Global Scans · Geospatial · Weekly Summary

• [New] A much larger sea-level rise is expected due to the melting and outflow of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) and West Antarctica Ice Sheet. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] America's military responsibilities span every continent and ocean, maintaining a global force capable of deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, defending NATO allies in Europe, protecting freedom of navigation and responding to terrorist threats wherever they may be. Senator Tim Sheehy
• [New] Like other global navigation satellite systems that deliver positioning, navigation, and timing services, Pulsar satellites could start providing intermittent timing signals to customers in mid-latitude regions following the launch of the six production satellites in October. Ars Technica
• [New] In 2026, privacy-first GPS tracking is not optional anymore - it's expected. Tack GPS Location Tracker | Singapore
• [New] For years, the idea that Iran might close the Strait of Hormuz or significantly disrupt freedom of navigation through it has been widely discussed. Middle East Council on Global Affairs
• [New] The International Maritime Organization has issued guidelines requiring cyber risks to be addressed within Safety Management Systems, emphasizing the importance of protecting digital navigation infrastructure. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The maritime industry is gradually moving toward the International Hydrographic Organization's S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model, creating significant opportunities for marine navigation system providers. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Ship is anticipated to dominate with a share of around 45.2% in 2026, as nearly every commercial vessel depends on navigation systems for voyage planning, route monitoring, collision avoidance, and compliance with international maritime regulations. Persistence Market Research
• [New] MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) is expected to be the fastest-growing orbit segment through 2033, supported by increasing demand for navigation, satellite telephony, and aviation connectivity applications. Persistence Market Research
• [New] OSNMA is expected to expand authentication to additional Galileo navigation datasets and GPS L1 C/A broadcast navigation data, while the future Signal Authentication Service is intended to add protection at the pseudorange level. Root-Nation.com
• [New] Skyband Systems, a developer of aviation-grade, PNT-resilient navigation hardware, will integrate the Iridium PNT ASIC into its M100 LRU for business and commercial aviation. Iridium Satellite Communications
• [New] An efficient navigation layer handles hazard detection, local replanning, and trajectory control continuously, while a more capable layer adds adaptive SLAM, terrain assessment, and global localization when conditions demand it. Physical AI: robots, scientific computing, and digital
• [New] The United States is expected to record a 13.3% CAGR from 2026 to 2036, driven by recurring elevation mapping programs and commercial LiDAR applications. FactMr
• [New] Brazil is expected to record a 14.7% CAGR through 2036, supported by mobility investments and resource-mapping activities. FactMr
• [New] India is projected to post a 17.5% CAGR supported by mapping programs and drone-based environmental monitoring. FactMr
• [New] By Technology: Mechanical LiDAR is projected to account for 62.0% share in 2026 owing to established scanning architectures and broad field use. FactMr
• [New] A state could, theoretically, flood a shipping lane with thousands of ghost signals, making safe navigation impossible for civilian merchant vessels by virtue of their AIS manipulation. Frontiers
• [New] The space economy could reach $1.8 tn by 2035, up from $630bn in 2023 - a near tripling in value driven largely by space-enabled services (connectivity, navigation / timing, Earth observation, and their downstream applications). SSC Space
• [New] A geopolitical crisis on Earth could extend into space as states target communications, navigation, intelligence and orbital systems. GIS Reports
• By reading Earth's unique magnetic and gravitational fingerprints, quantum-networked sensors could enable GPS-free positioning. National Science Foundation
• NSF is pushing ahead with science and engineering for quantum networks that could provide new technological capabilities, like precise navigation in areas where communication with GPS satellites is impossible. National Science Foundation

Last updated: 02 August 2026