By driving alongside a route, the navigation system always knows exactly where one is. Even if you continue driving, the arrow on the display always tracks your current location. Almost as if by magic. And even if you change direction or take a wrong turn, the navigation system knows where you are. How does the device always know where I am? How does the navigation system work?
GPS is the solution
GPS is the abbreviation for Global Positioning System. It was originally used for war purposes in order to be able to distinguish one’s own troops from those of the enemy more quickly and is still used for targeted attacks there today. In the “civilian version” the functionality is the same, but the accuracy is not the same.
The function of the GPS
The GPS is in constant contact with the satellites in orbit around the earth. The GPS sends a signal to the satellite, which reflects the signal back to the earth. Based on the response time, the navigator can calculate the distance to the satellite (s=v/t). This results in a circle, which limits the possible positions. Since we are only on one point on the circle, another signal is used.
Therefore there is a second satellite. This one again forms a circle. We can only be at one of the two intersections of the two circles. Finally, a third satellite is needed for the system to function properly. Now it can only be one of the two intersections. This is now the actual position of the car. To be on the safe side, the signal is sent to a fourth satellite, which checks the correctness.
Fields of application
Navigation
The classic is the navigation system. Its field of application is not limited to the car, but is also used in trucks, ships and airplanes. It is also widely believed that the mobile phone works on the same principle. However, this is not completely correct. Because the mobile phone gets its signals from the surrounding transmission masts. But if there are no transmission masts in the surrounding area or if there is no signal, then the locating process is over. The signal of the satellites works almost over the world and is therefore a reliable partner. In the navigation device review you will find the system that suits you best.
Tracker
In the meantime, almost everything can be “tracked” via apps and little helpers. Be it the dog, the daily trip by bike or a car. All these things can be tracked with a simple tracker and at any time you can check where the current position of the object to be monitored is.
Military
Probably the largest and most accurate application is in the military. Especially in America, they work very hard with it to have rockets, drones and much more on a screen all the time. Or so that the target can be precisely targeted and destroyed. The function is even more precise than how a civilian may ever use it.