GPS, Galileo and the Future of High Precision Services: An Interoperability Point of View

Abstract

Modernised GPS and Galileo are going to provide, standalone or through code augmentation systems, meter level accuracy Such accuracy is commonly considered sufficient for the most of the applications. Nevertheless, other higher accuracy applications like Geodesy, Cadastral Surveying, Mapping, Marine surveying, etc. are still stable niche markets. New applications, as High Precision Cartography and ADAS, are emerging. As in any business, the more the offered service precision will be, the more the precision requirements improve. Centimeters level high accuracy is currently achieved through GPS Reference Stations Networks and the integration of mobile terrestrial or satellite communication systems for corrections broadcasting. The weakness of such systems, in RTK mode, are very well known: low density Reference Stations networks coverage for large areas, not homogeneous performances, not reliable communication systems coverage, not guaranteed reliability of the positioning, complex positioning and communication integrated devices, absence of a comprehensive Business Model. A regional Network backbone design in terms of Reference Stations distribution and separation is needed, integrating existing subnetworks developed for Geodesy, Land Surveying, University research, Marine applications, etc... Network spacing is highly dependent on spatial-correlated errors, but MRS/VRS and innovative WARTK approaches, together with three-frequencies availability and WAR algorithms, will allow to get real instantaneous and homogeneous solutions at large scale. Tight integration with Communication systems is essential for delivering a reliable Real-Time service. Availability of higher mobile communications (e.g. WIMAX) is opening new doors for that. Furthermore, the future availability of a standardised backbone of Galileo Local Elements will provide a great impulse to such integration. Galileo is also studying Business Models for such Services, starting from the availability of innovative services (e.g. Service Guarantee and SoL). An analysis about GNSS High precision services perspective and interoperability has been performed from different applications points of view, including Galileo future services.