GPS Study Sheet
Grade 4
For the test you should know:
GPS stands for Global Positioning System
- A GPS unit is an electronic device that can determine your approximate
location almost anywhere on the planet
- The GPS uses a system of 24 satellites to calculate your position.
- If the GPS can’t see the satellites (like when you are in a building) it
won’t work. Some things like cloud cover, trees, hills, or holding it upside
down also make it less accurate.
- When the GPS calculates your position it gives you your latitude and
longitude.
- A GPS can tell you how fast you are going.
In the real world the GPS is used by:
- The military
- Boaters and fisherman
- Farmers
- Geocachers (an online game)
- Delivery people
- Services like OnStar that help you navigate your car
- Airline pilots
Extra credit:
The name of our Travel Bug is Blue Blaster.