How Does Sat Nav Work?


How Does Sat Nav Work?

By using a network of Global Positioning Satellites which orbit the earth. The GPS locks into your sat nav receiver locating its position on the surface of the earth. Calculating longitude, latitude and altitude the position is laid over a standard road map which accurately reveals the drivers position to within ten metres. Built-in software can also decide the easiest route between any two given points on the map and can combine average road speeds and other data, if necessary, to advise you on arrival times and road conditions on route.

What Else Do Sat Navs Do?

Modern systems offer voice instructions to advise you as you travel along your route. Turn right in 50 metres, for instance. Many models also use a coloured screen to highlight your route. Screens can be 2-D or 3-D models. The best systems let you type in your destination as a post code which is more precise than inputting the full address. Many systems inform you of the required speed limit at any given time, traffic information such as congestion ahead and even identify upcoming speed traps.