GPS (Global Positioning System)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan 350Z. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

GPS (Global Positioning System) was developed for and is controlled by the US Department of Defense. The system utilizes GPS satellites (NAVSTAR), sending out radio waves while flying on an orbit around the earth at an altitude of approximately 21, 000 km.

The GPS receiver calculates the vehicle's position in three dimensions (latitude/longitude/altitude) according to the time lag of the radio waves received from four or more GPS satellites (three-dimensional positioning). If radio waves were received only from three GPS satellites, the GPS receiver calculates the vehicle's position in two dimensions (latitude/longitude), utilizing the altitude data calculated previously with radio waves from four or more GPS satellites (two-dimensional positioning).

Fig 1: Receiving Signals From GPS Satellite

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Position correction by GPS is not available while the vehicle is stopped. Accuracy of GPS will deteriorate under the following conditions:

In two-dimensional positioning, GPS accuracy will deteriorate when altitude of the vehicle position changes.
The accuracy can be even lower depending on the arrangement of the GPS satellites utilized for the positioning.
Position detection is not possible when vehicle is in an area where radio waves from the GPS satellite do not reach, such as in a tunnel, parking lot in a building, and under an elevated highway. Radio waves from the GPS satellites may not be received when some object is located over the GPS antenna.

NOTE:

Even a high-precision three dimensional positioning, the detection result has an error about 10 m.
Because the signals of GPS satellite is controlled by the Tracking and Control Center in the United States, the accuracy may be degraded lower intentionally or the radio waves may stop.