How does a high PDOP affect the accuracy of GPS data?

A high Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) indicates that the satellites being used to determine a GPS position are situated in such a way that they do not provide a well-defined geometric structure for triangulation. When satellites are positioned closely together in the sky or are clustered around the horizon, the geometric configuration can lead to larger potential errors in the calculated position.

In cases of high PDOP, the signal from the satellites leads to increased uncertainty in determining true locations, which directly decreases the accuracy of the GPS data. Conversely, low PDOP values represent a better configuration, where satellites are more spread out in the sky, leading to enhanced accuracy in position measurements.

This concept highlights the importance of satellite geometry in GPS systems and illustrates how carefully optimizing satellite signals can lead to improved accuracy and reliability in location data.