How does GPS work?
How does my TomTom device work?
Inside your TomTom Device
The GPS software and hardware
Put simply, your TomTom device consists of two distinct elements: the software and the hardware.
The GPS module
The GPS module in your TomTom device makes sure that the satellite signal is translated into co-ordinates pinpointing your exact location on the map.Once everything has been ‘started up’, the GPS module in your device calculates where you are from the satellite signals it receives. The satellites constantly send out signals and the module picks up those that are nearest to it. As you know, the GPS module works out its position by calculating its distance from at least four different satellites. But while your TomTom device may know its distance from these satellites, it still doesn’t know exactly where you are until it also knows where the satellites are positioned. Even then it’s not straightforward, as each satellite is constantly moving in orbit around the earth. This last problem is solved by the fact that the GPS signal the satellites send out contains so-called ‘almanac’ information. Information about such things as the altitude of the satellite, which satellite it is, its position in relation to the other satellites, and so forth. Using this information, your GPS module can translate these signals into co-ordinates, which it then sends on to the navigation application.Which is where your GPS module really comes into its own. Inside the module is a small, highly sensitive GPS chip that can receive and register signals even when it’s in very inaccessible locations, such as down narrow alleys, amongst high buildings or in dense woods. Which obviously greatly improves the accuracy and consistency of your TomTom device.