I admit that when I first heard of GPS about 20 years ago, I didn't see the big deal. Give me a map and compass and I can navigate just about anywhere. Little did I realize at the time how important GPS would become and not just to the military.

Scientists in the US, Japan and other countries have been using supersensitive GPS receivers for years to monitor plate tectonics.

Seven years ago, I read of tests being conducted in Europe to replace air traffic control radars, especially in mountainous terrain with limited coverage. Instead of radars to track planes, aircraft would transmit their locations via data bursts to inexpensive ground receivers. This can provide better coverage and accuracy for less cost than a network of radars.

I also read of the idea to use GPS signals for atmospheric monitoring several years ago. This ocean eddy monitoring project sounds like a brilliant idea. I hope it gets funded.