Mar 09

GPS: Your Own Atomic Clock

Hiking Tip: Consult your GPS when you need the time.

Need to update your watch? Cellphone ran out of juice? Don’t worry. If you carry a GPS then you’ve got an atomic clock in the palm of your hand. Check it out:

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) offer a great way to record distances, elevation, and memorable waypoints along the trail. Our guides use them, and we find that more and more of our guests use them every year.

GPS works by collecting signals from orbiting satellites and then triangulating a position based on those signals. The signals contain various pieces of information including satellite ID, satellite health, and satellite orbital information. The most notable piece of transmitted information, however, is the time.

Each satellite has its own atomic clock and it broadcasts the time from this clock to the GPS receiver out on the trail. The receiver compares the time that the signal was transmitted, with the time that it was received, and uses the difference to calculate its distance from the satellite. In short, it’s the time it takes the signal from the satellite to reach our reciever that allows us to determine our position here on earth. Add the distances from a few more satellites, and voila, we’ve established a triangulation.

All of this leads to a point: (Pun intended). If you need a source for accurate time, then fire up your GPS. You’ve got access to an atomic clock in the palm of your hand.

Note: The clock reading software in a modern GPS is not as accurate as the atomic clock in a satellite. (Though it’s extremely accurate for every day use-to within seconds and parts of a second). Clock accuracy varies by model.

You Might Also Like...
When Ryder-Walker was first founded in Telluride, Colorado, we set out on a journey to
There is nothing better than going for a swim in the ocean after a full
Discovering the best inn-to-inn hiking has been Ryder-Walker’s ambition for decades now. We, like you,
Many hard-core hikers these days are searching out adventures in remote areas where they can
Happy New Year from Your Friends at Ryder-Walker Explore our 2023 catalog with new treks! View
The Gift of Travel 2023 is going to be another epic travel year with most of
Ten Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes from Across Europe  With the holidays upon us, it’s the
7 Reasons the Algarve is One of the Most Unique Regions in Europe Ryder-Walker’s hike
Ryder-Walker’s Favorite Guided and Self-Guided Walking Tours Everyone at Ryder-Walker is eager to share what
The Engadine, a hidden valley in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a place
In addition to physically walking The Liechtenstein Trail, there are many to-dos and interesting places
Our Favorite Global Trekking Trips for Fall Crisp morning air, changing leaves, striking views, cozy