What is GPS jamming?
GPS jamming interferes with satellite navigation signals. In aviation data, it is safer to talk about degraded GNSS accuracy indicators unless the source is independently confirmed.
GPS jamming is intentional or unintentional radio interference that can degrade satellite navigation accuracy. ADS-B-derived indicators such as low NACp may indicate regional GNSS interference, but they do not identify the source by themselves.
GPS jamming is radio-frequency interference that prevents GPS or broader GNSS receivers from using satellite signals accurately. In aviation, the visible effect is often degraded position quality rather than a direct view of the transmitter causing the problem.
ADS-B data can help show where aircraft are reporting degraded navigation accuracy. That is useful for regional monitoring, but it should be described carefully: low reported accuracy may indicate GNSS interference, older avionics, receiver coverage limits, or aircraft-specific issues.
Safe wording for aviation data
- Use "GNSS interference indicators" when the source has not been confirmed.
- Use "degraded navigation accuracy" when describing what the aircraft reported.
- Use "low NACp may indicate interference" rather than "low NACp proves jamming".
- Separate regional patterns from individual aircraft reports.
FAQ
Does low NACp confirm jamming?
No. Low NACp means the aircraft reported degraded position accuracy. Regional low-NACp patterns may indicate GNSS interference, but attribution requires additional evidence.
Can ADS-B data show a GPS jamming map?
ADS-B reports can show regional patterns of degraded navigation accuracy. A responsible map should describe those as interference indicators unless jamming is independently confirmed.