FCC chair says we’re too dependent on GPS and wants to explore ‘alternatives’. ( www.fcc.gov )

actionjbone , 10 days ago

So... maps?

entropicdrift , 10 days ago

Triangulation could be more efficient than GPS, in terms of energy use and such

spongebue , 10 days ago

Triangulation of what, exactly? GPS already triangulates your position based on what it receives from multiple satellites, yeah?

Ilovethebomb , 10 days ago

Cell towers, in an urban area you're typically within range of a couple.

gravitas_deficiency , 10 days ago

Triangulation of GPS signals is what allows the System to determine your Position Global(ly)

sndmn , 10 days ago

They should use that in GPS! /s

SaltySalamander , 10 days ago

GPS literally triangulates your position using 3 satellites. It's how it works.

Saik0Shinigami , 10 days ago

No, you need 4 minimum.

Two satellites intersection places you on a circle. (all points possible)

Three satellites intersection places you on two possible points.

The last satellite give you the exact location.

However, the 4th can be omitted if one of the 2 points is not in a sane location. (eg well below the crust). And it's trilateration not triangulation.

The reality is that your phone/device will use like a dozen satellites.

Ulrich , 10 days ago

Uhhh nope, that's incorrect.

The way triangulation works is by essentially measuring distance.

So 1 satellite distance puts you anywhere in a radius (circle) of that satellite.

2 Satellites puts you at 1 of 2 locations where those radiuses intersect.

3 satellites gives you a single location.

That's why it's called triangulation. Tri = 3

SaltySalamander , 10 days ago

three sats determine your accurate position. the fourth is for clock correction only.

Saik0Shinigami , 10 days ago

No.

Satellites project a sphere, you need 4 in order to get to a singular point. I've outlined each step. Fourth isn't for clock correction only. And even outlined why sometimes 3 is okay, but that requires additional logic that many gps devices sometimes can't compute, and even outlined that the vast majority of devices will use way more than 4.

https://gisgeography.com/trilateration-triangulation-gps/
https://www.gps.gov/multimedia/tutorials/trilateration/

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_geodesy/geo09_gps.html

lka1988 , 10 days ago

Phones already do that with cell towers. It's called A-GPS (augmented GPS). Cell towers, wifi, and even bluetooth, are used in addition to GPS/GLONASS/Galileo signals.

Drusas , 10 days ago

Time to bust out the compass.

bluGill , 10 days ago

I live in an area with a lot of iron. I cannot trust a compass to always point north. Generally I've had no problems in the woods: follow the trails that are on the maps, or at least stay close enough that you can always find them again and you are fine. (until of course you are not)