The year was 1958 when the first global navigation system, known as “Transit,” was developed. It wasn’t until 1983, under the presidency of Ronald Reagan, that this system was made available for commercial civilian use, rebranded as Navstar. The foundation of this technology was laid in 1960 with the launch of the first satellite for Transit, developed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency. Little did the world know that this technology would undergo an evolution that would change society in unimaginable ways.
Today, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has transformed the way we navigate from point A to point B. Gone are the days of relying on paper atlases and maps or attempting to explain obscure landmarks over the phone for directions. With the advent of GPS-enabled services like Google Maps and Waze, we can now simply enter an address on any device and receive accurate directions in an instant.
What sets modern GPS navigation apart is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. These navigation apps can now analyse real-time data on traffic congestion and redirect vehicles onto alternative routes, effectively spreading the flow of traffic and saving valuable time for motorists. Moreover, AI systems can gather data on driving behaviour and general activity, allowing them to accurately predict optimal routes for individuals, helping them avoid traffic jams and reach their destinations faster.
For instance, Webfleet, Bridgestone’s trusted fleet management solution, has deployed such AI systems in its commercial logistics operations. By collecting data on each user’s driving behavior and activity at different times of the day, these systems can tailor their recommendations and even provide timely reminders or useful information to users, such as notifying them of a postponed meeting.
The implications of efficient navigation go beyond just saving time and reducing frustration on the road. By clearing traffic jams and improving city roads overall, sharing the best information can speed up the recovery of the economy, and possibly even assist emergency service personnel in reaching and allocating required resources more accurately.
In the realm of emergency services, GPS has become a crucial tool in saving lives. At the press of a button, drivers can now instantly report medical or roadside emergencies without having to struggle with describing their location to a call center operator, especially in unfamiliar areas or foreign countries. This feature has proven invaluable for first responders, enabling them to arrive at the scene faster, which can be particularly vital in remote or isolated locations.
With the vast repository of GPS data available, emergency vehicles can identify areas with high concentrations of car crashes and position themselves nearby. This data-driven approach can also assist law enforcement by allowing them to respond faster to incidents and create a higher visible presence of officers through preventive strategies.
Beyond navigation and emergency services, GPS plays a pivotal role in boosting the economy. Virtually every smartphone app requests access to location information for various purposes, including navigation, geo-payments, and personalised offers. For example, certain banks’ geo-payments functionality relies on GPS to enable money transfers between individuals without requiring a bank account, benefitting millions of previously unbanked individuals in Africa.
Furthermore, organisations can use location data to analyse demographic information and develop more specialised brick-and-mortar developments. Targeted online offers can also be created based on users’ location data, enhancing the overall user experience.
Looking ahead, the potential for GPS in the automotive industry is massive. Companies like Webfleet are committed to exploring and realising these opportunities by collaborating with the sector and developing relevant tools. GPS can offer crucial data beyond just traffic jams, especially in commercial road transportation and land logistics.
For instance, truck drivers can be redirected based on potential threats along the route or reminders about insurance coverage. Webfleet’s fleet management and telematics solutions integrate real-time tracking, fleet optimisation, third-party connectivity, workflow management, and cost reduction, delivering measurable benefits and a customised user experience that considers each user’s specific needs, worries, risks, and preferences.
