What is GPS?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System.
It’s a global navigation system that allows a device—like a phone, vehicle tracker, or sat‑nav—to know exactly where it is on Earth.
GPS works anywhere in the world, 24/7, and is free to use.
How Does GPS Work?
GPS has three main components:
Satellites in Space
Over 30 satellites orbit the Earth and constantly broadcast signals.
Your GPS Device
It listens for signals from at least four satellites to calculate an accurate location.
Ground Monitoring Stations
These ensure the system stays accurate.
Your device uses a technique called triangulation to determine position based on the satellite signals it receives.
🚫 Important: GPS Does Not Use Mobile Signal
This is a common misunderstanding, so it’s worth making very clear:
🔹 GPS does not use mobile networks, mobile data, or phone signal.
🔹 GPS works even with no SIM card and no network coverage.
Why?
GPS uses satellite signals from space.
Mobile networks use cell towers on the ground.
They are completely separate technologies.
Your device may use mobile data to download maps or send your GPS location to a server, but the actual positioning comes from satellites only.
What Is GPRS?
GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service.
It is not a location system.
What GPRS Is
A mobile data service used on 2G networks
Allows small amounts of data to be sent (e.g., tracker reports, messages, telemetry)
Used by older GPS tracking devices to send their location back to a server
What GPRS Is Not
It does not calculate location
It does not interact with satellites
It is unrelated to how GPS determines position
Think of it like this:
GPS = Where am I?
GPRS = Sending that information to someone else
Limitations of GPS
GPS accuracy can be affected by:
Being indoors
Tunnels
Dense urban areas
Thick forests
Very poor weather
Damaged or blocked antennas on device
Quick Summary
GPS uses satellite signals to determine location.
It works without mobile signal.
GPRS is mobile data, used to transmit information—not calculate location.
Together, they power many tracking and navigation systems.