Shift to GPS navigation slowed, but still steady

Modernizing the U.S. transportation system to use the global position system as the primary navigation means will continue but at a slower pace, according to a new plan released March 26 by the Transportation and Defense departments.

The 2001 Federal Radio Navigation Plan is revised and updated every two years by the two departments.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta praised the capability of GPS to improve almost every mode of transportation, but said the switch will take longer than first planned.

"[The] transition to GPS from current systems and the determination of what part of the current radio navigation infrastructure to retain is a complex matter involving government, industry and users," Mineta said. "We are seeking a sensible transition to satellite-based navigation services as our primary means of navigation, while recognizing the need to maintain backup navigation aids where required."

Although GPS promises far more accurate navigation information, the report by the President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection found GPS services and applications are susceptible to various types of interferences, and steps must be taken to minimize the effects of intentional interference.

In a briefing held after the report's release, Michael Shaw, director of radio navigation at the Transportation Department, said a study is under way to determine the level of backup systems needed to reinforce GPS. Its conclusions will form the basis for next year's plan, he said.

"We're trying to find a balance between 'everything goes' and 'everything stays.' The answer is somewhere in between," Shaw said. "Any good navigator never relies on one system, no matter how good it is."

Anti-jam technologies in receivers will be made available "to the maximum extent possible to the civil community," Shaw said, although the Defense Department will decide which technologies remain classified.

Launches of new satellites are scheduled in 2003 and 2005 to enhance GPS and provide protection from unintentional interference, Shaw said.