Humans have been exploring the geographies of this world since the dawn of history. Migrating in search of food or better conditions were often the motivation. These explorers have developed and used different types of tools to understand the geography, location, and passage to a particular destination. Some of these tools include maps, compasses, quadrants, and sextants. With the passage of time, these gadgets also got more sophisticated.
Today’s navigation systems use the Global Positioning System (GPS) which through a series of satellites can locate a position on the planet. These positions are used to mark roads, buildings, waterways, etc. to create maps. In simple words, a navigation system is the modernized form of maps.
Besides cars, navigation systems are installed in smartphones, tablets, laptops, fitness bands and other electronic devices. The goal of developing any technology is to assist human beings. Whether the idea is to reduce human effort or open people to new experiences, technology is always evolving.
Navigation systems were first developed to help people to navigate through areas which were not familiar to them. Maps were restricted to the description of a particular region at the moment they were drawn. When moving from region to region, maps for each area had to be carried on the journey. Remember those big map books in your car? Today’s navigation systems allow a person to have access to information about any parts of the world in a single click.
The primary purpose to use a navigation system is to get from point A to point B in an area along the most economical route. Saving time, fuel, and stress is every driver’s desire and why most people use GPS devices when driving. Being able to reroute a car around closed roads, heavy traffic or accidents allows traffic to continue running smoothly when unexpected events happen. The ability to reroute a vehicle also introduces the driver to new routes that are different from the familiar routes they usually take. This rerouting feature also comes in handy when the driver misses a turn. Instead of turning around and returning to the spot where the turn was missed, a navigation system can take the position of the car and create a different route to the desired destination.
Navigation systems are also helpful by instantly giving a driver information for a complicated route. Creating a course through a complex series of twists and turns is no problem.
Exploring a new area is now so much easier with a navigation system. Like any system, it is important to keep the navigation system’s data and maps up-to-date. Similar to the paper maps of old, the system is not useful if the information doesn’t reflect reality.
For more information, go to NavigationUpdates.com.
