This is because GPS (and similar satellite navigation systems like GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou) use triangulation to determine your location. Here's how it works:
* Signals from Space: Each satellite continuously transmits a signal containing its precise location and the time it was transmitted.
* Time Differences: Your GPS receiver picks up these signals from multiple satellites. By measuring the time it takes for each signal to arrive, the receiver can calculate the distance to each satellite.
* Triangulation: With at least four satellites, your GPS receiver has enough information to triangulate your position in three dimensions (latitude, longitude, and altitude).
Important Note: While four satellites are the minimum for a basic position fix, more satellites are usually used to improve accuracy and reliability.
