Let's nerd out, #TeamPete.

Better navigation = Better transportation.

DOT oversees civil Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), most commonly known by another three letters- GPS.

Yup, when your phone's location is wrong you get to blame the boss.
#LearnAboutDOT 1/11

Pete's Day 1: Add the Oxford comma to Positioning, Navigation and Timing. Come on!
2/11

How does GPS know where stuff is?

The US govt provides this service.

First, the Air Force has a constellation of satellites and ground stations that allow each satellite to emit a unique signal of its position. 3/11

Second, a user (phone, plane...) NAVIGATES by its receiver triangulating its POSITION based on the TIME the unique signals are received between those satellites. PNT. Dynamite.
4/11

GPS is about 95% accurate. This must improve for future transportation safety. A major cause of signal disruption is unpredicted weather in space.

Yup- Space Weather. Oooo!

DOD, NASA, and NOAA (and my small business!) work to improve space weather forecasting.
5/11

Another improvement to GPS will come from more satellites. DOD & NASA (& my small business!) develop CubeSats the size of a toaster for deployment in large constellations. This economic innovation in space will enable future safe transportation on the ground and in the sky. 6/11

A third improvement comes with a better measurement of time. Navy and NIST work on atomic Master clocks and time dissemination. Remember calling for the time? The version used in GPS is light years better. This clock deviates 1 second every 200 million years. Slacker.
7/11

And fourth is beyond GPS. DOT helps DARPA and other sources of emerging technology layer on next gen tech like image sensors, LiDAR, and other means for improved navigation. 2025 PNT is dynamic. 8/11

All is not rosy. GPS is fundamental to transportation. And it is vulnerable. From cyber attacks to RF interference to destroying satellites. DOT works with DoD intelligence, Homeland Security, and the State Dept to protect this essential service.
9/11

Better communication = Better transportation.

DOT controls the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. This includes your "Roger that, 10-4" for planes and public safety.

Connected and automated vehicles will put even more reliance on this spectrum being free of interference. 10/11

Building Back Better for sustainable survival requires building better control of our roads, waterways, and skies. DOT's PNT is that control.

It is such a relief that Biden/Harris has given this such a high profile.

Thanks @nerdypursuit for sharing the joy of learning! /End