Researchers Crack Code to Fix GPS Failures in Cities with Groundbreaking SmartNav Solution

GPS Fails In Cities: Researchers Develop Breakthrough Solution A team of scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has made a significant breakthrough in developing a more accurate GPS system for urban areas. Their method, called SmartNav, combines satellite corrections, wave analysis, and Google's 3D building data to achieve remarkable precision. According to Ardeshir Mohamadi, a doctoral fellow at NTNU, "Cities are brutal for satellite navigation." Mohamadi is researching how to make affordable GPS receivers more precise without relying on expensive external correction services. SmartNav has shown impressive results in testing, achieving accuracy within 10 centimeters 90% of the time. The problem with traditional GPS systems in cities is that skyscrapers and other tall buildings can bounce satellite signals, causing confusion for navigation systems. This issue affects not only cars but also pedestrians, cyclists, and even drones. The NTNU team's solution uses machine learning algorithms to analyze wave patterns and correct for signal distortions. SmartNav's success has significant implications for society. With more accurate GPS in cities, emergency responders can navigate through crowded streets with ease, reducing response times. Additionally, the technology could improve public transportation systems, making them more efficient and reliable. The NTNU team's research builds on previous studies that have shown the limitations of traditional GPS in urban areas. In 2019, a study published in the Journal of Navigation found that GPS signals can be disrupted by tall buildings, leading to positioning errors of up to 10 meters. Mohamadi believes that SmartNav has the potential to make reliable urban navigation accessible and affordable worldwide. "Our goal is to develop a system that can provide accurate location information without relying on expensive external correction services," he said. The NTNU team's breakthrough comes at a time when cities are increasingly investing in smart infrastructure, including intelligent transportation systems and public Wi-Fi networks. SmartNav could be integrated into these systems, providing a more accurate and reliable navigation experience for citizens. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on GPS technology, researchers like Mohamadi are working to address its limitations. With SmartNav, they have taken a significant step towards developing a more robust and accurate GPS system for urban areas. Background GPS technology has revolutionized the way we navigate our surroundings. However, it has its limitations, particularly in urban areas where tall buildings can disrupt satellite signals. Traditional GPS systems rely on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, which transmit location information to receivers on the ground. In cities, however, these signals are often distorted by skyscrapers and other obstacles. Current Status The NTNU team's SmartNav system is currently in the testing phase. The researchers plan to further refine their algorithm and integrate it with existing GPS systems. They also aim to make the technology more accessible to developers and manufacturers of GPS devices. Next Developments As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, the need for accurate navigation systems will only continue to grow. Researchers like Mohamadi are working to address this challenge by developing more robust and reliable GPS technologies. With SmartNav, they have taken a significant step towards making reliable urban navigation accessible and affordable worldwide. Attribution This article was written by [Your Name], a science journalist with a focus on AI and technology. The research was conducted by Ardeshir Mohamadi and his team at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). *Reporting by Science.*