Relativity, GPS, and the Validity of Common View Synchronization

TL;DR

The paper demonstrates that Common View Synchronization effectively synchronizes distant clocks using GPS, with relativistic effects accounted for, and clarifies misconceptions about relativistic influences on synchronization.

Contribution

It clarifies the relativistic physics behind GPS synchronization and shows that no additional special relativistic effects are needed beyond standard GPS corrections.

Findings

Common View Synchronization is valid for distant clock synchronization.

Relativistic effects are already incorporated in standard GPS corrections.

Practical issues like cabling and electronics are manageable within this framework.

Abstract

We show here that Common View Synchronization is valid to synchronize distant clocks. We describe the relativistic physics, noting that a prerequisite for synchronization is the existence of a space-time with a stationary metric. The analysis shows that there are no Special Relativistic effects that need be included in the synchronization method, beyond those in a standard GPS clock. In particular, synchronizing a ground clock to the GPS satellite does not make that clock keep time in the reference frame of the satellite. Symmetries are very helpful in analyzing the behavior. We briefly describe some practical considerations in synchronizing distant earth clocks, such as antenna cabling and variations in receiver electronics, and how Common View Synchronization accommodates them.