GPS

The GPS or the global positioning system is a system of 24 satellites which orbit the earth in
precise positions about 17600 km above the earth. The locations of the GPS, at any point over
the entire surface of the earth, a GPS receiver will have a direct line of sight with at least some
of the satellites. To use GPS, the GPS receiver must be in a direct line of sight with at least 3 of
the satellites, so they can pinpoint the position. It requires direct line of sight, because they use
microwaves, and microwaves can only move in straight lines, therefore they need line of sight.
This is why underground or in caves, you cannot use the GPS system. Ground stations work
with the satellite system, through constant communication using radio waves, to update the
satellites on their position relative to the earth. Software corrects for any delays the radio signal
experiences as it travels through the atmosphere on its way to GPS receivers. Because the
satellites orbit high, and the earth is curved, GS receivers can contact up to 9 satellites at once.
A minimum of three satellites must be seen to locate a
position on the Earths surface. It works because the
signal from one satellite, will create a circular region
where the GPS could have sent the signal, from three
circles, there is an intersection called trilateration, which
they can conclude the signal came from. With four
satellites, the
altitude can be
given.

http://gisgeography.com/trilateration-triangulation-gps/
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservice
s/gnss/faq/gps/
Jacaranda textbook