How does a car navigation system work?
Introduction to GPS The GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a system of 24 satellites that were placed in orbit by the U.S. Government for military use. They were used in US Military vehicles and on “smart weapons” for group positioning and terminal guidance. In the 1980s, however, the government made the system available for civilian use. While the system initially required the use of bulky devices that weren’t terribly accurate, now the devices are small enough to be used in handheld devices and civilian vehicles. GPS Satellites make 2 complete orbits per day, and transmit their time and location constantly. Many of the civilian GPS manufacturers who place their units inside of a vehicle make them compatible with satellite radio services, providing near universal coverage and integration of entertainment and convenience features. How Automotive GPS Works Automotive GPS units use the signal from those same GPS satellites to determine not only the car’s location, but also the locatio
