Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

GNSS that stands for Global Navigation Satellite System provides it users with navigation information using satellite positioning techniques. A GNSS allows electronic receivers to determine their location using time signals transmitted from satellites. This timely and accurate navigation information is provided in respect to longitude, latitude and altitude and is used for various purposes.

Currently only two such systems are in operation – USA’s GPS (Global Positioning System) and Russia’s GLONASS (currently in the process of restoration). However, several of them have been planned for future. A GNSS provides real time navigation information facilitated by autonomous integrity checking, both of which are essential features of GNSS.

How GNSS Works?

Each GNSS system puts a constellation of orbiting satellites into use which work in conjunction with network of stations on the ground. The GNSS receiver receives coded signals from the satellites and converts them into time, velocity and position estimates.

By providing for various computations like the transmission time delay etc, several sets from various satellites are obtained and compared with one another. After coordinating the signals received from different satellites, navigational information is obtained. GNSS precision may vary depending upon the technology used.

Uses of Navigational Information

The information provided by the GNSS can be used for critical uses. The original motivation behind using GNSS was military application. Delivering the weapons on targets was of prime importance since mis-directed weapons could have caused accidental causalities.

The scope of navigational information has hitherto increased. From navigation to surveying, from helping search and rescue operations to the study of Geophysical sciences, from wildlife management to asset tracking, GNSS provides a host of benefits to its users.

Proposed Navigational Systems

The Russian GLONASS was initially fully functional but due to the disintegration of the USSR, its availability and coverage was hit. Now Russia is in the process of restoration of its full availability and coverage.

European Union’s Galileo positioning system will be one of its kinds. Combining the signals from GPS as well as Galileo satellites it will provide unbeaten accuracy. It is scheduled to be functional in 2012.

Compass – China’s global navigation system is said to be utilizing five geostationary satellites and thirty medium Earth orbit satellites. India’s IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System) is being developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is scheduled to be working by 2012. The Japanese QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) is a development for GPS over Japan.

With so many escorting systems on the way, you can expect your wheels moving in the right direction.

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