Navigators

"We are harnessing power in the sky to chart a prosperous new course on the ground..." Vice President Al Gore

The Global Positioning System (GPS) may be the single most significant advance in the history of navigation. This new utility allows us to know exactly where we are on land, sea, and in the air, at all times, in all weather, anyplace in the world where there is a clear view of the sky.

The advent of GPS technology has had a revolutionary impact on all forms of positioning and navigation and has vastly broadened the definition of just who is a navigator. The impact of this technology is such that it can soon be expected to directly touch the lives of all Americans.

A consistent coordinate system is absolutely essential to the successful implementation of GPS navigation systems. NOAA, through its National Geodetic Survey (NGS), provides this coordinate system, called the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).

Projected Growth of U.S. Civil GPS Use in Navigation:

The maritime market for GPS will climb from $195 million in 1996 to $1.2 billion in 2006. In the same time frame the land transportation market, including automotive, farming, and mineral extraction will jump to $5 billion.

The augmented technique of differential GPS (DGPS) can be used to land airplanes; to track bus, truck, and taxi fleets; prevent train collisions and optimize the capacity of congested rail lines; and to allow ships to safely transit the Nation's waterways.

How does NOAA support GPS navigation?