Could you live without Sat Nav?
Discussion
The world's Global Positioning System (GPS), a global navigation satellite system, could collapse next year, warns US officials.
GPS uses a network of satellites that orbit the earth and beam signals back to pinpoint exact locations. These satellites are overseen by the US government.
However, a recent study revealed that the lack of investment in the satellites coupled with mis-management could see the system collapse, causing failures or the wrong information and directions being issued.
"It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption," the report said, despite the fact that $2bn is being spent on the system. "If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.
"In recent years, the Air Force has struggled to successfully build GPS satellites within cost and schedule goals. It encountered significant technical problems ... [and] struggled with a different contractor," the report added.
The first replacement satellite was expected at the start of 2007. However delays and technical problems mean its launch has been pushed back to November this year, which is nearly three years later than first planned.
GPS uses a network of satellites that orbit the earth and beam signals back to pinpoint exact locations. These satellites are overseen by the US government.
However, a recent study revealed that the lack of investment in the satellites coupled with mis-management could see the system collapse, causing failures or the wrong information and directions being issued.
"It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption," the report said, despite the fact that $2bn is being spent on the system. "If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.
"In recent years, the Air Force has struggled to successfully build GPS satellites within cost and schedule goals. It encountered significant technical problems ... [and] struggled with a different contractor," the report added.
The first replacement satellite was expected at the start of 2007. However delays and technical problems mean its launch has been pushed back to November this year, which is nearly three years later than first planned.
I doubt they would let the military side of GPS go down. They are just getting everyone prepared for s
te GPS signal when they divert all of their resources to the military GPS IMO.
ETA: I would still turn mine on, just to hear Jane talk to me. I can't drive without her anymore.
te GPS signal when they divert all of their resources to the military GPS IMO. ETA: I would still turn mine on, just to hear Jane talk to me. I can't drive without her anymore.
Edited by V6 on Wednesday 20th May 11:46
Prepare for a move to the sat-nav forum. 
My sat-nav has been knackered for ages and I can't say I've missed it. They are handy for finding your way around unfamiliar towns but for long journeys I much prefer doing it the old fashioned way.
I think too many people use them as a substitute for planning their journey. I have been a passenger loads of times with some-one who is lost and is spending more time watching the screen than the road and it is quite frankly scary how quickly concentration on the road goes out of the window.
My sat-nav has been knackered for ages and I can't say I've missed it. They are handy for finding your way around unfamiliar towns but for long journeys I much prefer doing it the old fashioned way.
I think too many people use them as a substitute for planning their journey. I have been a passenger loads of times with some-one who is lost and is spending more time watching the screen than the road and it is quite frankly scary how quickly concentration on the road goes out of the window.
ali_kat said:
I have maps (and can read them!)
And a compass (and I can read that as well!!)
Has a GPS - fully loaded with Ordnance Survey grade mapping.
Has spare batteries for the GPS.
Has a second set of spare batteries.
Has a GPS in his mobile phone and carries that too.
Has an Ordnance Survey paper map along with a proper hiking compass anyway. The batteries might run out. All the GPS satellites could all fall out of the sky together and one must be prepared.
Follows his location on the paper map at all times.
I like to know where I am. Yes. I am obsessive, compulsive about it.
Add to all that the usual mountain walking safety gear, spare food and photographic equipment and it's a hefty rucksack just to go down the shops.
Gassing Station | In-Car Electronics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff