Navigation Systems - Installing your own Nav Systems

There are few things more frustrating than getting lost while driving. To that end, on-board navigation systems have grown in popularity over the years. Through the use of a global positioning system, or GPS, drivers are now able to pinpoint their exact location and get precise directions to where they want to go.

How does a GPS system work? GPS receivers are in direct contact with a number of satellites in space. These satellites provide the GPS system with the precise coordinates of its location--including longitude, latitude, and altitude. Navigation systems built into these GPS devices usually include mapping software, which provides an exact address. With a starting point, the GPS navigation system can then calculate a route to any location within the satellite's view.

GPS technology uses a process known as trilateration in order to find its exact position. In order to do so, the GPS device needs to be in contact with four different satellites with which it can compare distances and calculate exact coordinates. Nowadays, these devices are so precise that they can provide consistent directions and coordinates to within less than five meters.

Nowadays, a growing number of car manufacturers are offering GPS navigation systems as an option in their vehicles. Even a number of high-end telephones such as the Palm Treo can be turned into a navigation system through its BlueTooth connectivity. Additionally, navigation systems designed for your car, such as the Tom Tom, offer "plug and play" installation, making them fast to set up and use.