The GPS software and hardware
Your TomTom simply consists of just two clear cut elements – the hard ware and the software
A mini computer within the device assures smooth functioning of the software. The software can be found either on the hard disk or on the SD card, depending upon the device you have got. The hard disk has got a capacity to store upto about 20 GB of data.
The computer holding the boot loader looks for the SD card or the hard disk for the software and the map data. Later the software is transferred into the internal RAM memory of 64MB and initiates the software. Only the part of the map that is really required at that instant is later loaded.
The functionality of the hardware and its working is properly monitored by the Linux system. The hardware initiates navigation application and the GPS which later reads the settings you have installed like your voice preference, chosen route and so.
The GPS Module
The job of translating satellite signal into co ordinates pointing your exact location on the map is done by GPS Module.
Once all the things are been initialized, the GPS module in your device estimates your location using the received satellite signals. The satellite constantly sends signals so that the module picks up any one which is near by. In general, the position is worked out by the GPS module by calculating its distance from at the least 4 different satellites.
TomTom is quite different, it knows its distance from the satellites but not exactly until it knows the position of the satellites. Still it is not definite, since each satellite constantly moves around the earth in orbit. Almanac information which is about the altitude of the satellite, its position in relation to other satellites, identifies the satellite and more. Using these information the GPS module translates these signals into co ordinates which is been later sent to navigation applications.
The module is small and highly sensitive GPS chip can receive as well as register signals even at an unavailable locations like dense wood regions, between high buildings and more. Which evidently improves the consistency and accuracy of TomTom device.
The GPS software and hardware
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