You dreamt you had one, your friends already have one, you often use your car to rush around and it would help avoid much quarrelling over directions... In short you need a navigation system. So to know how it works and to understand its multiple functions, follow the guide...
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide positioning system based on a network of 24 active satellites. Designed originally for military purposes, GPS was then adapted to serve as a navigation system for civil use. Only 4 of the 24 satellites available are needed to determine your vehicle's position. A receiver (a GPS antenna fitted in your car) receives the data sent by the satellites and then calculates the distance of your vehicle from each satellite.
The receiver then performs a triangulation calculation to determine your vehicle's position. As long as the GPS antenna can receive the satellite signals, your vehicle's position is constantly updated.
Essential equipment for GPS on-board navigation
- An on-board computer installed in the vehicle, with a screen to display information. - An antenna receiving all the signals sent by GPS satellites so that the exact position of the vehicle can be determined. - An odometer (to measure the vehicle's speed) and a gyroscope fitted inside the car so that its direction and speed can be determined. - A map CD-Rom containing the cartographic database and information on subjects such as hotels and restaurants, tourist attractions, and practical tips.
You are shown which route to take and are informed of any direction changes by a voice message (for instance, 'Turn right after 220 yards') and a screen display. You can also change direction en route and the system will recalculate your route.
If the antenna stops receiving the signals transmitted by the GPS antenna (when you are going through a tunnel for instance), the gyroscope and odometer take over, communicating the speed and direction of your vehicle to the on-board computer. This means that you always know where your vehicle is, so you can always be guided.
What information can the GPS system provide?
- Your vehicle's current position, with indication on the screen of your on-board computer (depending on the equipment); - Distance from your final destination; - Location of your final destination; - Route to be taken; - Speed of your vehicle; - Estimated time needed to reach your destination; - Estimated time of arrival; - A corrected itinerary for your vehicle if the route is changed.
ViaMichelin is a partner of the two leading manufacturers in the European market, Bosch Blaupunkt and VDO-Dayton, and is also a partner of the two foremost cartography firms in this market: Tele Atlas and NavTech. Tele Atlas and VDO-Dayton thus publish navigation CD-Roms featuring the contents of the Michelin Red Guide and Green Guide. On each navigation CD-Rom, you will have access to the selection of hotels and restaurants from The Michelin Red Guide, as well as practical and tourist information from The Michelin Green Guide. You will receive step-by-step guidance to a hotel, restaurant, tourist sight or other destination of your choice.
Which CD-Rom for which system?
- Tele Atlas and ViaMichelin offer navigation CD-Roms for France, Germany, GreatBritain, Benelux and Spain/Portugal which are compatible with the Travel Pilot systems from Bosch Blaupunkt.
- VDO and ViaMichelin offer navigation CD-Roms for France and Benelux which are compatible with VDO's 'MS' systems.
Order your car navigation CD-Roms from our online store.
