If you are like millions of other drivers in the United States, you probably have a GPS device in your car or you want to get one. With recent advancements, these handy devices have become inexpensive and more available. But have you ever wondered how the technology actually works? Here is a brief breakdown of some of the things going on when you use your GPS device and other facts about the technology.
• The current Global Positioning System uses 24 satellites that are situated 10,900 nautical miles above the planet. They are spaced in such a way that at any given time, six satellites are visible from anywhere in the world.
• GPS units receive data from the nearest satellites which triangulate the data to find the unit’s location. The satellites also determine how fast the unit is moving, the elevation and the exact time.
• Selective availability made the public’s GPS less accurate than the system used by the U.S. military. However, that was turned off on May 1, 2000 and the units you find at your nearest department store are just as accurate as the ones the military uses today.
• The United States taxpayers have paid to create and provide GPS technology to the entire world.
Your GMC dealer has a number of new models equipped with the latest GPS units. Check one out today and never be lost again!
