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These days Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems can be found just about everywhere for seemingly every purpose. From handheld units for hunters to smart phones, it’s no secret that GPS has revolutionized the way we find things or people. But the most practical use of GPS systems is in the automobile. Many of us (including myself) would be lost navigating foreign roads without our trusty GPS guiding the way. GPS is indeed becoming more commonplace, but to many, this technological innovation is as foreign as another language. Let’s take a look at GPS in concern to the auto and how it is revolutionizing the way we travel.
Different Systems
Before we get into the technical aspects of GPS, it’s vital to explain the different kinds of GPS units out there. First, there are GPS systems that are built into autos in the factory. Most of the time, an auto with a built in system will have a sizable screen mounted near the radio/CD player, while the receiver is hidden away somewhere within the auto.
Next, you have your standard handheld units that can be purchased just about anywhere. Even though they have other uses, they are more than capable of tracking your progress on the road. If these units are designed specifically for use in an auto, they will come with a windshield or dash mount for safe driving.
Finally, there are GPS systems that can be tethered to or included in your cell phone. Systems that can be tethered to you cell phone connect via Bluetooth and run on programs that are included with the unit or Google Maps and the like. For those with cell phones that have a GPS unit built in, software to utilize the GPS is typically included. Like handheld units, various mounts can be purchased to make things safe for you and everyone else on the road while using your GPS.
How Does GPS Work?
Now that you have a better idea of what is on the market in terms of GPS units, it’s time to take a cursory look at how GPS works.
As you can imagine, GPS was originally intended for military use. Of course, it still is today (i.e. “smart bombs), but civilian use of GPS was permitted starting in the 1980s. For the military and average citizens around the world, GPS is based upon thirty satellites orbiting Earth around 12,000 miles above us. These satellites emit a high frequency radio signal that is picked up by a GPS receiver (i.e. a cell phone). In order to best pinpoint your position on the globe, a receiver will attempt to “triangulate” your position by connecting with the three nearest satellites. Because the satellites are constantly orbiting the Earth, the receiver will switch between satellites as one drifts away and another nears your position.
What does this mean for the average driver as they motor down the road? Simply put, these satellites are quite powerful and constantly blanket us with their high frequency radio signals. So as you are driving down a crowded highway or find yourself out in the middle of nowhere, these signals will reach your receiver. Once the signals have reached your receiver, your built in system, handheld or phone will decode the signal and give you vital information on your whereabouts. This vital information includes latitude, longitude, distance above sea level and speed.
With this information, the computer in your unit will decode where you are at and display it on a real time map. For example, your auto will be delineated by a small dot on the map and that dot will stay in constant motion as you travel.
Accuracy And What You Want
The general rule of thumb for any GPS device is the more you spend, the more accurate it will be. However, even discount GPS units are more than accurate enough for road navigation. Most civilian systems are accurate to around 15 meters. Unfortunately, civilians cannot access the accuracy that the military is accustomed to, but that shouldn’t stop you if you want to invest in a system.
Of course, budget is always a prime consideration. If you do not want to spend too much, find a small handheld or if you have a smart phone with Bluetooth capability, go with a small receiver that can be mounted almost anywhere in your auto. If you already have a cell phone with GPS capability, invest in a mount and you are set. If money is no object, shoot for the moon.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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