The abbreviation GPS means Global Positioning System, an expression that describes a satellite-based, global navigation system that is used to pinpoint locations on earth. It was first developed in the 1970s in the US, and was originally intended for military applications; meanwhile, the GPS system has also been made available for civilian use, above all by motor vehicles. In this case, positioning accuracy is narrowed down to about 10 metres.
The principle which informs the GPS system is based on satellites, which, through radio signals, constantly beam back to Earth current positioning data and exact time. Special GPS devices receive the signals from at least four different satellites, and, thus, constantly calculate their own position. This way, speed and movement direction of the receiver can be calculated, a fact which renders the application ideal when it comes to traffic.
GPS devices fitted inside motor vehicles are equipped with comprehensive software of geographical maps and topographical town maps, that allow motorists to orient themselves accordingly. Motorists simply enter their place of destination in the terminal device, and they are subsequently automatically directed to the chosen destination by means of mostly acoustic navigating instructions. First generation GPS receivers for motor vehicles were permanently installed devices, with the vehicle’s speed being calculated through the ABS (Antilock braking system) wheels’ sensors. The additional aid of a compass gave a standard orientation reading, a fact, which made determining positions rather inaccurate. Nowadays, the panorama is completely distinct: firstly, there are mobile devices, and, secondly, there are in-built GPS in vehicles that are satellite-based. Permanently installed devices are indeed more expensive, but they offer the advantage of being directly linked with the vehicle’s electronic system, and of being more accurate as they utilize the motor vehicle‘s own data like speed and acceleration. Moreover, in-built GPS systems function even in dead spots and tunnels.
Yet another advantage of the navigation system, is provided by the GPS anti-theft protection, whereby the device is utilized as a direction-finding transmitter. In fact, the system, in combination with a GSM module, (GSM is a mobile communication system) turns into a GPS tracking device; the system can be fitted in the vehicle at a later time, as well. If the vehicle is stolen, its exact coordinates will be, thus, transmitted to a service provider. Besides, by employing a special software programme, the vehicle’s owner can track the location of the vehicle via Internet on his (or her) PC.