Sat Nav Explained – How it Works and What Information it Gives You

Satellite Navigation can either be the best gadget in the car or the worst, depending on the settings you’re using and how up-to-date their information is. When used properly though, sat navs are indispensable as they give you precise directions to any address you put in, whether in the UK or in Europe.

How do sat navs work?

In simple terms satellite navigation systems use GPS technology to direct you to your desired location. Satellites detect where you are from your longitude and latitude coordinates and then your sat nav system uses this information to plot the fastest or shortest route to the place you want to go – which has its own set of coordinates. Most sat navs today have every address in the UK and Europe pre programmed and by entering a postcode you can plan a journey to anywhere in the country with the touch of a button.

What else can they do?

Depending on which make and model you buy, you can also get information about the different types of shopping facilities in the vicinity, where the nearest petrol station is, where you can find entertainment such as cinemas and theatres and where the nearest cash point is. Your sat nav can also tell you when speed cameras are in the area and when the road you’re travelling is congested or blocked. As sat navs become more and more sophisticated the manufacturers will add further benefits and who knows what they’ll be able to do a few years from now.