I sometimes wonder how many bugs are lurking in systems using GPS for navigation...

Symbiote · on June 29, 2019

I crossed the antimeridian several times on a trip last year. I usually carry a GPS logger on such trips, to contribute to OpenStreetMap.

My USB logger was OK, but my backup logging apps both added crazy points around the world.

Programs to display / edit the tracks also had bugs.

Even Google Maps has defects on the maps at the antimeridian.

utborin · on June 29, 2019

IIRC there was a bug in an early version of a certain fighter jet where it would go inverted when crossing the equator. Oops.

macintux · on June 29, 2019

Urban legend or so it would appear.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Urban_legend_about_F16__...?

utborin · on June 29, 2019

Oh, bummer. That would’ve been a fun case study if it had been true.

harshreality · on June 29, 2019

The F-22 had such problems.

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-squadron-shot-down-...

fest · on June 29, 2019

When I was working on geo-fencing feature for a small UAV I did see the consequences of naive maths when working with coordinates near antimeridian (e.g. calculating a perpendicular vector of a fence segment).

Also related- it seems crazy to me how some teams are working on a robotic product without building/interating a simulator first!