Understanding GPS and Finding Your Way

Description

Understanding GPS and Navigation, The Basics for Non-Technical Users

GPS can be an incredibly powerful tool. It can help you find an address, explore an unfamiliar neighborhood, learn what intersections and points of interest are around you, and even take a virtual trip somewhere you’ve never been. But like any technology, GPS isn’t magic. It doesn’t know everything. It doesn’t always understand exactly what you’re looking for. Sometimes an address simply isn’t in its database. Sometimes a search produces surprising—or downright baffling—results. And sometimes the more information you give an app, the less successful your search becomes.

So how do you get the most from GPS? When should you trust what your navigation technology is telling you, and when should you stop, rethink your search, or try another approach?

That’s what we’re going to explore together in our two-session event, Understanding GPS and Finding Your Way.

This event is taught by Chris Nova, who has been using, testing, and professionally evaluating GPS products for over two decades. While we won’t be focusing on the technicalities of how GPS works up there in space, there’s still so much to learn, especially when you’re trying to be aware of your surroundings and travel confidently along a map. That’s essentially what GPS does and where it comes into play as you move from one location to another.

Why Should I Care About GPS?

Whether you travel independently every day or only occasionally find yourself in unfamiliar places, understanding how GPS works can help you make better use of the technology available to you.

GPS isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It can also provide valuable information about the world around you while you’re traveling—and, in some cases, even when you’re sitting comfortably at home.

During this two-session event, we’ll talk about what GPS can do, what it can’t do, and how to approach navigation technology with realistic expectations. We’ll also explore the vocabulary you need to know and understand clearly as you get started, or get better, using GPS technology.

Session One: GPS, Navigation, and Getting Better Results

Our first session will be packed with practical information, examples, and discussion. We’ll begin with an important question: Why should you care?

From there, we’ll explore:
What GPS Is, and What It Isn’t
We’ll talk about the basics of GPS and how navigation technology uses location information.
Just as importantly, we’ll discuss what GPS **isn’t**.
Understanding the limitations of GPS can help prevent frustration and make it easier to recognize when technology is giving you useful information—and when you may need another strategy.

Navigating Live With GPS

We’ll discuss some of the best ways to use GPS while you’re actually traveling.
How can GPS provide useful information in real time? What information should you pay attention to? And how can you use the tools available to you as part of your overall approach to getting around?

Intersections and Points of Interest

Have you ever wondered what else is around you while you’re traveling? Intersection announcements and points of interest can provide valuable context about your surroundings. We’ll discuss the value of hearing about streets, intersections, businesses, landmarks, and other locations as you move through an area.

Sometimes knowing what’s around you can be just as helpful as knowing where you’re going.

Exploring Somewhere Without Being There

One of the fascinating features available in some navigation tools is the ability to explore an area virtually. Want to check out a neighborhood before visiting? Curious about what’s near a hotel, restaurant, convention center, or other destination? Interested in taking a virtual walk through an unfamiliar area? We’ll discuss simulation—or virtual mode—and the idea of exploring a place without physically being there.

We’ll also talk about the why and why not. Virtual exploration can be incredibly useful, but it isn’t the same as being there. We’ll discuss what this type of exploration can help you understand and where its limitations may begin.

When the Address Doesn’t Exist

Sometimes you know an address is correct. You enter it into an app. And… Nothing. The GPS insists the address doesn’t exist. Or perhaps it gives you something completely different. What now?

We’ll talk about some strategies for trying a different search and approaching the problem from another direction.

And sometimes, less really is more.

A search packed with extra information isn’t always a better search. We’ll share some tips for simplifying searches and experimenting with different ways of entering the information you’re trying to find.

Current Navigation Apps and Hardware

There are more options than ever for people interested in accessible navigation. We’ll discuss some of the current apps and hardware that may be useful while navigating and talk about the different types of tools available. This portion of the discussion is designed to help you better understand the navigation landscape and consider which types of tools may work best for your own needs and preferences.

Session Two: Your Questions and Discussion

The second session is all about you. After exploring these topics together, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your questions, experiences, frustrations, discoveries, and ideas to the discussion. Have a GPS experience that made you laugh? Have you ever been completely baffled by a search result? Found a navigation strategy that works particularly well for you? Want help thinking through a GPS-related challenge? Bring it along! We’ll spend this session answering questions and having an open discussion about navigation technology and the many ways people use it.

Who Is This Event For?

This event may be especially helpful for blind and low vision technology users who:
* Want to better understand GPS and navigation technology.
* Are interested in learning about GPS, but are intimidated and don’t even know where to start.
* Are curious about exploring unfamiliar areas virtually.
* Want to get more useful information while traveling.
* Have experienced frustrating or unsuccessful address searches.
* Want to learn more about intersection and point-of-interest announcements.
* Enjoy asking questions and learning from the experiences of others.

You don’t need to be a GPS expert. In fact, if you’ve ever thought, “Why is this app telling me that?”, you’re probably in exactly the right place.

Join Us!

This virtual event takes place beginning Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. The first session will run approximately ninety minutes. The Question and Answer session takes place the following Tuesday, September 29 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Can’t attend live? Both sessions will be recorded for your reference any time. If you have a question, but can’t make the second session, feel free to email us your question in advance and we’ll do our best to answer on the call.

GPS and navigation technology can open up fascinating possibilities, but getting the most from these tools often means understanding both their strengths and their limitations. Join us as we explore what GPS is, what it isn’t, how to use it more effectively, and what to do when technology simply doesn’t seem to understand what you’re asking for.

And then come back for Session Two, where we’ll turn the conversation over to you.

Bring your questions. Bring your experiences. Bring your favorite navigation successes—and perhaps a few navigation disasters.

We look forward to exploring the world with you!