More about GPS
How does GPS mapping software work?
The global positioning system (GPS) is a network of satellites that orbit the earth and send a signal to GPS receivers and Sat Navs, giving them the precise location, speed, and if you are in an aircraft or up a mountain, altitude.
To be really useful for navigation, GPS mapping software has to be kept up to date. Every year, some 5 percent of our roads are changed in some way. New bypasses are built, lanes are added to existing roads, speed limits changed, one-way systems introduced, and traffic signals changed. Your Sat Nav needs mapping software that is regularly updated.
This is the most obvious advantage of a digital mapping device, such as a Sat Nav. Long gone are the days or relying on a traditional paper map book that is almost obsolete in some areas before you get into your vehicle.
Digital mapping companies are working constantly to update the GPS mapping software and to make it available to Sat Nav users as quickly and efficiently as possible. Digital maps come with street level detail helping you to find your way from A to B as conveniently as possible.
The maps are not provided from the GPS satellites, they just provide the position lock that is then overlaid on the maps by your GPS receiver. All Sat Navs will come with preloaded maps, but to make sure you have the latest maps for your Sat Nav, you have to download the GPS mapping software regularly.
To update the mapping software on your GPS device requires a computer with an internet connection and the Sat Nav update software. You simply connect the Sat Nav to the computer, run the update software, while connected to the internet, and the latest maps will be installed into your GPS device ready to plan your next journey.
