Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology

Overall, a GPS system utilizes satellite signals, receiver triangulation and precise time synchronization to determine the location, velocity and time information of a GPS receiver, enabling a wide range of applications such as navigation, mapping, surveying and timekeeping.

The main purpose of GPS technology is to provide precise location, navigation, and timing information to users around the world. Global positioning system uses include location determination, navigation and wayfinding, timing and synchronization, emergency and search and rescue, military and defense and scientific and environmental applications.

GPS has a wide range of applications across various industries and sectors. Here are some common ones: navigation and mapping, transportation and fleet management, outdoor recreation and sports, aviation and aerospace, marine navigation, surveying and geodesy, emergency services and search and rescue, agriculture and farming, scientific research and environmental monitoring and personal locating and safety.

Traditional GPS signals, which rely on satellite transmissions, are generally not reliable or accurate indoors. Signals from GPS satellites can be weakened or blocked by buildings, walls, and other structures, leading to a loss of signal or degraded performance. GPS signals are relatively weak and prone to interference when they have to penetrate obstacles. As such, indoor global GPS systems are not very reliable.

GPS can work without an internet connection. The system itself does not rely on internet connectivity for positioning and navigation. The GPS receiver in your device (such as a smartphone or GPS device) is responsible for receiving signals from GPS satellites and calculating your position based on those signals. However, some GPS-enabled applications or services may require an internet connection for additional features. For example, mapping applications may use internet connectivity to download map data, search for points of interest, or provide real-time traffic information.

GPS trackers deploy the features of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to identify the location of an object, person, or vehicle on which the tracking is to be performed.

Though not effective indoors, GPS trackers are used for outdoor applications like fleet management, moving asset tracking, driver tracking, and safety tracking during transportation, etc.

Asset tracking products from location technology leaders like Mapsted can be used for indoor-outdoor asset tracking, personnel management, and safety of objects or people. This can be used both to increase efficiency and ensure safety regulations are in place and followed at all times.

Traditional GPS signals weaken when they encounter buildings, walls, or ceilings. This signal degradation limits GPS accuracy and makes it unreliable indoors—especially for determining floor levels or pinpointing locations in complex environments.

GPS relies on satellites and is best suited for outdoor environments. Indoor positioning systems (IPS), like Mapsted’s, use alternative data sources such as sensor fusion, Wi-Fi signals, and magnetic fields to determine precise indoor locations where GPS fails.

Indoor GPS mapping is used to create digital blueprints of indoor environments. While traditional GPS struggles indoors, advanced IPS like Mapsted’s allow real-time tracking, wayfinding, and analytics in malls, airports, hospitals, universities, and industrial facilities.

GPS accuracy indoors typically ranges from 30 to 100 meters due to signal interference. In contrast, advanced indoor positioning systems like Mapsted’s can provide 1–2 meter accuracy without relying on GPS satellites or external hardware.

Yes, GPS can determine your location without internet, but indoor systems like Mapsted’s are designed to work offline or in low-connectivity environments, making them highly reliable for secure and private indoor applications.

Absolutely. While GPS fails indoors, Mapsted’s indoor GPS accuracy tracking can be vital for locating individuals in emergencies, enabling fast responses in healthcare facilities, industrial zones, or large public venues.

Unlike beacon systems that require expensive installation and maintenance, Mapsted’s solution is hardware-free. It leverages built-in sensors and AI to deliver accurate location services—scalable, cost-effective, and maintenance-free.