GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS (Global Positioning System) has been developed and controlled by the US Department of Defense. The system utilizes GPS satellite (NAVSTAR), sending out radio waves while flying on an orbit around the earth at the height of approx. 21,000 km (13,000 miles). The GPS receiver calculates the vehicle's position in three dimensions (latitude/longitude/altitude) according to the time lag of the radio waves received from four or more GPS satellites (three-dimensional positioning). If radio waves were received only from three GPS satellites, the GPS receiver calculates the vehicle's position in two dimensions (latitude/longitude), utilizing the altitude data calculated previously by using radio waves from four or more GPS satellites (two-dimensional positioning).

Fig 1: Pin-Pointing Vehicle Position Via Satellite

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Accuracy of the GPS will deteriorate under the following conditions.

• In two-dimensional positioning, the GPS accuracy will deteriorate when the altitude of the vehicle position changes.
• There may be an error of approximately 10 m(30 ft) in position detected by three-dimensional positioning, which is more accurate than two-dimensional positioning. The accuracy can be even lower depending on the arrangement of the GPS satellites utilized for the positioning.
• Position detection is not possible when the 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.
• Position correction by GPS is not available while the vehicle is stopped.