Now the GPS navigation technology is all set to make your vehicle driving more convenient and pleasurable. The device used in navigation purpose is enabled with Global Positioning System (GPS), which tracks down an address as required. And provides the driver turn by turn directions to a selected destination by the best possible route.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, GPS is officially named NAVSTAR GPS. The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development.

Following the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued a directive making the system available for free for civilian use as a common good. Since then, GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed/direction, and time.

These satellites emit radio signals, which have digitally encoded information. Integrated GPS receivers receive these radio signals from the satellites. The software to arrive at the accurate position then processes these signals. The device to give an accurate positioning should receive signals from a minimum of 3 satellites. Nevertheless on any given time the receiver is capable of receiving signals from 12 satellites at a time.