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The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) recently printed an intriguing article about GPS reliance. As it turns out, the Royal Academy of Engineering has issued a warning to UK residents about GPS dependence. According to UK engineers, UK residents would have no form of back-up were GPS satellites to stop working.

The Royal Academy of Engineering stated that too many applications are dependent on GPS technology. As a result, the likelihood that these satellites could experience an outage is high. GPS jamming and various acts of God may be able to wipe out GPS satellites. Yet, UK engineers have also stated that this problem can be avoided.

Engineers have suggested a number of different possibilities that could make GPS back-ups stronger. One such suggestion urges the UK Government to seek better back-up and hardware solutions. Another idea is to make GPS jamming equipment illegal throughout the United Kingdom.

Lastly, the team of engineers suggests that people learn about the various vulnerabilities that GPS satellites face. Through awareness, people may be able to devise individual ways of backing up GPS technology.

UK Engineers have no doubt that GPS technology is useful and important. Throughout the world, people use GPS tracking devices for a number of different purposes. Many devices save lives while other devices are used for mapping and tracking. Without GPS, the world would likely be lost. Yet, this doesn’t solve the problem of satellite vulnerability.

GPS jammers are illegal within the United States. However, these devices are readily available online. Further, some believe that the U.S. is just as dependant on GPS technology as the UK is. As the Royal Academy of Engineering members have stated, there are ways to protect GPS satellites from all kinds of possible disasters.

Can you think of any ways that government can better protect GPS satellites?

Article Written by Harriette Halepis