After several years of anticipation, the market for products utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is finally gaining momentum. This growth can be attributed to a combination of factors including government regulations, increased consumer acceptance, and advancements in technology.

SiRF Technology, a prominent GPS chip designer, has experienced significant revenue growth over the years. From $15 million in 2001 to $30.4 million in 2002 and reaching $73.1 million last year, this upward trend signifies the increasing demand for GPS-enabled products.

The surge in the GPS market is driven by technological enhancements that have captured consumer interest along with governmental mandates emphasizing the importance of location tracking for emergency services.

In response to the Federal Communications Commission’s E911 mandate requiring cellular carriers to ensure that phones can be located during emergencies, various companies are adopting different technologies such as GPS or Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA). The preference for GPS stems from its accuracy and efficiency compared to other positioning systems like TDOA.

As consumer demand for location-based services grows globally, companies are integrating GPS capabilities into their offerings. For instance, General Motors has witnessed an uptick in subscriptions for its OnStar in-car help system which utilizes GPS technology.

Furthermore, ongoing developments aim to address challenges related to urban environments where obstructions like buildings and trees can interfere with satellite signals. Innovations such as incorporating more correlators into chipsets enable faster and more accurate location determination even amidst urban obstacles.

Looking ahead, there is a concerted effort towards making commercial location services more accessible while ensuring compatibility across diverse devices. As the market continues to evolve rapidly, we can anticipate new players entering the arena alongside established industry leaders like Qualcomm and SiRF Technology leading further innovations within the sector.