Since the advent of technology, creators, inventors, and innovators have looked for a way to incorporate the convenience of having advanced capabilities in their daily lives. It is true that almost everything in this world is automated and is running with a snap of a finger and even a single voice command.
Today, having a car is a necessity that people associate with comfort and cost efficiency. After all, if you have to commute on a public vehicle day by day and easily feel tired due to the irritability that comes with your inevitable seatmate or whatever unfortunate circumstance you might encounter, maybe it’s time to put in extra working hours and invest in a car.
Cars nowadays come with a complete array of infotainment systems that aim to help, guide, and bring comfort to the driver and his passengers. It won’t be much of a surprise if your car has voice-activated Global Positioning System (GPS) that tells you what route you can take to go to Domino’s for a quick pizza break. Thus, the relationship of a driver and GPS began.
How does it work?
Let’s face it. If you are a shy person, you won’t stop and ask people for directions even if your life depends on it. With the help of GPS, you can avoid this awkward situation. Just type away and get instant answers. But how does it work accurately and astoundingly well? There’s a process involved, and it’s called triangulation. A GPS device—in your case, the one that’s installed in your car—sends out high-powered signals. Then, these signals are recognized and identified by a receiver. That receiver will then assess the distance of the satellite from each other on the basis of how long has the signal been picked up by at least three different satellites. Afterwards, results will pop on your screen that will let you know the location of each one.
This is just the basic function. Now, with continuous improvement and development, accuracy has been better than ever. Aside from directions, other environmental aspects such as traffic, climate, and other driving factors can be determined.
Tips to follow while using GPS
1. You are in control of the steering wheel, not the GPS – There is a reason why humans are said to be the most intelligent species on the planet Earth. Even if artificial intelligence is invented, these gadgets cannot overrule what the mind conceives. In that sense, it is important to note that your sound decision and instinct are your basic guide in driving. If your GPS points you to a sea or a dangerous cliff, blame the faulty receiver for misleading you.
2. Eyes always on the road – Whenever you are driving, make it a habit to remove distractions such as phones and other items so that your focus will be on the road.
3. Practice using it and test it beforehand – Never rely on a GPS unit that you have not yet tested. Using it while you’re on the road increases the risk of accidents. Make sure to know what features your GPS unit has. If you don’t plan on using one, choose a car that has a basic one as it can potentially save you money.
It is important to know that some GPS units are not the same as others. Thanks to the recent developments, there is now what we call GPS inertial simulation, which gauges the performance of existing GPS units. The information used in the testing process is later used to alter and improve systems all over the world.
