How does the map know where I am?

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentChip asked me how the map knows where he is. I have a doctorate in geospatial science, and apparently I'm a carnival ride consultant now.

2. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI just figured the map was a really good guesser, like the guy at the fair who guesses your weight.

3. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNo. High above Earth there are lots of GPS satellites, circling the planet.

4. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorLike Tilt-A-Whirl cars! Up there, going around, and some kid is definitely crying.

5. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentEach satellite keeps sending a signal that says what time it is and where it is.

6. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the ride guy shouts the time at everybody. Love him. Great guy.

7. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentYour phone listens to several satellites at once. Per NASA, that's how receivers find their location.

8. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo my phone rides all the cars at once. That explains the nausea.

9. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt works out how far away each one is, and that tells it exactly where you are. Nobody rides anything.

10. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorRight, because the ride guy needs a really good watch, or he loads you onto the wrong Tilt-A-Whirl.