10 Years of GPS: Where Next?

10 Years of GPS: Where Next?


In the 10 years since the USA military was ordered to unscramble the GPS signal, the big benefit has been to increase accuracy from about 20+m to less than a few metres.

"Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and is freely accessible by anyone with a GPS receiver."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System

From SatNavs to Mobile phones GPS is integrating more and more into everyday lives. But will the car self drive you to the petrol station when the tank is almost empty? Will the bike tell you the nearest location to clean/fresh/tap water?

Using GPS in the future will be interesting gearlog says:
Predictive swiveling headlamps. "On higher-end cars, the headlamps swivel lift and right when you turn the wheel. With more accurate GPS, the car would start to turn the headlamps a second or two before the road curves. That adds a small measure of safety. Plus, on a dark country road at night, sometimes it's hard to recognize if you're seeing the road marking cuangled white rail fence 20 yards off the highway. The headlamps could help show you the way."
http://www.gearlog.com/2010/05/10_years_of_unscrambled_gps_th.php#more

GPS handset for the visually impaired

"The 3D map of the city is lifted up from the surface of the device and moves as you move, like a compass and with zoom, search, voice command, and everything. All in your palm. "

http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/04/22/gps-in-a-hand-disk/

Tam Tam GPS Flashlight

Personal Navigation with the ability to project your own custom route on the pavement or wall in front of you.


http://www.gizmag.com/tamtam-gps-flashlight-concept/14284/

Or the Scout – Portable Pedestrian Navigation Device
Intended to be used by people traveling about, connecting then with local knowledge, wisdom, and GPS information to guide them. It’s a digital compass is what it is. It encourages “uninhibited exploration, discovery, documentation, and sharing.”

http://www.yankodesign.com/images/design_news/2009/12/02/motobook01.jpg

How to power and maintain it all.
But the huge advances in powering and maintaining these devices (power cells, solar, wind charging etc) will help users no end with the previously frustrations of running out of power for the many devices that are out there to be consumed.