The U.S. Department of Transportation released the results of a study assessing the vulnerability of the national transportation infrastructure that relies on the Global Positioning System.

As more and more truck fleets and other transportation modes rely on GPS-based tracking and location systems, such as the trucking system Qualcomm or location guidance systems for boats and ships, the study notes that GPS is susceptible to unintentional disruption. This disruption could be caused by atmospheric effects, signal blockage from buildings, and interference from communications equipment, as well as deliberate disruption.
The study, mandated by a presidential directive, contains a number of recommendations to address the possibility of disruption
"This report provides a roadmap for addressing possible vulnerabilities in GPS so that we can continue maintaining the highest standards of transportation safety," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. "The Department of Transportation takes this report's findings very seriously, and we will be working to ensure that GPS will fulfill its potential as a key element of the nation's transportation infrastructure."
Among the report's recommendations:

• Create awareness among users of the vulnerability of GPS and the need to reduce degradation or loss of the GPS signal.

• Implement systems to monitor, report and locate unintentional interference to GPS.

• Assess the applicability of military GPS anti-jamming technology and work with the Department of Defense and industry to make appropriate technologies available for civilian uses.

• Identify appropriate backup systems, integrity warning, or operational procedures for each safety-critical application.

• Encourage the development of low-cost systems as backups to GPS.

• Continue the ongoing GPS modernization program involving higher GPS broadcast power and the eventual availability of three civil frequencies.

The report, "Vulnerability Assessment of the Transportation Infrastructure Relying on the Global Positioning System," is available through the Coast Guard Navigation Center website at www.navcen.uscg.gov.