Time to stock up on paper maps!

[chrismc]

Politics aside, this story illustrates how fragile the GPS system really is, and how we can't take it for granted. Up-and-coming technologies have the potential to cause massive disruptions to a service that many assume is bulletproof. GPS nav data should always be taken with a grain of salt, and a reality check using alternative navigation methods (visual, compass, maps, etc...) should be done anytime you are making a major navigation commitment.

Sweetheart deal for billionaire could cut off GPS service

"[Garmin's] engineers found that popular consumer GPS units started experiencing dropouts when approaching within 3.6 miles of a LightSquared transmitter. A commonly used aircraft navigation unit completely lost its fix within 5.6 miles."

 

[evldave]

Interesting that it was snuck in...I didn't hear anything about it and follow these things closely. That said, GPS is too integrated into life in the US for this to go through. If there really is a tangible effect on GPS signals, and there needs to be transmitters all around the country to run Lightsquared, it'll show up real fast, and the consumer outcry will have it shut down...not to mention it looks like DoD is concerned too.

Also looks like the company has until June to do an impact statement. That'll give action groups plenty of time to look at it and start complaining. I'd predict it either goes nowhere, or there are rules in place for the Lightsquared sites that limit their effect on GPS. If I remember correct, part of the original FCC ruling was that the Lightsquared system was required to not interfere with other wireless signals.

 

[bcrez]

Yeah i will believe it when I see it...

and if it happens I dont care all that much. I know how to use a map and compass. If anything that will cut out a lot of the newly seen traffic to back country sites. Totally ok in my book.

 

[chasespeed]

It wont fly.... too much at stake.

Besides, all those who rely on GPS.....dont rely on it.

Chase

 

[bwdenman]

GPS dummies up alot of people. They rely on what their GPS is telling them and not on common sense. I was riding with a guy through my old neighborhood and he started to turn right.

I said, "the freeway is on the left." His response was, "the GPS is telling me to turn right." I then said, "listen man, I grew up around here. I don't care what the GPS is saying the freeway is left." He turned right and 5 seconds after we turned the GPS said, "Recalculating, make a U-turn." I just stared out the passenger window tryng not to laugh.

 

[john101477]

Yeah i will believe it when I see it...

and if it happens I dont care all that much. I know how to use a map and compass. If anything that will cut out a lot of the newly seen traffic to back country sites. Totally ok in my book.

you were reading my mind lol. The once quiet and lonely areas i used to go now have vault restrooms and RV hookups. Seems like every time I find a new place i like to get to, a year or two later it is a hotspot for every one

 

[evldave]

Update: The DoD has weighed in on this and are concerned as well...the plot thickens...

http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/02/17/new-wireless-tech-jams-gps/

 

[AchillesBogart]

Sweet, I can finally justify my fetish towards paper maps.

 

[Fireman78]

Sweet, I can finally justify my fetish towards paper maps.

Thank you! (nice knowing I'm not the only one) :sombrero:

 

[zuren]

Sweet, I can finally justify my fetish towards paper maps.

I find GPS useful on the water (general boating, caught by fog, etc.) but have never been a fan with them in the car. I'm even leary of Google Maps anymore since they have been wrong for me so many times. People think I'm bringing out the Dead Sea Scrolls when I reach for my maps.

 

[yaknowthatguy]

I remember running Thomas Bros. maps in San Diego when I was a medic. Even if GPS was available then, the skill of paper mapping is too important.

When your truck dies and you have to walk two days out..... map and compass is a set of skills you can take with you. your gps might be worth no more than a paperweight.

 

[Wilbah]

I'm even leary of Google Maps anymore since they have been wrong for me so many times.

I actually like Google Maps....cause they have my house number marked wrong. So I figure I'll have a couple of minute head start if I see the Swat van and black helicopter circling the neighbors house!

I think everyone should learn how to work a map and a compass. That said I do like the convenience of GPS in a city I don't know. Yeah it might not take the shortest route all the time but it will get me where I need to be.