A drone of Homeland Security, US
‘Spoofed’ by Texas College Researchers
Before the offi cials operating it
Supposedly for a wager of just USD 1000
Demonstrates again the dangers and vulnerability of GNSS.

When various governments raise objections
To the easy access to geospatial information for security reasons
Especially by online providers of such information,
We demand liberated and conducive policy ambience.

It was all about land. At the World Bank’s Land and Poverty conference (April 23- 26, 2012 Washington DC).
Where Access, ownership, reforms and rights. Acquisitions, regulations and legalities. Revenue, corruption,
administration and governance. People, poverty, policies and practices.

The recent ruling of US Supreme Court
Which has termed placing GPS tracker without a warrant as illegal
Has prompted The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
To turn off about 3,000 tracking devices.

In Spatially Enabled Government
‘Government’ remains the key
And not the ‘Spatial Information’.
As the ‘governments’ are expected to imbibe
The ethics, principles and purpose
Of governance

The proposed anti-piracy bills in the U.S.
Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), Protect IP Act (PIPA)…
Has been put on hold due to wide protests
Led by Google, Yahoo!, Wikipedia facebook, Twitter, Mozilla…

If on the spot survey at European Navigation Conference,
2011 held in London gives any indication
About GNSS community perception,
It suggests it will be led pre-dominantly by the North America.

2011 takes GNSS several steps ahead in this multi-GNSS era.
With 24 satellites in their designated orbital slots, GLONASS is fully operational.
GALILEO took a giant leap in space with the launch of two satellites.

It is about Galileo. It is about successful launch of its two satellites. It is about rising optimism.
It is about conviction. It is about milestones achieved. It is about aiming and achieving.

Land reforms, Will continue to remain a contentious issue. In many parts of the world, That can be driven more by strong political will And sustained commitment.