GPS technology plays a huge role in various industries across the globe, from transportation to agriculture and from disaster management to the preservation of species vulnerable to extinction. It has a different use in each industry, but the core purpose remains the same. Compared to how it worked initially, it now has a higher accuracy rate, quicker signal acquisition time, and improved reliability. And with the development of new satellites and further advancement in technology, the future looks even more promising.
The need for reliable GPS technology had long existed, and throughout the 20th century, frequent efforts were made in that direction. In the first quarter of the twentieth century, radio signals were used for navigation purposes, but it wasn’t until the late 1950s that the US started working on a satellite-based navigation system. The first satellite was launched in 1978, and even though it was primarily meant for military purposes, but when the constellation was fully functional by the year 1993, its widespread potential was recognized and thus allowed for civilian use a few years later.
Certain incidents during the last quarter of the 20th century made the case for a precise and reliable navigation system, ensuring quick advancement. One such incident happened in 1983 when a Korean Air Flight 007 strayed into Russian airspace due to errors in the navigation system and was shot down. In 1989, the US released the first handheld civilian GPS receiver, but the invention of differential GPS in the early 1990s not only improved the accuracy but also expanded its applications.
The huge impact of GPS technology on society and industries not only made navigation easier but also opened up new possibilities in several industries. For instance, the transportation industry has seen significant changes since then and keeps on improving. In agriculture, GPS technology has made its way to improve crop yields and lessen costs. In the surveying and mapping industry, GPS technology has revolutionized the process by replacing the traditional methods. The current trends in GPS technology include miniaturization, which has successfully focussed on making GPS devices more compact so as to be portable and easier to use. This has resulted in GPS tracking devices in smartphones and wearable fitness trackers and has also given way to their integration with cars, cameras, and pet collars.
Another trend is the integration of GPS technology with other technologies, and this has been made possible with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This has resulted in the collection, analysis, and usage of location data in huge quantities in real time. It has also paved the way for smart transportation systems, precision agriculture, and other applications aimed at efficiency and productivity. Improvement in accuracy and reliability has always been a dominant trend in GPS technology, and the integration of multiple satellite systems such as GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou has greatly improved positioning accuracy. To track objects with high level of precision, there has also been incredible advancement in signal processing techniques and hardware. Applications that of autonomous vehicles and drone delivery services, which require accurate location data has been made possible with these improvements.
An emerging trend is called quantum GPS, which combines quantum mechanics and GPS technology to create accurate location tracking on the concept of entanglement. Entanglement is a process where two or more than two particles connect with each other, irrespective of distance, to share information with each other. The result is highly precise real-time location tracking, which is not vulnerable to any external factors, including atmospheric conditions. In addition to its impact on traditional industries, one potential benefit that would stand out is its implication on national security and defense. The superior accuracy and resistance to jamming signals, it could enhance the safety of agents involved in combating terrorism.
Another emerging trend in the GPS technology is the autonomous vehicles. These vehicles work solely rely on GPS data and a specific combination of sensors to navigate the surroundings and reach their destination. Without any human interference, GPS enables such vehicles to track their location in real time with reference to other factors, such as road conditions and traffic patterns. Consequently, the risk involved is reduced as a result of accurate GPS guidance. In addition to that, another exciting trend that is emerging is the integration of GPS with Augmented reality. An example of such integration is the use of augmented reality in navigation apps. By using GPS data, these applications accurately guide users to their destination while overlaying digital arrows and pathways onto the real world. This not only makes the navigation more intuitive but also adds fun and excitement to the process.
Artificial intelligence is also finding its usage in GPS. Predictive analysis in one such trend is the machine learning algorithms using historical and real-time data to predict traffic patterns, weather conditions, and other external factors that may affect a route. This makes navigation more efficient by providing information to users with alternative routes and estimated travel times. These algorithms also learn from the user’s behavior to personalize GPS services for individuals.
Having revolutionized navigation on Earth, GPS has now also started to play a crucial role in space navigation. It uses the same technology to track spacecraft and guide them toward their destination in outer space. It has not only allowed for safe and efficient navigation through the vastness of space but has also enabled the successful landing of rovers on Mars and other planets and explores their surface in detail. With the new trends and innovations in GPS technology, a constant expansion in human exploration and discovery has emerged, which is expected to continue.