GPS : A global war

Synopsis

Global positioning systems have transformed our way of life. We rely on them for everything from navigation to measuring changes in sea levels and tracking money. Who provides the signal? How do they do it and at what cost? Is GPS empowering us or paving the way for a ‘Big Brother’ state? At the moment, GPS is dependent on US satellites. If America were ever to ‘switch off’ the signal, it could bring down the entire economy of continents and render all our complicated weapons useless. Now, the race is on to develop rival GPS systems that do not rely on US technology. Europe, China, Russia, India and Brazil are all developing their own versions. But how will these systems co-exist? And is America prepared to give up its monopoly? In this documentary, we examine the wonderful world of geolocation – its future uses, those who promote it and those who are worried about its implications for society.