10 February 2010

Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is the standard generic term for satellite navigation systems that provide autonomous geospatial positioning information with global coverage. A GNSS allows small electronic receivers to determine their locations (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and precise time information using radio signals transmitted from navigation satellites along a line of sight. The need to determine precise locations for use in a variety of innovative and emerging applications such as surveying, navigation, tracking, mapping, earth observation, mobile-phone technology, and rescue applications is inevitable. Satellite navigation and positioning systems are robust and evolving technology that uses a global network of navigation satellites to achieve this in a variety of ways perhaps as many ways of its applications. GNSS technology is accurate enough to pinpoint locations anywhere in the world, in any weather condition, and at any time of the day.

There are currently several layers of satellite navigation systems. The United States’ GPS is a fully operational GNSS, and Russian GLONASS is partial operational of that kind. Two other such systems are also being developed—European Union’s Galileo and Chinese Compass. All of these four are for or intended towards global coverage. Several regional systems are also available or initiated for regional coverage by several countries. In addition, augmentation systems on these core systems are also offered by several government and private agencies.

The benefits of Satellite Navigation are enormous. For example, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization have accepted GNSS as essential in their navigation. GNSS is revolutionizing and revitalizing the way nations operate in space, from guidance systems for the International Space Station’s return vehicle, to the management of tracking and control for satellite constellations. Military applications of GNSS are extremely widespread from mobilizing troop to supply of arms and amenities, aid in rescue operations to missile guidance.

Vehicle manufacturers now provide navigation units that combine vehicle location and road data to avoid traffic jams, and reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and therefore pollution. Road and rail transport operators are now capable to monitor the goods’ movements more efficiently, and combat theft and fraud more effectively by means of GNSS. Taxi companies now use these systems to offer a faster and more reliable service to customers. Delivery service providers are increasingly being dependent on GNSS.

Incorporating the GNSS signal into emergency-services applications creates a valuable tool for the emergency services (fire brigade, police, paramedics, sea and mountain rescue), allowing them to respond more rapidly to those in danger. There is also potential for the signal to be used to guide the blind; monitor Alzheimer’s sufferers with memory loss; and guide explorers, hikers, and sailing enthusiasts.

Surveying systems incorporating GNSS signals are being used as tools for many applications such as urban development. GNSS can be incorporated into geographical information systems for the efficient management of agricultural land and for aiding environmental protection; this is a critical role of paramount importance to assist developing nations in preserving natural resources and expanding their international trade. Another key application is the integration of third-generation mobile phones with Internet-linked applications. It will facilitate the interconnection of telecommunications, electronics, and banking networks & systems via the extreme precision of its atomic clocks.

The role played by the current GNSSs in our everyday lives is set to grow considerably with new demands for more accurate information along with integration into more applications. Some experts regard satellite navigation as an invention that is as significant in its own way as that of the watch: No one nowadays can ignore the time of day, and in the future, no one will be able to do without knowing their precise location.

For further details on GNSS please refer Global Navigation Satellite Systems: Insights into GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Compass, and Others

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