NAVIGATION SYSTEM
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Revision: 2006 November2007 350Z
GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
GPS (Global Positioning System) was developed for and is con-
trolled by the US Department of Defense. The system utilizes GPS
satellites (NAVSTAR), sending out radio waves while flying on an
orbit around the earth at an altitude of approximately 21,000 km
(13,100 miles).
The GPS receiver calculates the vehicle's position in three dimen-
sions (latitude/longitude/altitude) according to the time lag of the
radio waves received from four or more GPS satellites (three-dimen-
sional positioning). If radio waves were received only from three
GPS satellites, the GPS receiver calculates the vehicle's position in
two dimensions (latitude/longitude), and utilize the altitude data cal-
culated previously with radio waves from four or more GPS satellites
(two-dimensional positioning).
Position correction by GPS is not available while the vehicle is stopped.
Accuracy of GPS will deteriorate under the following conditions:
In two-dimensional positioning, GPS accuracy will deteriorate when altitude of the vehicle position
changes.
The accuracy can be even lower depending on the arrangement of the GPS satellites utilized for the posi-
tioning.
Position detection is not possible when vehicle is in an area where radio waves from the GPS satellite do
not reach, such as in a tunnel, parking lot in a building, and under an elevated highway. Radio waves from
the GPS satellites may not be received when some object is located over the GPS antenna.
NOTE:
Even a high-precision three dimensional positioning, the detection result has an error about 10 m (30ft).
Because the signals of GPS satellite is controlled by the Tracking and Control Center in the United States,
the accuracy may be degraded lower intentionally or the radio waves may stop.
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