Geolocation Technology in the 21st Century

The 21st century has witnessed remarkable advancements in geolocation, enabling accurate location determination through the use of smartphones and plus codes. This technology relies on satellites that provide precise time and distance measurements.

Plus Codes

• Plus codes simplify geographical representation with a Base 20 system, converting latitude and longitude into shorter formats.
• An 11-digit plus code offers accuracy to a square with 3.5 meters sides at the equator; a 14-digit code refines this to a 22 cm square.

Applications of Geolocation

• Utilized by services like Amazon, Swiggy, Uber, and Google for finding obscure locations.
• Critical for emergency services (ambulances, police, fire brigade).
• Used in civil engineering, municipal tax record verification, and logistics to reduce costs.

Military and Security Implications

• Technology assists in precise military targeting with advanced navigation systems in drones and missiles.
• Defense strategies include electronic counter-measures and mid-flight missile interdiction.
• Recent conflicts, such as between India and Pakistan, have highlighted the reliance on such technology for cross-border military actions.

Drone and AI Weaponization

• Drones can be utilized for both delivery and explosive payloads, raising security concerns.
• AI-driven systems are critical for modern warfare but present risks due to the lack of human judgment capability.

Overall, while geolocation technology presents numerous civilian and military applications, it also introduces new security challenges that need to be addressed.