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About GPS Technology
The Global Positioning System (GPS), developed by the U.S. Department
of Defense, is a constellation of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth twice daily.
Each satellite contains an atomic clock that is accurate to the nanosecond, and
constantly emitting radio waves toward Earth.
GPS sensors (hardware devices for receiving data) can receive these signals from
the satellites, and using their own internal clock can calculate the amount of time
it has taken for the signal to be received. GPS relies on the fact that radio waves
travel at the speed of light to calculate distances, and the exact location of the
sensor is figured by combining the data received from four satellites.
Using the data from these four satellites, GPS is able to give you the latitude,
longitude and elevation of your present location, and also your road speed and
direction of travel on a route. Given the right conditions, a GPS sensor can
identify your geographic position anywhere in the world within a matter of a few
meters.
How CoPilot Uses GPS
CoPilot uses the GPS positional data that it receives from the hardware unit you
place on your dashboard to display your current position on a map as you drive.
This is called "tracking". CoPilot also uses the GPS data it receives to guide you
along your planned route if you enter a destination on your Pocket PC. CoPilot
guides you with audible prompts as you drive as well as on-screen directions.
Tracking will begin automatically when you have satellite reception. In order
to get route guidance, you have to enter a destination on your Pocket PC.
Tracking may also be used without receiving guidance instructions when you’re
in Navigating Mode. In this case, you'll see your trip tracked on the map on your
Pocket PC as you drive, but you won't see a highlighted route on the map and
you won't be given driving directions.
GPS Accuracy
The GPS signal CoPilot receives from the constellation of satellites
has a rated accuracy of within 5 - 10 meters. This means that 95% of the time
the reported location is within 15 - 30 feet of your exact position. CoPilot takes
this location information and enhances it further by "snapping" it to our street
and highway network. Occasionally, CoPilot will place you on the wrong road.
If this occurs, keep driving and CoPilot will automatically correct itself and find
your proper position.
At times, CoPilot's GPS tracking will be less accurate or fail to work at all
because the unit is unable to receive satellite signals. Heavy foliage, tall buildings,
or any other structures obstructing communications will interfere with CoPilot's
ability to track your location. Like your car radio, GPS tracking can also be
affected by weather conditions if severe. CoPilot will continue tracking as soon as
adequate signals are available. Despite these limitations, you can expect CoPilot
to provide you with useable and accurate information most of the time. CoPilot
will alert you if accurate information is unavailable.
Data Corrections
The ALK map database undergoes constant revision as we strive to provide you
with the highest quality product. Revisions include the addition of new roads,
roadway upgrades, and the addition of new streets and addresses. If you encoun-
ter missing or inaccurate map data, please contact us so that we can include it in
our updates.
The single best way to convey data corrections is through the submission of your
GPS tracks-every time CoPilot is on it records a GPS track that contains position
information that ALK uses to realign existing roads, fix one-way designations and
add new roads.
To submit GPS tracks from within CoPilot:
1. Connect you Pocket PC to your desktop via Activesync.
2. Make sure you have Internet access from your desktop.
3. Open CoPilot on your desktop.
4. From the top toolbar select GPS > Submit GPS Tracks.
5. CoPilot pulls the GPS tracks from your Pocket PC and sends them to ALK
electronically.
To submit GPS tracks by E-mail:
On your Pocket PC your GPS tracks (files that end with .gps) are stored in your
My Documents > gpstracks folder.
If your map data is loaded onto a storage card, your tracks are stored in
the My Documents > gpstracks folder on that storage card.
If your map data is loaded onto your device memory, your tracks are
stored in the My Documents > gpstracks folder on your device.
1. Copy all GPS tracks to your desktop
2. Send them as an email attachment to data@alk.com
Specific Data Notes
Electronic Submission:
You can use our built-in Data Corrections form to supplement any GPS tracks
you submit. This form has space to make notes regarding specific problems with
map data.
1. Make sure your desktop is connected to the Internet
2. Open CoPilot on your desktop