We’re currently reliant on the USA’s network of GPS satellites for our sat-nav needs, but plans are underway to launch Europe’s very own system, named Galileo after the famous Italian astronomer.

The system, which will eventually employ a network of up to 30 individual satellites could have a big impact on the way we use sat-nav devices.

With stronger signals and improved coverage, for example, we may be able to use sat nav indoors, or in covered areas where reception has otherwise been patchy. Galileo may also enable more precise positioning, potentially narrowing down the margin of error to within a metre.

The Galileo project has won widespread international backing, but is still in its testing phase and is unlikely to be available to users until 2012 at the earliest.

This article is part of a group test of satellite-navigation devices.

See also: 
Garmin Nuvi 310
Magellan Roadmate 3050T
Medion GoPal PNA465
Mio Digiwalker C510E
Navman N40i
Navsure 300i
Novogo S700
Sony Nav-u Nv-U5 0T
TomTom One Europe
ViaMichelin X-950T
When sat nav goes wrong