What is GPS???

Have you often wondered what is GPS? GPS stands for "Global Positioning System". A GPS is a Global Navigation Satellite System that uses a number of satellites to send transmission data from earth, the satellite, and back again.

A GPS requires the use of a receiver that enables the system to determine elements such as location, time, direction and speed.

Today, it is common to see cars that have GPS systems included, however you may be surprised to discover that the GPS system was designed and developed by the United States Department of Defense. Originally, the system was referred to as the Navstar GPS, but today people simply refer to it as a GPS.

If in the unfortunate event your vehicle is stolen, you can track where it has been taken with GPS. In addition, you can program in your point of departure and destination and your GPS will give you complete directions for a trip. It can tell you how long your trip will take and the exact route you should take.

What is fascinating to note is that when the satellite receives the information regarding the user's location, it determines where the person is located based on the amount of time it takes for the satellite to obtain the information from the receiver. This is a process known as "triangulation". Since there are 24 satellites in orbit, the GPS system doesn't rely on the information obtained from one. It uses several more satellites to create a latitude and longitude reading. Then the system begins to add all the coordinates and information together and creates an electronic map.

Today's GPS systems are extremely accurate. The 24 satellites are constantly in motion, circling the earth. They have been estimated to travel at speeds of 7,000 miles per hour!

Navigation system are available on several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Visit us at Big Valley Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in Stockton, Calif., and we will be happy to demonstrate this amazing technology!