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 Coast East 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: Handheld Technologies: – – – – Smaller Screens Touch Pads Full Keyboards Long Lasting Batteries Receiver Technology – Internet Connections – Regular Updates – Streaming video – 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