GPS Improvements

[AB4N]

Improvements to the satalite galaxy are in progress that will improve GPS accuracy. We may see these improvements within the next year! Read the following article for more info: www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0502/08gps2rm1/

[Xangxa]

If I remember correctly, the list of satellites is stored in the GPSr. Will that mean a new unit will have to be purchased, or do the big dogs (Garmin/Magellan) offer firmware updates?

The article was vague about the accuracy increase, and it referred to the current system as being accurate to within "feet." I wouldn't phrase current accuracy so optimistically. Maybe within rods, poles, or perches since even "yards" could be off by 10. ;D

I guess they won't know the actual accuracy until they have enough in the air for a 3D fix. Perhaps all we can hope for is more power, and better foliage penetration.

[AB4N]

Xangxa said:

If I remember correctly, the list of satellites is stored in the GPSr. Will that mean a new unit will have to be purchased, or do the big dogs (Garmin/Magellan) offer firmware updates?

I am not a GPS expert by any means, but if I understand correctly there are always 24 satellites that make up the galaxy, and then there are several auxiliary satellites in orbit as well. Should any of the 24 operational satellites go down a spare is put online, and I would guess it given the same address as the previous one. If that is the case then I would think that this new satellite would go online once it was in orbit and tested, and would then replace one of the existing satellites in the galaxy.