Pecorino by satellite

Expect to find a whole raft of tourism satellite navigating systems on the market very soon.

We know of three, 2 of which we can reveal immediately.

The first is Qualigeo, 'the first integrated system for the development of the agricultural and food products of certified quality and of all the related activities'

Translated, this means a portable GPS navigation systems whose software will help you locate Italy's DOP, IGP and STG products, the firms who produce them and the territory of reference.

The second is Metafacile, another GPS tool which guides the tourist through the production zone of Franciacorta wine and associated sites and sights.

You have to be tempted to try them out, but both are surely just prototypes for much more sophisticated tourism gadgets over the next few years.

Or maybe a scribbled note on your well thumbed route map is still the best way to travel.