Global Positioning System (GPS)

Your navigation system works out your route via the Global Positioning System (GPS). Originally developed for military purposes, the system has 32 satellites orbiting the earth on exact paths. These satellites continuously transmit signals which are detected by the GPS receivers in your navigation system. It has to receive signals from three satellites to determine its position within a range of 10 metres. Using the road maps stored in its memory, the navigation system then converts this information into your route recommendations.