A positioning information distribution system for distributing positioning information through a data network is described. In one embodiment, the system distributes satellite information from a global positioning system (GPS). The system includes an information processing station connected to a data network accessible by wireless communication, a receiving station including a GPS receiver, and a mobile unit including a GPS receiver and a wireless receiver. The information processing station collects GPS satellite information from the receiving station and transmits the satellite information to the mobile unit using wireless communication. Alternately, a network of receiving stations are provided. The mobile unit can obtain the satellite information from the information processing station for determining its measured position, even when the mobile unit is roaming in an urban area and is not able to observe the GPS satellites for the lengthy observation period needed to acquire the satellite information itself.