Why GPS Fails In Cities. And What Researchers Think Could Fix It (sciencedaily.com)
(Sunday October 12, 2025 @10:40PM (EditorDavid)
from the taking-a-position dept.)
- Reference: 0179766406
- News link: https://science.slashdot.org/story/25/10/13/029238/why-gps-fails-in-cities-and-what-researchers-think-could-fix-it
- Source link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033124.htm
[1] ScienceDaily reports :
> Our everyday GPS struggles in "urban canyons," where skyscrapers bounce satellite signals, confusing even advanced navigation systems. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) scientists created SmartNav, combining satellite corrections, wave analysis, and Google's 3D building data for remarkable precision. Their method [2]achieved accuracy within 10 centimeters during testing [90% of the time]. The breakthrough could make reliable urban navigation accessible and affordable worldwide...
>
> "Cities are brutal for satellite navigation," explained Ardeshir Mohamadi. Mohamadi, a doctoral fellow at NTNU, is researching how to make affordable GPS receivers (like those found in smartphones and fitness watches) much more precise without depending on expensive external correction services.
[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033124.htm
[2] http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14498596.2025.2536567
> Our everyday GPS struggles in "urban canyons," where skyscrapers bounce satellite signals, confusing even advanced navigation systems. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) scientists created SmartNav, combining satellite corrections, wave analysis, and Google's 3D building data for remarkable precision. Their method [2]achieved accuracy within 10 centimeters during testing [90% of the time]. The breakthrough could make reliable urban navigation accessible and affordable worldwide...
>
> "Cities are brutal for satellite navigation," explained Ardeshir Mohamadi. Mohamadi, a doctoral fellow at NTNU, is researching how to make affordable GPS receivers (like those found in smartphones and fitness watches) much more precise without depending on expensive external correction services.
[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033124.htm
[2] http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14498596.2025.2536567
It's about time (Score:2)
by Ronin Developer ( 67677 )
We were in NYC the other week. Even walking through Central Park and using Apple Maps was a trial. It frequently misreported our position on the trails.
In the city proper, it was far worse.
Normally, Maps, Google Maps, and Waze are spot on...just not in NYC.
Solution in search of a problem (Score:2)
I've never had problems with GPS on my smartphone. Nor have I heard others complaining.
Re: Solution in search of a problem (Score:2)
You're probably utilizing a secondary location service like wifi or tower based location, which isn't as accurate as this claims to be.
Re: Solution in search of a problem (Score:2)
You've clearly never walked around Manhattan or any city with massive skyscrapers. This *is* a problem. Hell, there are spots in LA where there aren't skyscrapers and my GPS mapping fails.
Re: (Score:2)
Apparently you haven't done much driving among big city skyscrapers. GPS is very intermittent in large hubs of cities like NYC, Chicago, LA, Houston, and Dallas. Sometimes, when coming out of a parking garage, it can take minutes before the GPS picks up your location.