Academy / Drone Piloting: Getting Started
Fundamental Concepts: Drone Basics
How GPS Works in Drones
GPS plays a crucial role in most modern drones, especially for maintaining stable flight and navigational capabilities.
What is GPS?
- GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that allows a device (in this case, your drone) to determine its exact location using signals from at least four satellites.
GPS in Drones
- Stabilization: GPS helps your drone hover in place by constantly adjusting to maintain its position even in windy conditions.
- Return to Home (RTH): Many drones use GPS to automatically return to the starting point if the signal is lost or if the battery runs low.
- Waypoint Navigation: Advanced drones can use GPS to follow a pre-determined route by flying to specific waypoints that you've programmed in advance.
Example:
When you enable GPS Mode, the drone continuously adjusts its position by referencing its location relative to the GPS satellites. Without GPS, your drone would rely on manual control to hover, which can be tricky and more prone to drift.