* The US Department of Defense (DoD): The foundational technology, the Global Positioning System (GPS), was developed by the DoD. This provided the crucial satellite network for location data.
* Numerous companies and researchers: Many companies have contributed to the development of the hardware (GPS receivers), software (mapping and route planning algorithms), and user interfaces that make sat nav systems accessible and user-friendly. Specific companies that played a large role are difficult to pinpoint as the technology evolved gradually.
Therefore, it's impossible to credit a single individual or entity with creating sat nav. It's a collaborative effort built upon decades of research and technological advancements.