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BOX 7-B Position, Navigation, and Timing Technology

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) provides positioning, navigation, and timing services that are widely used in all modes of transportation. GPS helps prevent transportation accidents, aids search and rescue efforts, and speeds the dispatch of emergency services [NCO 2013]. Satellite-based technologies, such as GPS, are an integral component to the efficiency and effectiveness across modes of transportation. For example, the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) integrates GPS to help increase operational safety and situational awareness for aviation system users, especially during approaches and departures, and while taxiing on the ground [NCO 2013]. Another example is Positive Train Control (PTC). PTC works in conjunction with GPS technologies to track train location and speed—data that can be used to stop trains from going too fast and to prevent fatal accidents (especially head-on collisions) due to fatigue, sleepiness, and distractions [NTSB 2014c]. On waterways and especially in port, GPS helps vessels maneuver around navigational hazards and traffic [NCO 2013]. GPS technologies can help track vehicles and their valuable cargo’s location, which may help to reduce the loss of $15 to $30 billion annually in cargo theft and pilferage from commercial motor vehicles [FMCSA 2011].