How are the time signals from a GPS receiver characterized?

The time signals from a GPS receiver are characterized as being traceable to national standards and very accurate primarily due to the sophisticated technology and methodology involved in the Global Positioning System. GPS satellites carry atomic clocks that are highly precise, ensuring that the time signals transmitted are remarkably accurate. Each satellite broadcasts its position and the precise time the signal was sent, which allows the receiver to calculate its distance from the satellites and determine its location.

This accuracy is critical for various applications, such as navigation, surveying, and timing services. Since these signals are standardized internationally, they maintain consistency across different GPS devices and ensure that the timing signals are reliable and can be traced back to national standards.

The other options present concepts that do not align with the precision and reliability inherent in GPS technology. For instance, the time signals are not rough estimates; they are not reliant on local atomic clocks alone; and they encompass more than just satellite position as they include time and the speed of light to accurately calculate distances.