Human Factors Considerations in Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver Technology: Contrasting Military Technical Requirements with User Expectations

Abstract

This paper presents only the opinions of the authors for a forum of other Human Factors professionals. No representation of The Aerospace Corporation, GPS Wing, US Air Force, US Army, or US Department of Defense (DoD) policy is implied or intended. The need for human factors considerations in the development of handheld GPS receiver technology becomes increasingly apparent as society becomes increasingly dependant on precision navigation and timing information. GPS receivers provide ubiquitous situational awareness, during the daily mundane commute or in theater amidst the fog of war. Both military and commercial receivers are only as useful as their ability to convey navigation information to the user in a timely and reliable manner. Warfighters have become familiar with the ease and convenience of commercial receivers, mapping functionality, and integrated technology. However, there is great variance between the requirement set for military operations and civilian applications. The US Army and Air Force GPS Wing face future expectation management issues with military GPS user equipment. Potential areas for risk mitigation include careful human factors considerations early in the requirements development process, platform and application tailoring, incorporating “best practices” from industry and commercial end-user experience, and education and training.