UK 'over-reliant' on GPS signals, engineers warn

XabbaRus · 03-13-11, 06:02 AM

You don't say?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12668230

I'm not surprised. I think most people have a GPS system in their car. I have one that I got as a present, but must admit it is onbly used so I can see what time I might be arriving at a destination rather than for guidance.

I do love studying a map though when going on a new route, often I find places to go on the way I'd miss if I stick in the GPS coordinates.

STEED · 03-13-11, 08:46 AM

Not that surprised at all, too much tech worship in this country I say.

Gargamel · 03-13-11, 01:49 PM

I hate the things. I can navigate better on my own. Whenever somebody has one, I try to beat the estimated time. Gimmy a map and compass any day.

As a medic, I refused to let new partners use them. Did they really expect to sit and punch in addresses when seconds count? They need to know the roads.

If I ever saw another crew using one, and they were out of there truck, I'd change the voice setting to swedish. "Bjork 2 kilometeres BORK BORK BORK!" People would really flip out when that happened.

Jimbuna · 03-13-11, 01:53 PM

I find mine to be very helpful in planning alternative routes when it is warned of traffic congestion or accidents up ahead.

Oberon · 03-13-11, 01:54 PM

Some of the screw-ups that people have deliberately made whilst following their GPS astound me...like driving into a river that the GPS thinks is a ford...I mean...you have eyes don't you?!

XabbaRus · 03-13-11, 02:58 PM

They have their uses but like I said you look at a map when working out where to go you spot other places that look interesting and you plan a detour.

I sometimes wish that it would all go wrong just to see how the nuggins in the street cope.

Oberon · 03-13-11, 03:05 PM

They'd probably all drive into the sea.

I like using maps too...I might not be so great with them sometimes...but that's how you find interesting little places.

nikimcbee · 03-14-11, 11:58 AM

you should see my dad, he's helpless w/o his gps

.

Herr-Berbunch · 03-14-11, 12:04 PM

Jim - I had fun in the Lakes, too. My parents had rented a cottage over Christmas and we drove up to Hawkshead on Christmas Day - Satnav was wonderful until we got to the B5285 at Windermere - Take the ferry! The ferry is only closed one day a year - Christmas Day! No problems - I'll just head down to Newby Bridge and go around the Lake, it'll recalibrate the route and all will be fine.

Nope, all the way to Newby Bridge, and for many miles after - Turn around when possible, Turn around when possible, Turn a

03-13-11, 06:02 AM	#1
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	UK 'over-reliant' on GPS signals, engineers warn You don't say? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12668230 I'm not surprised. I think most people have a GPS system in their car. I have one that I got as a present, but must admit it is onbly used so I can see what time I might be arriving at a destination rather than for guidance. I do love studying a map though when going on a new route, often I find places to go on the way I'd miss if I stick in the GPS coordinates. __________________

03-13-11, 08:46 AM	#2
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	Not that surprised at all, too much tech worship in this country I say. __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

03-13-11, 01:49 PM	#3
Gargamel Lucky Sailor Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rome Posts: 4,273 Downloads: 81 Uploads: 0	I hate the things. I can navigate better on my own. Whenever somebody has one, I try to beat the estimated time. Gimmy a map and compass any day. As a medic, I refused to let new partners use them. Did they really expect to sit and punch in addresses when seconds count? They need to know the roads. If I ever saw another crew using one, and they were out of there truck, I'd change the voice setting to swedish. "Bjork 2 kilometeres BORK BORK BORK!" People would really flip out when that happened. __________________ Luck is a residue of Design.

03-13-11, 01:53 PM	#4
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,584 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I find mine to be very helpful in planning alternative routes when it is warned of traffic congestion or accidents up ahead. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

03-13-11, 02:58 PM	#6
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	They have their uses but like I said you look at a map when working out where to go you spot other places that look interesting and you plan a detour. I sometimes wish that it would all go wrong just to see how the nuggins in the street cope. __________________

03-13-11, 01:54 PM	#5
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	Some of the screw-ups that people have deliberately made whilst following their GPS astound me...like driving into a river that the GPS thinks is a ford...I mean...you have eyes don't you?!

03-13-11, 03:05 PM	#7
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	They'd probably all drive into the sea. I like using maps too...I might not be so great with them sometimes...but that's how you find interesting little places.

03-14-11, 11:58 AM	#8
nikimcbee Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Patroling the Slot. Posts: 17,952 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	you should see my dad, he's helpless w/o his gps. __________________

03-14-11, 12:04 PM	#9
Herr-Berbunch Kaiser Bill's batman Join Date: May 2010 Location: AN72 Posts: 13,203 Downloads: 76 Uploads: 0	Jim - I had fun in the Lakes, too. My parents had rented a cottage over Christmas and we drove up to Hawkshead on Christmas Day - Satnav was wonderful until we got to the B5285 at Windermere - Take the ferry! The ferry is only closed one day a year - Christmas Day! No problems - I'll just head down to Newby Bridge and go around the Lake, it'll recalibrate the route and all will be fine. Nope, all the way to Newby Bridge, and for many miles after - Turn around when possible, Turn around when possible, Turn a __________________

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