Tech tips -
I had the opportunity to attend some training a few weeks ago. The basis of the training was about how computers find their way around a network and the internet in general.
While out of town, I had the chance to try one of those new auto GPS navigation systems. Now, don't get me wrong, this navigation system was not installed in my truck. My truck is in fact anti-technology. No power windows or door locks, no AC, and not even so much as a CD player! This GPS pretty much came right out of the box, was plugged into my cigarette lighter and stuck to the windshield.
In short, I was impressed. The detail of the maps, quality of the screen, the accuracy and the ease of use; all I can say is wow! I want one.
Before leaving town, I had to stop by the airport so I asked the woman on the front desk of the hotel the fastest way to get there from here. She told me what road to take and what exit this would take me to.
Of course, you know what comes next. Would the GPS agree with her instructions? Let's follow the GPS; nope, it didn't tell us to take her suggested route but instead it took us in more of a loop. While following this loop, I noticed the exit the hotel clerk told me to take. Yep, the hotel clerk with her local knowledge won hands down.
I began to wonder just how these navigation systems find their way around. This is a summary of what I found out.
Setting aside all the extra bells and whistles, these things are really two separate entities, a GPS and a digital map. It is the onboard software that brings the two together.
You probably already know all you would want to know about the GPS side of things. They have been around for a long time. The only thing that might be surprising to some people is that the GPS receives info from four satellites to get truly accurate location information. You might also be surprised to know that the time displayed on the GPS is probably as accurate as the Atomic clocks on the satellites itself as the GPS will adjust its time to match after all the corrections are worked out.
So, the GPS tells you your location. That doesn't really mean much to you unless you can see it on a map.
This is the part I find really interesting. Most of the digital maps come from just a few major map-making companies. One of those companies, Navteq say on their website that they have over 1,000 geographic analysts who literally drive the roads collecting and verifying road network information. They also collect other information like exits, addresses, and turn restrictions, hotels, gas stations and other points of interest. Cool! Check out their website at www.navteq.com for more detail.
Another map company, Tele Atlas, (www.teleatlas.com) says that in addition to their data collecting vans that travel the roads, they also use independent sources, satellite images and aerial photographs to help produce their data. You can even report an error in their maps via their website.
Ok, so after learning all this, was the test between the hotel clerk and the GPS a fair one. I have to say no. Here is why. I should have downloaded the most up-to-date map for my device and uploaded it to the unit first. Roads change so maps change. How long was that unit sitting in the store? I don't know. Would the new map have the new road? I don't know. However, I think a rematch is required!
toddmusseau@gmail.com
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