Plenty of us relies on GPS (Global Positioning System) to approximate travel times, navigate to new locations, beat the traffic, and typically avoid getting lost. However, it is only sometimes the most dependable system, particularly in densely populated areas where a direct line of sight to and from a satellite is challenging.
Researchers have developed a new, enhanced technology that may eventually replace GPS in specific environments. It’s called SuperGPS, and it’s accurate to within 10 centimeters without relying on navigation satellite systems. The new technique employs networks similar to cell networks; instead of streaming data to our phones, the network obtains a precise fix on the device. The system uses a much larger radio signal bandwidth than is usual.
The SuperGPS system consists of transmitters, receivers, a data center, and a synchronized atomic clock. Fiber optic cables, in essence, serve as connections that keep everything in sync and accurate to one billionth of a second. The researchers have documented their system over 660 square meters in a test site with six radio transmitters. The timings of radio signals can be measured and interpreted to determine distance, which reveals the location of individual devices.
While Global Navigation Satellite Systems, such as GPS, have their uses and will continue to have them for a long time, experts are constantly looking for ways to improve and refine them. More testing will be required to establish this as a genuine GPS alternative. Although its transmission protocols and hardware are already in use, the proposed network-based system would take time to set up.
