Jonathan presentation

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:
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