Will Global Positioning Systems (GPS) ever replace conventional maps?
GPS is short for Global Positioning Systems. It is a positioning tool, not a map. The system uses 24 Medium Earth Orbit satellites to transmit microwave signals to earth. Using these signals, a GPS receiver is able to determine the location, direction and speed of the device.
GPS - or NAVSTAR GPS - was developed by the US Defense force and subsequently made available for free use to all. At least three satellites are required to enable a GPS device to determine and time.
GPS is today commonly available as a navigation tool. GPS receivers use conventional maps and satellite pictures to illustrate to us where we are and where we are going. Software contained on the GPS device allows the device to calculate the shortest or quickest route based on the input to the device and the the GPS position.
GPS is today available on a variety of navigation devices and fitted into cars and other devices. Many cell phones now have built in GPS.
Even before GPS became available, online versions of maps became available. But whether on paper or on a screen a map is a map. GPS devices may also use satellite images of the earth as an alternative to conventional maps. The satellite images may be combined with conventional map information to show street names on the image.
While conventional maps are still the basis of most GPS navigation systems, GPS can be used as an additional tool in improving the accuracy of maps.
The question is therefore not whether GPS will replace conventional maps, but whether GPS navigation devices will replace the use of conventional paper based maps. Already, many people have abandoned their paper maps in favour of a GPS navigation tool. Many use maps on the navigation device instead of a conventional map. Most people will switch to GPS navigation from reading a map.
Ebooks will never replace the conventional book. Computerised maps will never replace conventional maps on paper which provide the best overview of an area that you can get.
