Will GPS device work inside the building?
GPS signals operate in the microwave frequency range, typically around 1.5 gigahertz (GHz) for civilian GPS. These signals can have difficulty penetrating solid objects like buildings and trees. GPS signals are carried through waves at a frequency that does not move easily through solid objects. A GPS device relies on a series of satellites in order to determine where it is physically located. The signals sent from these satellites do not penetrate all kinds of barriers with ease. When you use a GPS inside a building, a wide variety of physical barriers and potential interference sources make it difficult for the device to pinpoint your location accurately. The GPS system relies on triangulation from multiple satellites to determine the receiver's location. When you are indoors or surrounded by obstacles, the signals may be obstructed or reflected, leading to inaccuracies in location determination.
A GPS works better when the device has a clear line of sight to the sky. The more GPS satellites that your personal device can access, the more accurate it is. When inside, there is often no direct line from the satellite signals to your device. The signal weakens or distorts as it travels through the building to your GPS, and the result is inaccurate operation.
The construction materials used in buildings can significantly impact the performance of GPS devices inside. GPS signals are radio waves, and they can be attenuated or blocked by various materials. The construction materials in a building affect how well a consumer GPS device will work inside. If you're in a house and stand near enough to the windows, or if you're in an office tower with large windows, your GPS could still work. GPS signals pass through glass much more easily than they do through thick, solid materials such as brick, metal, stone or wood.
GPS device may not work inside the building, because of signal absence with GPS satellites. It’s always recommended to take it out or put into the car for accurate operation.