GPS Devices and Systems Industry to be Worth $240B by 2013

(Top News, 29 Apr 2008)

By Stephen Las Marias, Editor


The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) end-user devices and systems industry is forecast to generate $240 billion in annual revenues by 2013, according to a new study by market research firm ABI Research. While GPS handsets and in-vehicle navigation systems will remain the most lucrative markets, other applications, such as in network timing in industrial applications, land surveying, and machine control are quickly gaining momentum.

However, ABI Research principal analyst Dominique Bonte said that the implementation of GPS technology in mobile consumer devices such as handsets and digital cameras, and its indoor use, pose some important challenges as GPS technology was designed for outdoor use and specific military applications.

On the other hand, innovative workaround solutions based on the post-processing of the GPS signal are now being developed. Also, satellite positioning technology itself is improving with the upgrade of the existing GPS system and the rollout of new GNSS systems. The GPS modernization project is in full swing with three Block IIR-M satellites launched in the last six months and the contract for GPS Block III satellites to be awarded soon.

Continuing support of satellite projects, for example in the European Union and Russia, are also expected to result in more and stronger satellite signals and a higher number of visible satellites being available, which will improve coverage, accuracy, and reliability.

Click here for more information on the report "Global Navigation Satellite Positioning Solutions" by ABI Research