to go. Pretty amazing, right?

So buckle up—let’s explore how GPS works and discover how cars always seem to know exactly where they’re going!

What is GPS?

GPS is a system that helps people (and cars!) figure out exactly where they are on Earth. It works using a network of satellites that orbit high above our planet. These satellites send signals to a GPS receiver, like the one inside your parent’s car or phone.

How Does GPS Work?

Think of GPS like a giant invisible math problem. Here’s how it works:

  1. Satellites Send Signals from space. There are at least 24 GPS satellites zooming around Earth and these satellites send signals down to the ground.
  2. The GPS device in your parent’s car or phone picks up the signals from at least three satellites.
  3. By measuring how long the signals take to reach your GPS from each satellite, it figures out exactly where you are on a map.
  4. When you type in an address, the GPS determines the best route and gives you step-by-step directions. It even knows if there’s traffic and can find a faster way!

Fun GPS Facts!

  • GPS was originally created for the military but is now used by everyone!
  • Some animals, like birds and sea turtles, use their own natural GPS (the Earth’s magnetic field) to find their way home!
  • GPS is so accurate it can tell your location within a few feet!

Thanks to GPS, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost again!

Your DRIVEN toy cars and trucks may not have GPS, but they don’t need it when they’re powered by your imagination. With you in the driver’s seat, every adventure finds its way.

Now that your little one knows about GPS, what else do they want to know about vehicles? Share your questions with us on social media @driventoys. And remember to subscribe to our newsletter for exciting updates and promotions!