These days, cars are advanced vehicles loaded with modern technology. They all play an essential role in the control process and also allow you to achieve the highest level of safety and comfort. Of course, one of the critical systems used in all cars, without exception, is geolocation. We want to tell you about its modern versions in our article.
Why do we need geolocation systems for cars?
For modern cars, geolocation systems are critical. The information they provide is used in various processes that make travel more accessible, economical and safer. However, let’s talk about everything in order. Let’s start with the fact that data on the car’s position allows its owner to find out where his vehicle is at any time. This helps you navigate while driving on unfamiliar roads and makes it possible to build the shortest possible routes. In addition, data received from geolocation systems allows you to track the vehicle’s location in real time. All of the above makes any trip more accessible, regardless of distance and route.
Thanks to modern geolocation systems used in cars, you can save money. This becomes possible thanks to the compilation of the shortest possible routes mentioned above. Driving on them uses less fuel/battery power and does not wear out the various elements of the vehicle’s structure as much. Another reason to thank the creators of geolocation systems is the reduced risk of emergencies. Modern cars have a variety of security systems that use data about the vehicle’s location. They are superimposed on information received from other sensors and cameras, making it possible to gain complete control over the situation on the road. In addition, knowing the location of a vehicle, you can always prevent its theft or quickly find an already stolen car.
Modern geolocation systems
Currently, not many geolocation systems are suitable for use in cars. All of them provide global coverage and make it possible to obtain data on a vehicle’s location anywhere in the world.
GPS
By buying cars at car dealerships or at Halifax car auction, or at any other city in North America, you automatically become the owner of a car that uses GPS. This geolocation system is often used, as it is considered as simple and effective as possible. It consists of 24 satellites launched into Earth orbit between 1974 and 1993. These objects are constantly in space, making it possible to cover the entire planet with a signal.
GPS receivers are used in cars to operate the system effectively. Most often, they are located under the dashboard, but they can be installed in other parts of the vehicle in some cases. The GPS receiver receives signals from satellites. Next, it processes the received information and displays the car’s exact location with an error of no more than 3 meters. As you move, the data is updated at specific intervals, making it possible to track the vehicle’s position in real time.
Galileo
The second most popular geolocation system is Galileo. It is named after the outstanding Italian scientist Galileo Galilei, known for his physics, mathematics, and astronomy discoveries. This system appeared relatively recently. It was first tested in practice in 2016 and quickly became popular in many countries worldwide. Today, the Galileo system is a project that uses 23 orbiting satellites (7 more are at the commissioning stage) and two specialized ground centers. The latter provide control over the satellites and are responsible for providing correct navigation information.
Galileo is the most accurate geolocation system. It makes it possible to determine the car’s location with an error of 1 meter, which is three times more precise than GPS. The operating principle of Galileo is not much different from that used in the American system. A particular signal receiver is installed in the car, which receives satellite data. The information is processed and displayed as a point on the map corresponding to the vehicle’s location. Thanks to frequent updates of information, obtaining data in real-time is possible.
BeiDou
China has long been looking for an alternative to the American GPS navigation system, so it created BeiDou at the beginning of the 21st century. In some countries, this system is known as BDS. BeiDou is wholly owned and operated by China. Initially, it was intended solely to provide geolocation data to the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom. The first stage of this project was implemented in 2000. BeiDou-1 included only three satellites, which operated until 2012. Next, BeiDou-2, which already had 16 satellites, was put into operation. Thanks to this, it was possible to expand coverage and provide residents of the Asia-Pacific region with the opportunity to use the system. In 2020, BeiDou-3 was launched, which provided global coverage, and today, it has become a full-fledged competitor to GPS and Galileo.
The operation of China’s modern geolocation system is ensured by 48 satellites (5 are not currently used). They are located in 3 different orbits and are designed to cover specific regions. For example, only three satellites are used to provide navigation information to the residents of China. The exact amount is needed for the Asia-Pacific region. The remaining satellites are part of a global system that spans the entire world. In addition to the space segment, BeiDou has a ground segment. It includes several highly specialized stations that control the operation of the system.
BeiDou is considered less accurate than GPS and Galileo. The vehicle owner must have a particular sensor, antenna or similar product to receive data. In most cases, they are already available on Chinese-made cars, which are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide yearly. The selected device picks up signals from satellites. It is then processed, and the driver can see the location of his vehicle on the display. As with GPS and Galileo, the data is updated frequently so everyone can receive information about the vehicle’s position anytime.
Geolocation systems are an essential component of modern cars. They help obtain information about the vehicle’s location, which is necessary for planning a route, improving the control process, increasing road safety and much more. Thanks to GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou, we can quickly reach our destination, reducing financial costs and minimizing wasted time. All this plays a crucial role in creating a positive image of modern cars and makes them our indispensable everyday assistants.
