GPS and satellite positioning

Satellite positioning includes the methods and techniques used to determine the position of a point by measuring distances from several satellites.

GNSS, satellite positioning and GNSS measurements

The satellite systems used for this purpose are collectively known as GNSS, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, where GPS is the most well-known example. Satellite positioning and GNSS measurement are often used as synonymous terms.

What is required to do satellite positioning?

Satellite positioning requires a clear line of sight to the satellites and a so-called GNSS receiver, which is a special equipment receiving radio signals from one or more GNSS. GNSS receivers are available in many different designs and price ranges.

Simpler and cheaper receivers are used, for example, in car navigation systems and smart phones, while more advanced receivers are used for house and road construction and other production applications with high precision requirements.

To increase precision and reliability, GNSS is often combined with ground-based support systems, such as Swepos.

How does it work?

The basic principle

The basic principle for all GNSS receivers is the same. The coded radio signals transmitted from the satellites are compared with identical signals generated in the GNSS receiver at the same time.

Illustration of the principle of code measurement.
When performing code measurements, the time-stamped signal from the satellite is compared with the copy of the signal that is generated in the GNSS receiver.

An advanced measuring tape

The measured difference between the received and generated signals can be translated into a time difference that provides information about how long it took for the signal to reach the GNSS receiver. Since both time and speed (that is the speed of light) are known, the distance between satellite and GNSS receiver can be calculated. Consequently, the technology can be seen as a kind of advanced measuring tape!

GNSS satellite locations are known in the global reference system

The GNSS satellites are located in pre-determined orbits around the Earth and their locations are known in a global reference system at all times. By measuring the distance to several satellites, the position of the GNSS receiver can therefore be determined in the same reference system.

Information about the positions of the GNSS satellites is transmitted with the satellites' so-called navigation message together with status and time indications.

Read more about the most common methods for GNSS measurement.

Interactive services

Here you will find GNSS-related services. You can, among other things, transform coordinates.

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