Teamwork in global positioning
From aircraft and shipping applications to finding your home on images of the Earth, global positioning has become ubiquitous. EU-funded scientists launched the project 'Study of innovative GNSS multiconstellation algorithms' (SIGMA) to develop superior positioning and integrity for demanding applications. They integrated signals from the two satellite systems, the American Global Positioning System (GPS) and the European satellite GALILEO, as a testbed. Using a simulation platform developed specifically for the project to test multiconstellation algorithms, the researchers developed and evaluated three different routes to enhanced performance. Improved integrity (certainty of location) was addressed with receiver autonomous integrity monitoring. Enhanced accuracy (precision of location) exploited precise point positioning. Finally, the team also evaluated innovative techniques to mitigate multipath and interference disturbances that compromise the signal quality at the receiver. The target applications were navigating an aircraft approach (certainty over precision) as well as surveying or machine control where accuracy is critical. SIGMA technology should be welcomed by numerous fields demanding integrity of position or accuracy currently not available with conventional satellite positioning algorithms. Leading the pack will have important impact on the competitive position of the EU and its economy.
Keywords
Global positioning, satellites, guidance system, multiconstellation algorithms, integrity, simulation, accuracy, precise point positioning, signal quality
