Why Flat Earthers Believe in Ground-Based GPS Systems

Despite popular belief, the Ground Positioning System (GPS) does not rely on satellites. This is a common misconception that flat earthers often use to support their beliefs. In reality, GPS works through a network of ground-based antennas and transmitters, which helps to explain why flat earthers prefer to believe in ground-based systems rather than satellite networks.

Understanding GPS

GPS stands for Ground Positioning System, rather than the commonly assumed Global Positioning System. It utilizes a network of ground-based antennas and transmitters to determine location and time. This network includes both satellite and terrestrial elements, but the satellites play a less critical role in ground-level operations. Instead, it is the ground-based infrastructure that provides the necessary signal strength and accuracy for local positioning and navigation.

Why They Avoid Satellites

Flat earthers often claim that GPS is just an updated version of the LORAN system used during World War II, which relied on very long wave signals and large broadcasting towers. However, this is highly misleading. The LORAN system does not work for modern mobile devices due to the sheer scale and practicality of fitting a 4-foot antenna into a cell phone. Flat earthers believe that ground-based systems are more reliable and less complex to operate.

Telecommunications Act and 5G

The telecommunications act of 1996 and the 2020 rollout of 5G have made it nearly impossible to escape cellular towers. These towers provide the necessary infrastructure for GPS to function effectively on the ground. Flat earthers often interpret this as evidence of a conspiracy, believing that powerful entities are trying to maintain control over the populace through EMF and RF radiation. However, the reality is that these technologies are crucial for modern navigation and communication.

The Role of Ground Proximity Sensors

Flat earthers argue that GPS operates using tall antennas and/or transmitters on balloons, and they dismiss evidence of satellite-based systems as mere cover-ups. In reality, GPS devices do use ground-based signals, but these signals are complemented by satellite data for more accurate location tracking. They believe that a ground-based system like a Ground Proximity Sensor (GPS) is sufficient to prevent people from walking off the edge of the world, which is a key tenet of their belief system. According to flat earthers, no one has ever fallen off the edge because the device works perfectly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the belief in ground-based GPS systems among flat earthers is a mix of misinformation and misunderstanding. The true nature of the Ground Positioning System involves a complex network of both satellite and terrestrial elements. While ground-based systems play a significant role, the reliance on satellites ensures the precision and reliability of modern navigation. Despite these facts, flat earthers continue to theorize about ground-based systems as a means of reinforcing their belief in a flat Earth.