How does the number of visible satellites affect GPS accuracy?

The number of visible satellites significantly influences GPS accuracy because having more satellites available can enhance the precision of the position fix. GPS technology relies on triangulation, which requires signals from multiple satellites to pinpoint a location. When more satellites are in view, the GPS receiver can use the additional data to calculate a more accurate position by resolving any potential errors in the signals received.

With more satellites, the system can provide redundancy and mitigate issues such as signal obstruction or multipath effects—where the GPS signal reflects off surfaces before reaching the receiver. This redundancy allows for more reliable calculations, resulting in improved accuracy in determining the user’s location. Therefore, having multiple satellite signals contributes to more accurate and reliable positioning.