A new replacement for GPS

“A company called Rosum figured out how to pinpoint location using TV broadcast signals - using the vertical sync signal found in analog and digital signals. The system triangulates your position using other receivers that the company owns. Since TV signals reach deep into basements and buildings this system will work there, unlike GPS. One downside, for now it won't show vertical position (height). It also won't work in areas where there is no TV signal, like the middle of the ocean. But it does fill in holes that GPS can't fill.

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/business/technology/personal_technology/11601658.htm”

“Eventualy someone will come around and figure out how to combine both the technologies in order to get the best of both worlds.

Interesting, I never knew that GPS didnt work in buildings. I have never had or used one either so now I know.”

“frantic, they already have. The article mentions that they are going to release a GPS/TV system next year.”

“Thats strange I guess they shouldnt invest too heavily in this because 2006 is the deadline by which all broadcast stations must be digital capable and broadcasting. Then I believe 10 more years and they phase out analog broadcasts. This would remove the need for a H/V sync. I am not in the broadcast field but do know a few that are and that is what we were talking about last time he hung out. My bro also told me that they are planning on up-ing the transmitted output of the GPS satalites to increase performance in buildings and heavy vegetation. Anyhow just what I have heard.”

“According to the article, the sync info is encoded into the digital signals, too.”

“There has been a system known as DGPS for years. It stands for Differential Global Satellite Positioning System. They use ground based transmitters to supplement the existing constellation of transmitters to enhance accuracy. Some of the receivers that I investigated while shopping are DGPS capable. The ground based transmitters are still few and far between, but before selective availability was turned off during the Clinton era, it was the best way to get a truly accurate position on a civilian receiver.
last edited: 5/11/05 5:57:19 AM”

“Don't the "ground-based transmitters" constitute WAAS?”

“Before GPS when navigating offshore we used Loran C which is a radio broadcast. It worked pretty well and is still in use today for avation and nautical navigation. The accuracy was not as precise (500-1000 foot error) but it was good enough at the time.”

“The day is not far off when some kid will wonder how those old f@rts managed to find their way with map and compass. How utterly antiquated.”