Definition
Disruption of GPS satellite signals caused by unwanted radio energy from other sources, which can degrade position accuracy or cause the GPS receiver to lose its navigation solution. Sources include nearby transmitters, jamming, certain electronic devices, and natural phenomena such as solar activity.
Plain English
Other radio signals or electronic noise getting in the way of the weak signals coming from GPS satellites, making the receiver less accurate or unable to give a position at all.
Context Anchor
Seen in GPS error discussions when a pilot is considering why GPS position, accuracy, or guidance may be unreliable.
Derivation
Interference comes from the Latin inter (between) and ferire (to strike) — literally 'to strike between.' One signal striking between the receiver and the satellite signal it is trying to hear.
Why Pilots Care
It can cause sudden loss of GPS guidance, forcing a switch to alternate navigation and increasing workload during critical phases of flight.
Analogy
It is like trying to hear a quiet radio station while static or another station cuts across it. The message may still be there, but the receiver cannot read it cleanly.
Intuition Check
Do not assume signal interference means the GPS unit itself is broken. It means something is disrupting the signal the GPS unit is trying to receive.
Example Sentence 1
The crew noted a GPS signal interference advisory along their route and briefed an alternate navigation plan before departure.
Example Sentence 2
Military exercises nearby produced signal interference that temporarily disabled the GPS navigation display.