GPS and Cell Phone Technology FRS 142 The Science and Application of GPS Professor Edward Groth Jonathan Nussbaum

How Cell Phones Can Improve GPS DGPS Coverage Receiver Technology Marketability

DGPS Coverage Current DGPS Coverage for the U.S. and Canada: Detailed View: West CoastEast CoastWest CoastEast Coast

DGPS Coverage DGPS range can extend to 250 miles. However, conditions often limit it to as small a range as 25 miles What could boost this coverage?

DGPS Coverage Cingular

DGPS Coverage Verizon

DGPS Coverage Sprint

DGPS Coverage DGPS stations can be relatively inexpensive at low power

DGPS Coverage Are the benefits worth the cost? –Yes: –Extra coverage in rural areas –New towers not needed –High power DGPS could penetrate buildings –Cell companies could cut deal with GPS or Government –Coverage discrepancies worse in other countries –No: –Non-populated areas still not covered –Cell companies may not be compensated –Planned DGPS expansion

Receiver Technology Three Aspects that make an Impact: 1. Handheld Technologies: –Smaller Screens –Touch Pads –Full Keyboards –Long Lasting Batteries

Receiver Technology –2. Internet Connections –Regular Updates –Streaming video –3. Power –Longer lasting batteries –Easy to use chargers –Power Conservation Modes

Receiver Technology What does this mean? Longer lasting Easier to use and read Updated map access Real time plotting

Receiver Technology Potential Problems: Strain on batteries Cost of Service & Roaming Larger receivers Solutions: Subscription to offset cost Subscription to most used network

Marketability – The Cell Phone Phenomena Make the GPS receiver essential: –Urban –Suburban –Rural

Cell Phone Technology GPS easier to use, with more features Real time maps and photos of the area DGPS Coverage anywhere A potential “ground constellation” GPS Service Indoors, in the City