Dead reckoning GPS tracks a car’s location when satellite signal is lost, using speed and heading data. It is less accurate than satellite guidance but useful in areas with poor signal. It may use different techniques to provide navigation services, but motorists should be aware of its limitations. Some GPS units require additional hardware for accuracy.
Dead reckoning GPS is a way for a global positioning system to track a person’s car after a satellite signal has been lost. The feature is available on many high-end car GPS models. Dead reckoning GPS works by being able to monitor a vehicle’s speed and heading, but is somewhat less accurate than actual satellite guidance. Dead reckoning technology becomes less accurate the longer the GPS system is out of contact with the satellites.
The main advantage of dead reckoning GPS is that it continues to monitor the course of a vehicle that has lost a satellite signal. This can happen, for example, in places where there are mountains, tunnels or large buildings. While current GPS technology is relatively reliable, there may still be cases where there are not enough satellites available to triangulate a solution, which is where the dead count functionality is so useful.
Dead count GPS could use a number of different techniques to help provide navigation services when satellites are unavailable. Some systems simply measure the average speed for a stretch of road based on the most recent data from the car and continue projections at that rate. Others may use a digital compass and a connection to the car’s internal sensors to help determine what the car’s speed and direction are to provide the most detailed information possible.
Motorists using GPS with dead reckoning should be aware that these backup methods will never be as accurate as satellite data. Most GPS models will, by default, notify the motorist when satellite information is no longer available and a backup method is being used. Motorists should always keep this option turned on so there is no question about what information the system relies on to give directions.
Given the fact that dead reckoning GPS will always make some assumptions to provide as much information as possible, the longer satellites are unavailable, the greater the chances of inaccurate information. Therefore, motorists who may be making turns shortly after the loss of the satellites will need to be especially aware. The instructions may still be relatively accurate, but everything needs to be checked.
Some GPS units that use dead reckoning technology require more hardware than a standard system. This hardware can be connected to the car’s speedometer so that the unit can accurately measure speed. Those who are not comfortable doing this will need to take the system to a professional installer before those capabilities are available.
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