The GPS system is becoming increasingly vulnerable; major startups are working on alternatives, focusing on these three technologies..

The GPS, widely regarded as the world's most reliable location technology, now appears to be losing its robustness. The United States originally developed it during the space race. However, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the system relies on extremely weak satellite signals—signals that are relatively easy to block or jam. Consequently, major startups across the globe have begun working on developing alternatives to GPS.

Work Underway on GPS Alternatives
Engineers have long been working on technologies that do not rely on satellites.

Quantum Navigation: This technology determines location by measuring Earth's magnetic field and minute environmental variations. The British company Q-CTRL is currently working on this technology.

AI-Based Visual Navigation: This system navigates by identifying surrounding objects through cameras. The cameras recognize buildings, roads, mountains, and specific landmarks; AI then cross-references this visual data with maps to pinpoint the exact location. It can even estimate the height of buildings and the number of floors they contain.

Inertial Navigation Systems: This is a sensor-based system that utilizes accelerometers and gyroscopes to track movement, including the speed at which a vehicle is traveling.

Jamming Creates 'GPS Dead Zones'
GPS jamming is becoming increasingly common in sensitive regions such as the Russia-Ukraine border and the Strait of Hormuz. Small jamming devices—some costing less than $100—can overpower satellite signals traveling from thousands of kilometers away. This is the primary reason why the GPS is becoming vulnerable.

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