20090918

Glonass/GPS is better than just GPS

Glonass/GPS vs GPS

The advantages of GPS/GLONASS vs GPS alone are: better accuracy due to better geometry, GLONASS unaffected by selective availability, and complementary coverage at all latitudes; better availability due to more satellites in view; and better integrity with all-in-view implementation. (AIAA)

The status of the GLONASS constellation is reported, and the (unpublished) P code navigation data message is compared to the (published) C/A code message. The architecture and functionality of the 3S navigation receivers are discussed, and performance results are presented. The R-100, a C/A code integrated GPS /GLONASS receiver, has a 12-channel capability with each GLONASS satellite requiring one channel and each GPS satellite requiring two channels.

As costs continue to lower for GPS/GLONASS receivers and modules, their propensity for adoption continues to increase.

20090917

Multi GNSS to soon overtake simple GPS

Why are we talking about Multi GNSS?

Navigation and positioning technology is no longer just about GPS L1 C/A code. GPS is being modernized, the GLONASS constellation is nearly complete, new systems including QZSS, Galileo and Compass are on the way.

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) landscape has never looked so active with GNSS applications becoming more mainstream and available in a growing number of devices. A technology originally dictated by military requirements is now widely viewed as strategic to support economic growth driven by the commercial market. The result is a choice of current and planned constellations from around the world; Europe, China, Russia and USA all now recognise that GNSS is strategic and are each investing to support this growing industry.

What effect will this have on GNSS developers and integrators?

Multi-GNSS offers significant opportunities and challenges to GNSS technology, system and application developers. As navigation and positioning applications become more widespread, end user demands are increasing. Multi-GNSS offers opportunities to improve performance to meet increasing user demands. In particular, availability is potentially improved by using more than one constellation. Benefits can also include improved integrity, continuity and accuracy, depending on the situation and priorities of the application.

“In future, most receivers will be Multi-GNSS, many will also be using augmentation as a key aspect of the navigation or positioning solution. Multi-frequency GNSS will increasingly be used to support applications requiring sub-metre accuracy.”

A significant amount of research and development is currently underway by the technology and applications development community to respond to the opportunities that this expansion in operational capabilities affords.

For an updated view of current VAR solutions for Glonass and GPS combo units visit www.glonasscentral.com

Other GNSS solutions coming soon as well...stay tuned.

20090910

Glonass Network Expansion

Russia Building Out GLONASS Monitoring Network, Augmentation System

With a nearly restored and modernizing GLONASS system beginning to make inroads into mass market products and services, Russia has revealed plans to build out a space-based augmentation system (SBAS) and establish its first ground monitoring stations outside the Russian territory.

In a July 30 presentation at an International Committee on GNSS (ICG) working group on interoperability, Dmitry Marareskul, head of the onboard satellite navigation sector of Information Satellite System Reshetnev Corporation in Zheleznogorsk, revealed Russia’s plans to expand its network of GLONASS monitoring and measuring stations to include sites in Australia, Cuba, and South America.

Embedded systems, applications and solutions utilizing GPS and GLONASS systems are projected to maintain their growth curve exponentially into 2011.