GPS uses satellites to allow receivers to determine their precise location and time. It consists of 3 segments - space, control, and user. The space segment has 24 satellites that continuously transmit navigation data. The control segment generates ephemeris and clock data and uploads to satellites. For the user segment, receivers measure pseudorange and phase to calculate 3D position, velocity, and time with accuracy of meters. Key advantages are high precision, speed, and automation compared to traditional surveying methods.