Here is a summary of a Air Force report on difficulties replacing aging GPS satelites. They are behind schedule and predict the probability of keeping a 24-satellite constellation in orbit drops below 95 percent in 2010, and could drop as low as 80 percent in 2011 and 2012.

This doesn't seem to be that big of a deal but it is a reminder that you can't always count on technology (as if we all need that reminder).

-Blast

I havent had issues with mine, and regularly get a good +/- 3m accuracy in lightly forested areas. Sometimes accuracy drops, but most of the time it isnt bad.
My guess is they will let some go that are not "mission critical", and keep up the ones they need. Eventually, they will be replaced....our whole military runs on them now, and Garmin, as well as other manufacturers, would likely sue the government if it were allowed to deteriorate too far.

thanks for the link. I have a GPS, but I really don't ask that much out of it except for lat and long. and elevation.
I'm still not ready to be weaned off maps and compass.

Strokes the mahogany box with my Weems und Plath sextant inside.Winds my Poljot chronograph and cleans mirror on Silva compass.
Now, if they would stop changing the names of rivers, islands, cities and countries ( reading Doughty's Travels in Arabia Deserta.)

I agree you can't rely on electronics but one thing I like about my Garmin Vista HCX with the micro sd cards you can use, the maps I have both global topographical, nautical and street maps are more valuable than the gps on it. With the solar cells as emergency back ups,the maps are pretty easy to navigate with out any signal you just have to move the pointer every now and then. The GPS function is a plus of that unit, however loss of electronics is a guarantee probability that will happen. Paper copy is always a plus and Delorme has the new Topos just released which is nice to print out what I need and laminate the maps.
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCC...p;section=10047

For what it's worth, here's a site where you can download free USGS topo maps...

The USGS Store

With a few exceptions, my Garmin Legend HCx has been very accurate and a great navigation aid, though I could easily do without it if necessary. Accuracy depends a lot on the reception - standing at the bottom of a ravine or under a heavy tree canopy is going to be a problem. IMO, the fact that my new Garmin unit still works with a good deal of accuracy even in rugged terrain with a very limited view of the sky shows just how far electronics has advanced over the years. Not to mention the mapping capability with expandable memory is pretty useful in the field.

That said, I've always considered GPS a bonus. Really handy when available but one should not grow dependent on it. I see folks who use GPS all the time when driving a car. I wonder if they could find their way anywhere any more?

I use the GPS in my car for the traffic receiver and ETA estimates. The reported AF mismanagement of the GPS satellite constellation is surprising. Hopefully they'll get it right.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 760 which is a good car only GPS, and has a traffic receiver which I have found very useful in heavy traffic and choosing the best (of bad) option driving thru LA. The other GPS I occasionally use on the road is a GPSMAP 60CSx which I just lay on the seat.

Well this could be a funding issue. Considering that GPS is a free service (provided you have a reciver) what if we add a $10 tax to everything sold that uses GPS and put the funding towards updating and maintance. Considering that almost EVERY phone, that is sold in this day in age has a GPS reciver on it, they could realy increas the budget..

but that is the rambelings of a mad man.