How GPS Works in Cars

Features

For those of us who are "directionally-impaired", a GPS device can go a long way towards simplifying everyday life. Also known as a "global positioning system", this technology is now included within a number of newer model cars. This is made possible through a receiver antenna on a car that communicates with satellites in space. Its main purpose is to let you know where you are, and how to get to your destination.

In addition to providing directions, GPS locators track vehicle mileage and speed, keep a record of your driving activity and track distance traveled. The more sophisticated devices can alert you when your car is stolen, and even let you know when your speeding. Car manufacturers that include this technology in their vehicles are Ford, BMW, General Motors and Lexus.

Function

Global Positioning Systems work off of a network of satellites that orbit the earth on a continual basis. The satellites act as locator devices that pass information back and forth with a car's antenna. Whenever a driver activates her GPS device, three satellites work together to locate the car using signals meant to narrow down the area and location. A fourth satellite analyzes the data generated from the other three to pinpoint a car's exact location.

The mapping interface inside the car is generated by information received from the satellites. Based on longitude and latitude calculations, the location of the car is indicated by an arrow-shaped icon on the console screen. The information that goes into the map is compiled by specialty map-making companies. GPS manufacturers purchase these map databases for inclusion in their navigational systems.

Differential GPS

Most GPS devices have a touch-screen display where the driver enters in his desired destination. The better the system, the more user-friendly this display will be. The display maps are based on real-word surveying, and data compiled from government sources with satellite imagery. When first using the system, users have to program the system for use with their vehicle. Once set-up, just enter a destination address on a touch screen using an onscreen keyboard.

The system relays direction information through a built-in speaker console as you drive. This voice automated feature can be turned on or off at your discretion. The map display can be set up to show close-up diagrams of each intersection as you progress towards your destination. Arrows on the diagram indicate which direction to turn. The more sophisticated systems display city attractions like hotels and restaurants, as well as provide alternate routes to destinations.

How to Find Out If My Car Is Being Tracked With GPS?

A GPS transmitter can be placed on a vehicle and used to send signals about an individual's whereabouts. Some employers use transmitters to track employees in company vehicles, while parents use transmitters to track teen drivers, but some people illegally use tracking devices to stalk others. To determine if your vehicle is being tracked by GPS, you have to physically look for the transmitter. A GPS device placed by a professional can be more difficult to find. Professionals often place the unit within the car's electrical components so it doesn't look out of place.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Look under the wheel wells of each tire. Sometimes GPS transmitters will be stuck in one of these places. A transmitter will be easy to spot here, so this place is usually not preferred by professionals who install tracking devices.
   • 2
     Find a GPS transmitter on metal surfaces. Some transmitters stick to the car with a magnet. Looking over all metal surfaces in the car and engine compartment could help you spot one of these types of transmitters.
   • 3
     Look in the spare tire. Depending upon your car, a spare tire could be located underneath the vehicle or inside the trunk. If you're looking at a tire inside the trunk, also look thoroughly in the spare tire compartment, which could be hiding the GPS transmitter.
   • 4
     Pull back loose interior pieces. Look for any loose pieces in the interior, which includes the trunk, that could be hiding a transmitter.
   • 5
     Look underneath the seats. The front sides can be physically removed, or you can use a mirror or flashlight to look underneath the seats for transmitter. The rear seat can be unhinged and removed. The rear seat is a good hiding place for a transmitter since so many people never remove the rear seat.
   • 6
     Check for a GPS transmitter in the glove box and other compartments in the interior. A novice may choose one of these spots. Make sure you open any envelopes or boxes that could be enclosing the transmitter.
   • 7
     Remove the car stereo and dash. A transmitter could be hiding behind the stereo or inside the dash. The dashboard can be difficult to remove, but it's an ideal place to place a GPS transmitter since it is so difficult to remove.
   • 8
     Remove the door panels and speaker covers. The door panels can be unhinged, but usually the door handles and knobs have to be removed before the panels can come off.
   • 9
     Open the hood and look around the engine, especially on the sides. To someone not familiar with car engines, a GPS transmitter can easily blend in. Carefully and slowly look over the entire engine. Use a mirror and flashlight to look in crevices. Get underneath the vehicle and look over the engine from the ground up.
   • 10
     Inspect underneath the entire vehicle. A mirror helps you to see underneath the entire car. A transmitter can easily be disguised within the metal, so you should perform this check several times.
   • 11
     Remove or look inside the bumper. You have to get underneath the car to see within the bumper.