New hybrid positioning system promises reliable tracking where GPS fails

Researchers have developed a hybrid tracking system called JDG that combines GPS with fiber-optic cables already buried underground to maintain accurate location data even when GPS fails. The cables detect tiny vibrations from nearby movement, and a deep-learning model translates those signals into location predictions. In real-world tests, JDG outperformed GPS-only tracking and worked on low-powered devices, making it promising for city navigation, emergency response, and autonomous vehicles.