GPS Positioning

GPS positioning (Global Positioning System Positioning) refers to the core technology that utilises the GPS satellite constellation established and maintained by the US Department of Defense. By leveraging space radio ranging and geometric intersection principles, it delivers all-weather, high-precision 3D geographic coordinates (longitude, latitude, and altitude) and precise time baselines for ground and spatial moving targets, including all types of motor vehicles. As a vital foundational technology for in-car navigation, telematics connectivity, emergency response, and intelligent driving systems in the modern automotive industry, GPS positioning provides an indispensable spatial perception framework for vehicles.

Core Technical Architecture and Operating Principles

The technical architecture of GPS positioning primarily consists of the space satellite constellation, ground control stations, and onboard GNSS receivers paired with processing chipsets: 

Space Satellite Broadcast Ephemeris and Time Synchronisation: 

GPS satellites orbiting in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km continuously broadcast electromagnetic signals containing their precise orbital coordinates (ephemeris) and accurate time synchronisation from onboard atomic clocks. Once the vehicle's GPS antenna picks up these weak signals, it decodes the pseudo-random noise codes to calculate the precise time of flight required for the radio waves to travel from the satellites to the onboard receiver. 

Trilateration and Four-Satellite Joint Spatial Resolution:

The onboard positioning system employs the principle of spatial distance intersection by simultaneously locking onto at least four GPS satellites across different orbits to establish a system of mathematical equations. The first three satellites resolve the vehicle's longitude, latitude, and altitude within the Earth's 3D coordinate system, whilst the fourth satellite eliminates clock bias between the vehicle's low-cost quartz oscillator and the satellite atomic clocks, delivering real-time, high-precision tracking of vehicle location and travelling speed.

Safety Regulations and Physical Limitations

Prohibiting Blind Reliance on Standalone GPS in Dense Urban Canyons, Long Tunnels, Under Flyovers, or During Severe Electromagnetic Interference:

GPS signals have limited penetration and are highly vulnerable to satellite dropouts or multi-path interference (signal delay errors caused by reflections off building surfaces). Drivers and automated systems must never blindly rely on delayed GPS fixes in severe blind spots lacking multi-sensor fusion redundancy from Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), wheel speed sensors, or high-definition (HD) maps, preventing missed junctions or driving hazards caused by navigation failures.

Prohibiting the Illegal Installation and Use of High-Power GPS Signal Jammers or Spoofing Devices on Vehicles: 

Attempting to block location tracking using portable jamming hardware is strictly prohibited. Such radio interference severely disrupts traffic management, logistics fleet tracking, and automated emergency call (e-Call) systems across other vehicles on the road. Operating or installing unauthorised navigation jamming or spoofing equipment on any public road or vehicle is an offence, and violators investigated by enforcement authorities will face severe legal penalties.