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Patent Filed for Underwater GPS
Matthew Sparkes writes "GPS doesn't work underwater, as the signal cannot reach the satellite from a submersible, but researchers have now patented an add-on to the system that could provide GPS navigation for submarines. A base station is tethered to the sea bed at a known depth and GPS location. A submersible anywhere in the area sends out a sonar pulse to which the base station replies with a signal, giving a GPS position and depth as well as the bearing angle from which the submersible's request arrived. The submersible then uses its own depth, which is easily measured, plus the round trip pulse time and the bearing angle sent by the base, to calculate its own position."
This is great!
How long before lost submarines are meandering up our rivers and streams because the GPS mapping told them this was the way to go?
On a slightly more serious note, no self respecting spy submarine will emit a ping to this service ever. There is no way you would want to give your position away so freely.
liqbase
Men will do anything to avoid stopping and asking for directions
Use your head, can't you, use your head,
You're on earth, there's no cure for that - S. Beckett
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Patrick Doyle
I mod down every jackass who puts his moderation policy in his sig. Oh, wait a sec....