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How on Earth does Navigation work?

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Justin Pritchard
Got a sense of direction? Lucky you.
Got a sense of direction? Lucky you.

But if you're like me, chances are you'll need a navigation system installed to your next ride. The technology is now better than ever- and NAV can take the stress out of driving in strange towns, or mask the fact that you haven't got a clue what's happening when someone gives you directions.

That's just the start.

Most systems can search for a certain location by name or category, while a pretty female voice guides you there, turn by turn. They nearly all use a big, bright screen- some of which integrate a backup camera, audio controls and even a cellular phone interface.

To learn more, I asked Mazda's Product Strategies Department a few questions about the benefits of a navigation (NAV) system, who uses them, and how they work.

Mazda's started offering the technology in many of their machines that will be sold to buyers who travel frequently- on family road trips, business, and the like. NAV is also popular with those that purchase the most well equipped models.

Mazda CX-9

Budget-minded buyers needn't worry though- as one no longer needs to drive a leather-clad premium sedan or SUV to get a navigation system. Even lower-priced models, like the Mazda 5 for instance, have it available.

If you've ever driven or been aboard a NAV-equipped car, you've probably had a few questions. For instance, you may wonder how the system knows the name of every street, the details of any city, and where all the points of interest are- from banks to parking lots to Chinese restaurants. You might be surprised at the answer.

The team at Mazda says that geographic specialists travel across the world in vehicles equipped with data collection equipment. As they travel, this equipment records millions of details- including specific points of interest, geographical information and much more.

The detail level is mind-boggling, and even moreso when one thinks of the level of work that goes into programming. Someone's had to drive up and down every street in every country that's got a map.

Drivers in growing communities need not worry about their map going out of date- as updates are available from Mazda or various mapping suppliers to provide the latest information.

So how does it all work? The system detects signals from multiple GPS satellites orbiting high above the earth. The NAV computer uses these signals to measure the distance between the vehicle and the satellite(s) above. This tells it, numerically, where on the earth's surface that the vehicle is located.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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