GPS Fails In Cities: Norwegian Researchers Develop Breakthrough Solution
A team of scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has successfully developed a method to improve GPS accuracy in urban areas, where satellite signals are often disrupted by skyscrapers. The breakthrough, 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, the new method achieved accuracy within 10 centimeters during testing 90% of the time. "Cities are brutal for satellite navigation," Mohamadi explained. "We wanted to create a solution that would make reliable urban navigation accessible and affordable worldwide."
SmartNav uses machine learning algorithms to analyze wave patterns and correct for signal distortions caused by buildings. The system also incorporates Google's 3D building data, which provides detailed information about the layout of cities. By combining these sources, SmartNav can accurately determine a device's location even in areas with limited satellite visibility.
The problem of GPS accuracy in urban areas has long been a challenge for researchers and developers. Traditional GPS systems rely on signals from multiple satellites to determine a device's location. However, in densely populated cities, skyscrapers can block or distort these signals, leading to inaccuracies.
Mohamadi and his team began working on SmartNav several years ago, with the goal of creating a more reliable and affordable solution for urban navigation. "We knew that traditional GPS systems were not sufficient for urban areas," Mohamadi said. "Our goal was to develop a system that could provide accurate location information even in areas with limited satellite visibility."
The implications of SmartNav are significant, as it has the potential to improve public safety and transportation systems worldwide. For example, emergency responders could use SmartNav to quickly locate people in need of assistance, while taxi and ride-sharing services could rely on the system for more accurate navigation.
While SmartNav is still in its early stages, the researchers believe that their breakthrough solution has the potential to revolutionize urban navigation. "We're excited about the possibilities," Mohamadi said. "Our goal is to make reliable urban navigation accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or budget."
As for next steps, the NTNU team plans to continue refining SmartNav and testing its performance in various urban environments. They also hope to collaborate with industry partners to bring the technology to market.
In related news, researchers at other institutions are exploring similar solutions to improve GPS accuracy in urban areas. For example, a team at the University of California, Berkeley, is developing a system that uses machine learning algorithms to correct for signal distortions caused by buildings.
The development of SmartNav highlights the ongoing efforts of researchers and developers to improve GPS technology and make it more accessible to people worldwide. As cities continue to grow and urbanize, the need for reliable navigation systems will only increase, making breakthroughs like SmartNav essential for improving public safety and transportation systems.
Attribution:
Ardeshir Mohamadi, doctoral fellow at NTNU
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Google
University of California, Berkeley
*Reporting by Science.*
