“GPS is triangulation. I was mapping SAM sites in the desert on land that hadn’t been mapped since 1927. 15 years ago BTW. “
There is a difference between civilian and government GPS. Mostly the civilian version has a built in limitation to the accuracy.
Most civilian GPS mapping devices attempt to convert the coordinates to an address using an internal database. If the database doesn’t have the address it will give you an approximate location. Coordinates are of little use to most people.
It's 50ft as of 1994, and requires 3 satellites to get a fix.
Handheld units for serious outdoor use are accurate, very accurate. The automotive units may be what you are talking about. Government degredation of signals ended long ago.