IF THIS IS

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TRUST

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NEW TRUTH
vs.
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AUGUST 2016 | Vol 27 | No 8

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VO L . 27 N O. 8

AUGUST

G P SWO R LD.CO M

2016

FEATURE
46 ALMANAC

COVER STORY

ORBIT DATA AND RESOURCES ON ACTIVE

GNSS SATELLITES

MARKET WATCH
APPLICATIONS, TRENDS AND NEWS

30 OEM
32 SURVEY
34 MAPPING
36 TRANSPORTATION
38 UAV

SECTOR UPDATES
40 MOBILE
42 DEFENSE
43 MACHINE CONTROL

22 CANT DENY THE TRUTH

Air Force Upgrades to a Better Field Reference
System for Testing GPS Denial
BY Capt. James Kawecki, James Brewer, John Cao and Jason Baldwin

Initial Operational Capability for the Ultra High-Accuracy Reference System

has been declared by the U.S. Air Force. Even when GPS is being completely
jammed, UHARS provides extremely accurate positioning, navigation and
time more accurate than GPS over the large area of White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico.

OPINIONS AND DEPARTMENTS

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

GPS WORLD 3

ONLINENOW
READER POLL

The GPS Update Syndrome

BY Don Jewell

THE 2016 GNSS

STATE OF THE
INDUSTRY SURVEY
20 QUESTIONS
about GNSS and PNT
technology trends,
business outlook,
threats and challenges.

WEIGH IN TODAY!
GO TO WWW.GPSWORLD.COM/2016SOI.
Complete survey by August 15.
See results in the September issue.
All poll takers entered in drawing for
two $100 gift cards.

HOTTEST PAGES
@ GPSWORLD.COM

DEFENSE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ccasionally those of us with expertise

in an area of interest, are faced with
tough decisions involving rules,
regulations, laws and conflicts of interest...
I mention this phenomenon because
for position, navigation and timing (PNT)
issues, it is growing at an alarming rate. For
instance, my 1020 emails per day asking about PNT issues
have grown over the past few weeks more than tenfold. I
perceive that many of you are confused and concerned about
the future of GPS, PNT and GNSS in general
With the House Armed Services Committee deleting more
than $420 million from the GPS budget line for OCX in the
2017 budget and canceling funding for certain Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics (AT&L) positions dealing with
acquisition, there are all kinds of rumors and innuendo
floating around.

Read the full column from the Defense PNT newsletter at gpsworld.
com/category/opinions/.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

MARKET INSIGHTS

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Using GPS, Pokmon GO

takes on the world

Google to provide raw GNSS

measurements

What the Brexit vote means

for EU space programmes, Galileo
(EAGER newsletter)

INSIGHTS

The GPS Update Syndrome

(Defense PNT newsletter)

INSIGHTS

Thursday, August 18

BLMs new GNSS protocols may set

undesirable precedent
(Survey Scene newsletter)

ENEWS

10 a.m. Pacific / 1 p.m. Eastern

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Google opens up GNSS pseudoranges

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OUT IN FRONT
Summer Reading
BY Alan Cameron

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND GROUP PUBLISHER

PS marks yet another rite of

passage with the publication
of Pinpoint: a full-length
journalistic investigation of its
development, personalities, and societal
impact, with a diverting assortment
of side stories and philosophical
illuminations. A technology can be
said to have arrived when it receives
this manner of broad-market, though
rigorous, intelligent, probing treatment.
Never mind that every
such technology truly
arrived long before their
books were written.
This is not a book
to give to friends and
relations who ask you
How the heck does GPS
work? It does spend a bit
of time on that subject, a
very little bit. Neither is it
a history of GPS. Author
Greg Milner spends a bit
more time on that topic,
and his direct sources
are impeccable. The
major portion of the book is devoted
to contemporary history, if there is
such a thing: the sprawling tentacle-like
growth of GPS into many industries
and aspects of modern life.
Milner does not chronicle every
one or even a plurality of these diverse
fields. One gets the feeling he pretty
much followed his journalistic nose
into whatever interested him. Sections
explore early receiver development,
electrical power, financial markets,
tracking (both personal and fleet),
agriculture with a focus on the sugar
beet, auto navigation, and a few more.
Throughout, Milner pushes forward
anecdotes personal recollection of
many, many diverse contributors and
benefitees, or in a few cases, victims.
6 GPS WORLD

One chapter bears the title Death by

GPS.
He takes long, looping sidetrips
that are always interesting, far though
they may wander. The most notable
case is that of Polynesian cross-Pacific
navigation, a mental construct called
etak, which takes up, at length, the first
chapter of the book. We become aware
that possibly what interests Milner
most is navigation as a state of mind.
He attempts to tie it all together at the
end; it doesnt quite work, but the many
questions he raises along
the way are certainly
worth pondering.
Tw o e x a m p l e s ,
only pages apart.
In an i nve st i g at i on
of the legality and
Constitutional issues of
tracking and surveillance
by law enforcement, he
states: GPS provides
the possibility of
omniscience, unlike any
previous technology.
There is nothing natural
about using GPS to keep
a continuous inventory of the worlds
moving parts. It reflects a choice, a
conscious application of a neutral
technology . . . GPS itself is a blank slate
onto which we project our desires.
And in a section on marketing:
Stickiness, a term online marketers
apply to websites that encourage
repeat visits, could also describe
how GPS lets us build situational
contexts around things and people
to create new meanings, associations
and stickiness of disparate data. The
simplest example is when we use a
program like Google Maps to learn
about our location, a sticky query that
draws in satellite mapping, groundlevel photography, and business
information.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief & Group Publisher Alan Cameron
editor@gpsworld.com | 541-984-5312
Managing Editor Tracy Cozzens
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Innovation Richard Langley | lang@unb.ca
Defense PNT Don Jewell | djewell@gpsworld.com
European GNSS Tim Reynolds | treynolds@gpsworld.com
Professional OEM Tony Murfin
Geospatial Eric Gakstatter | egakstatter@gpsworld.com
GeoIntelligence Art Kalinski | akalinski@gpsworld.com
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Published monthly

30 Years in GNSS Testing

US Government & Defense

Spirent Federal
801-785-1448
gnssinfo@spirentfederal.com
www.spirentfederal.com

Global
Spirent
+44 1803 546325
globalsales@spirent.com
www.spirent.com/positioning

TAKING POSITION

We Have to Stop. Its a Jigglypuff!

BY Tracy Cozzens

MANAGING EDITOR

ommon sense tells

us not to hold a
smartphone while
driving. But a new game is so
addicting, its causing people
to forget that rule.
Released July 6 for both
Android and iOS, Pokmon
GO instantly became the
top free app and the top
grossing app on Apples
App Store, shattering social
media records and shooting
Nintendo stock through the
roof. And it hasnt even been

introduced in Europe
and Asia yet.
( Japan, of
course, is the
birthplace of
Pokmon.)
The game
uses augmented
reality to place
the coveted virtual
monsters (Pokmon)
into real-world locations, so
users have to travel to add to
their collections.
However, much like in the
early days of GPS navigation,
when people ended up
driving down railroad tracks
or into ponds, the Pokmon
GO app has led to accidents.
Some users are playing
the location-based game
from inside their vehicles,

stopping suddenly,
while pedestrians
are staring at device
screens as they
walk through
busy cities,
sometimes
onto private
property.
In t h e f i r s t
week:
A 28-year-old Auburn,
New York, driver ran his
vehicle off the road and
crashed into a tree.
A Massachusetts man
woke up to a garden full
of wandering Pokmon
players after his home
once a church had been
marked as a gym (multiplayer battleground).
A group of Missouri

teenagers were arrested

for armed robbery after
allegedly using the app
to anticipate secluded
locations for holdups.
Po l i c e d e p a r t m e nt s
around the country are
warning that anyone caught
using the app while driving
or jaywalking could end up
with a hefty fine.
But theres an upside, too.
Gamers are going outside,
getting exercise and making
new social connections.
And, apparently, helping
police. One 19-year-old
Wyoming woman, on a quest
to catch a Pokmon from
a natural water resource,
instead discovered a dead
body floating in the Big
Wind River.

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q: What percent of a GNSS designer or manufacturers R&D budget should be
devoted to mitigation of jamming?
MICHAEL
RITTER

JEFF
MARTIN

ANDREY
SOLOVIEV

P R E S I D E N T & C E O,
NOVATEL INC.

D I R E C T O R , G P S /G N S S
SALES
SPIRE NT FE DE RAL

P R I N C I PA L ,
QUNAV

A:

Solving for jamming,

intentional or unintentional, in
the design of any GNSS technology
platform is no longer an option. How
much any one company spends is
largely a function of how much is
spent on engineering overall and of
how much has already been invested
upfront on jamming mitigation.
The required level of jamming
resistance of any PNT solution also
depends very much on the particular
application, which in turn influences
the budget allocated.

8 GPS WORLD

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

A:

GNSS jamming is a growing

concern, and an assessment
of risks and an element of testing
against the most applicable real world
threats should be included as part of
every developers engineering process.
Spirent has decades of experience in
providing test equipment and services
to engineers working to understand
and mitigate jamming threats. We have
seen increased investment by designers
and integrators of PNT systems that
are driven to provide robust/resilient
solutions to their customers.

AUGUST 2016

A:

While some receivers already

incorporate jamming protection
(e.g., CW excision), more sophisticated
methods (for example, against broadband jamming and spoofing) should be
incorporated into perspective products.
The percentage of R&D budget depends
on a line of business. For manufactures
pursuing applications such as military
and critical infrastructure, the number
can be as high as 50%. For many civilian
applications a potential impact of
jamming is less damaging. Yet, from
10% to 20% should be still allocated.

SYSTEM
OF

SYSTEMS

NDGPS coverage before site reductions (left) and after site reductions. (U.S. Coast Guard)

NDGPS Loses Interior, Keeps Coast

Heartland Corrections Services Now Commercial or WAAS-only

he U.S. C oast Guard, Depar tment of

Transportation and Army Corps of Engineers
have reduced the number of Nationwide
Differential Global Positioning System
(NDGPS) sites that will be decommissioned.
The course correction keeps a coastal and Mississippi River
network of stations largely intact, while discontinuing inland
services.
Last year at this time, the agencies sought public comment
on a proposed shutdown of 62 of 84 NDGPS sites.
After a review of the comments received, we have
reduced to 37 the number of NDGPS sites to be shut down,
nine of which are USCG Maritime sites and 28 of which

are DOT inland sites, the notice reads. The NDGPS

system will remain operational with a total of 46 USCG
and USACE sites available to users in the maritime and
coastal regions.
Public use of NDGPS, never robust, has declined in large
part due to limited availability of DGPS receivers. Many
users and applications, particularly in precision agriculture,
have shifted to commercially provided services or Wide
Area Augmentation System (WAAS) corrections instead.
NDGPS coverage is maintained in major maritime ports
and waterways. See www.federalregister.gov for a list of sites
to be decommissioned. Termination of the broadcast signal
is scheduled to occur by Aug. 5.

OCX Deep Dive Finds Progress, Need for Funds

he Pentagon seeks $39.2

million from Congress to speed
the next-generation GPS
ground control system (OCX) towards
completion. Without the infusion, OCX
would be delayed an additional four
months and cost $90 million more to
complete, the Pentagon said.
The embattled OCX showed progress
in its July 7 quarterly review, according
to an Air Force statement. DOD

officials and Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves,

Space and Missile Systems Center
commander, concluded Raytheon has
made progress implementing critical
changes.
On June 30, OCX exceeded baseline
cost estimates by at least 25 percent,
triggering a Nunn-McCurdy breach
and potentially halting all work.
Further OCX review will wind up in
October. The Pentagon announced in
AUGUST 2016

2015 that it was delaying initial OCX

operations for the ground system until
July 2021.
GPS III satellites. which may first
launch in 2017, cannot use their full
capabilities with the current ground
control system, but the Air Force plans
to use a retrofit to work with the GPS
III designs until OCX is operational. See
gpsworld.com/updatesyndrome for
more details.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

GPS WORLD 9

SYSTEM

OF

SYSTEMS

Galileo and the Brexit Effect

Tension Grows over the Public Regulated Service
BY Tim Reynolds

EU R O P E A N E D I TO R

K involvement in the
European Space Agency
(ESA) should be
unaffected by Brexit
the UK leavetaking, as
yet undetermined in its details, from
the European Union. ESA is a separate
institution from the EU. However, one
could argue that non-EU-membership
might diminish the UK voice and could
require a higher financial contribution.
Bids for the next Galileo satellite
purchase contracts were due in midJuly, and the European Commission
indicated that it will consider them
purely on commercial terms. Airbus
Defence and Space and Thales Alenia
Space were expected to bid, as was
the incumbent supplier of the first
22 satellites, OHB SE of Bremen,
Germany, with Surrey Satellite
Technology Ltd. (SSTL) of Britain as
OHBs satellite payload developer.
The EU has historically been averse
to non-EU companies taking major
roles in Galileo, and the immediate
question is whether the EC could
accept an SSTL-built payload that
would not be launched until after
Britains exit is complete.
Paul Verhoef, ESAs director of
navigation, said he will manage the
competition as if Brexit had not
occurred, with no discrimination
against British bidders. Marco R.
Fuchs, chief executive of OHB, said
OHB would continue the front-line
role for SSTL.
Britain could negotiate a security
similar treaty similar to one reached
by Norway and the EU, that could
become effective on the date of Britains
departure.

10 G P S W O R L D

If I were a betting man, Id still

wager the house on the incumbent
consortium winning the contract
to provide the remaining satellites
required to provide a sustainable, 24/7
operational constellation for firstgeneration Galileo. There would, in my
opinion, be an unwarranted technical
risk in doing anything else.
However, for the next generation it
is open season, of course.
PRS at Risk. The real worry must
be for the Public Regulated Service
(PRS). This is the unique feature of
Galileo that is of great interest to civil
and military authorities in Europe
and beyond, due to its more robust
encrypted signal and its potential antijamming and spoofing characteristics.
Currently, PRS will only be available
to EU Member States. However,
other countries, including the U.S.
and Norway, have indicated that they
would love to be able to use it as well.
No final decision on this has yet been
made.
The loss of the automatic right to
access PRS would be damaging to
the UK, and potentially to the full
Galileo deployment timetable, as
the country is currently host to the
back-up Galileo Security Monitoring
Centre (GSMC) an essential part
of PRS infrastructure and I cannot
see any part of the PRS infrastructure
being left in a non-member state. If
the centre must be relocated, then
deployment of the full service could
be delayed.
In addition, UK involvement in
research and innovation activities
around PRS may be curtailed, even if
other work on Galileo projects is not.
UK a PRS Leader. The UK has been a
leader in developing PRS applications.
Nottingham Scientific Limited

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

(NSL) recently demonstrated cloudbased PRS applications including

implementation of PRS authentication
for an offender tag, done using live
Galileo (and GPS) signals. The
demonstration provided real-time
authentication flag generation, release
and delivery to users. A second demo
used cloud-based PRS in a proofof-concept remote, unattended
timing station where the primary
user requirement was 100-percent
confidence for the validity of signal.
A third demonstration illustrated the
use of cloud-based PRS on a drone.

Dual-Use Debate
PRS was also a major talking point at
the European Space Solution event
in The Hague in May. A panel on
Space and Security noted that despite
the fact that Galileo is marketed as a
civil controlled GNSS, dual use is
becoming a potentially divisive area
for debate.
Rini Goos from the European
Defence Agency (EDA) said that the
EU needed space systems to be able
to intervene successfully, and that
space strategy needed to support
Member State defence capabilities.
This meant that the next generation of
EU space systems must have dual-use
capability. NATO is entrusted with
external defence of the EU, but the
commission also needs to be able to
provide defence, not just consume it,
he concluded.
The current chairman of the Galileo
Security Accreditation Board is a UK
citizen, Jeremy Blyth. He said: Space
and security, security and space.
Whichever way we say it, what is clear
is that the two are inextricably linked
together. He believes that to ensure
security, it must be designed in from

SYSTEM
OF

SYSTEMS

the beginning. Security is an enabler,

rather than a barrier, he claimed.
He also believes that PRS gives
the EU a real and competitive edge
in secure positioning. However, he
indicated that there is a need to think
deeply and have a rational debate about
dual-use systems and, in particular,
about the interface between civil and
military use.
Clearly, there is a growing tension
with regard to overtly military use
of Galileo both now and in future
generations of the system. Although
a largely philosophical debate, given
who in reality will be controlling and
using PRS within many Member
States, many European and national
policy makers will want to retain
the purity of Galileo as a global
positioning system under fully civilian
control.

ground transmission, possibly via

legacy radio towers. However, he saw
the killer app for PRS being asset
tracking, such as for diamonds, VIPs or
prisoners. He also agreed that for many

EU countries, the ministry of defence

will be overseeing PRS services. PRS
is a good and unique addition to
GNSS but not the answer to all our
needs.

PRS Workshop
Security was also a key feature of
the PRS workshop organised by the
Netherlands EU Presidency toward
the end of European Space Solutions.
Ger Nieuwpoort, director of the
Netherlands Space Office (NSO),
reminded the audience that For civil
authorities, PRS provides the same
level of security for Member States as
the military in GPS.
Bart Banning of the Netherlands
Institute of Navigation asked How will
we use PRS? In terms of its use for
protecting critical infrastructure, what
if the owner of the infrastructure was a
private company? Should it be granted
access to PRS or have to make do with
the Galileo Commercial Service, a.k.a.
PRS-lite?
He also pointed out that PRS was
no more protected against jamming
than any other GNSS. And, currently,
it was not good for in-building,
underground or underwater.
He thought PRS could be a great
time provider, but probably also needs
AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 11

Inertial

Ranging & eLoran

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

INERTIAL + LIDAR + GNSS

Image courtesy Rolls-Royce.

Remote and Autonomous Ships

Coming Soon to the High Seas Near You

he Advanced Autonomous Waterborne

Applications Initiative (AAWA) published a
whitepaper in June as part of presentations at
the Autonomous Ship Technology Symposium
2016 in Amsterdam. The whitepaper outlines
the Projects vision of how remote and autonomous shipping
will become a reality.
Oskar Levander, Rolls-Royce Vice President of Innovation
Marine, said This is happening. Its not if, its when. The
technologies needed to make remote and autonomous ships
a reality exist. The AAWA project is testing sensor arrays in
a range of operating and climatic conditions in Finland and
has created a simulated autonomous ship control system
which allows the behaviour of the complete communication
system to be explored. We will see a remote controlled ship
in commercial use by the end of the decade.
The AAWA whitepaper explores the research carried out
to date on the business case for autonomous applications, the
safety and security implications of designing and operating
12 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

remotely operated ships, the legal and regulatory dimensions

and the existence and readiness of a supplier network to
deliver commercially applicable products in the short to
medium term.
Positioning Technologies. The proposed system draws on a
range of sensors (see FIGURE 1) including GPS, inertial, lidar,
cameras, short-range radars, and electronic charts. When
combined witha global or local positioning reference such
as GNSS, and with wind sensors and inertial measurement
units, the ship is able to keep its position even in rough
weather conditions, states the report. The main question
is therefore not whether the implementation of autonomous
ship navigation is technically possible, but what is the
combination of technologies and methods that provides
the level of performance and reliability that is required for
practical operation of large vessels, and at a reasonable cost.
The whitepaper draws on a wide range of expertise
from academic researchers at some of Finlands leading
See Autonomous Ships, page 14

>>

ELORAN

Iran Reiterates
Loran Effort

Figure 1 Proposed marine sensor pipeline in AAWA.

>> AUTONOMOUS SHIPS

Continued from page 12

FO

RE

G
w EA IS
w R TE
w LY R
.e -B
xp I N
ou RD OW
av R
.c AT
om E
S

universities. Industry input has been provided by leading

members of the maritime cluster including Rolls-Royce,
Brighthouse NAPA, Deltamarin, DNV GL and Inmarsat.
The project also has the support of shipowners and operators.
The tests of sensor arrays are being carried out aboard
Finferries 65-metrer double ended ferry, the Stella, which
operates between Korpo and Houtskr. ESL Shipping Ltd is
helping explore the implications of remote and autonomous
ships for the short sea cargo sector.

Researchers at Irans Malek-Ashtar University have developed

a 1-megawatt transmitter with half-cycle technology for a
national project announced as a replacement for GPS, which
is currently employed for all positioning, navigation and
timing services across the country. Given the lack of control
on the GPSs accuracy and quality and a possible outage
of the system in critical conditions, the countrys defense
ministry has set out to develop a local positioning system
(LPS) for positioning and timing.
Experts at the U.S.-based Resilient PNT Foundation
say the description of the system make it appear to be a
variant of Loran, probably similar to those operated in
Russia and China. If it is such a Loran variant and if it

OCT 31 NOV 2, 2016 | MGM GRAND | LAS VEGAS

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Surveying & Mapping with UAVs

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Emergency Response/
Search and Rescue

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Agriculture

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info@expouav.com

www.expouav.com/reports

Surveying & Mapping

with UAVs
By Jeremiah Karpowicz

Produced by Diversified Communications

Thiswww.expouav.com
report is brought
to you by:
Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2016
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14 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

>> IRAN LORAN

Continued from page 14

U.S. eLoran
August Demo

complies with international standards,

it should complement Saudi Arabias
Loran signals in the Persian Gulf, they
said.
Iran will establish 5 stations with
powerful transmitters in appropriate
locations to provide navigation,
positioning and timing services
in compliance with international
standards, according to the countrys
defense minister.
Iran made a similar announcement
about a land-based navigation system
in December 2013. The countrys
military experts and technicians have
reportedly logged significant progress
in manufacturing a broad range of
indigenous equipment.

The Wildwood, NJ eLoran transmitter

will continuously broadcast from July

29 through 12 pm Eastern time on

August 15. Wildwood will broadcast
as 8970 Master and Secondary most of
the time but occasionally may operate
at other rates.

CORRECTION: SOUTH KOREAS ELORAN

In the June issue of GPS World, in a
news article on South Koreas eLoran
inititative, we incorrectly stated that
If first-phase performance were
satisfactory, more transmitters
and differential stations would be
deployed to cover other areas. That
work has apparently not achieved the
desired result.
In fact, because of contracting
procedural issues, the work has not
yet started; thus no results have been

achieved to date.
Once the work actually starts,
states UrsaNav CEO Charles Schue,
I have no doubt that eLoran will
perform as expected and achieve all
of the desired results. We continue
to be engaged in the Republic of
South Koreas eLoran effort, and are
confident of our ability to deliver the
eLoran products and services that
fulfill their requirements whenever a
contract is put in place.

Performance in real-time

A U GJ U LS Y
T 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 15

LAUNCHPAD | OEM
3

2
4

1. GEODETIC ANTENNAS
FOR RTK, PPP AND OTHER
PRECISION APPLICATIONS

The VP6300 is a triple-band antenna for

reception of GPS L1/L2/L5, GLONASS
G1/G2/G3, BeiDou B1/B2 and Galileo
E1/E5a+b (1165MHz to 1254MHz +
1560MHz to 1610MHz). The VP6200 is
a dual-band antenna for reception of GPS
L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1/
B2, Galileo E1 and the L-Band correction
services (1195 MHz to 1254 MHz +
1525 MHz to 1610 MHz). Both antennas
have been calibrated by the U.S. National
Geodetic Survey and are designed for
high-precision applications such as realtime kinematic, precise point positioning
and other applications where precision
matters. The antennas feature an available,
uncommitted printed circuit board for
integration of custom electronics such as
precision GNSS receivers. Both antennas
feature the VeraPhase technology used in
the VP6000 all-band reference antenna.
Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

2. FUTURE PROOF RTK

FOR ROVER OR BASE STATION

The Altus APS3G is a real-time kinematic

(RTK) receiver that brings technology
from scientific receivers into the field
for professional surveyors. The new
multi-constellation APS3G addresses

16 G P S W O R L D

major concerns about compatibility

with new satellite constellations, as well
as interference and jamming. Built on
Septentrios AsteRx4 engine, the APS3G
tracks all-in-view GPS, GLONASS,
BeiDou, IRNSS, SBAS, Galileo and QZSS,
including E6/L6 and all other signals
known to be available in the medium term.
The APS3G incorporates Septentrios
AIM technology with three notch filters
for in-band jamming and chirp jammer
resistance, ensuring the highest possible
levels of accuracy and resilience under
all conditions. It provides optimum GSM
signal reception, as well as a built-in
advanced UHF receiver for reliable
performance on longer baselines, yielding
real-time 25-Hz RTK.
Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

3. GNSS RECEIVER
OFFSHORE SURVEYS, MACHINE
CONTROL, CRUSTAL DEFORMATION

CHCs N72 GNSS series offers highend receivers for GNSS applications
including offshore surveys and machine
control, national geodetic networks,
crustal deformation monitoring and
bathymetry. It was designed to provide all
the necessary technical features required
for geodetic surveying and demanding
applications such as Continuously
Operating Reference Stations (CORS),
on-board machine control and disaster

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

monitoring. Embedded battery supports

15 working hours without external power
supply; 32-GB internal memory integrated
and 1TB+ external memory supported;
Eight threads of logging with circulating
storage and FTP push functions; Wi-Fi,
LAN, Bluetooth and serial ports for data
communications; and LCD display and
function buttons for direct configuration.
CHC, chcnav.com

4. ANTI-JAM ANTENNA
SUITABLE FOR AIRBORNE PLATFORMS

The GAJT-AE-N anti-jam antenna is

designed for size- and weight-constrained
applications such as small airborne and
ground unmanned platforms where
it is preferable to mount the antenna
electronics inside the vehicle. Users can
select from a variety of four-element
Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas
(CRPA) and cabling lengths to meet
the form factor requirements of their
installation. Interference mitigation is
achieved by applying proprietary digital
beamforming algorithms to the signals,
creating dynamic nulls to give protection
against narrowband and broadband
interference sources. GAJT-AE-N comes
in variants that protect L1 and L2 signals in
wide or narrow band. The wide bandwidth
version ensures future compatibility with
M-code GPS.
NovAtel, novatel.com

TRANSPORTATION | LAUNCHPAD
1

1. GNSS MODULES
AUTOMOTIVE-GRADE POSITIONING
MODULES

The NEO-M8Q-01A and the NEOM8L-01A positioning modules provide

concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS,
Beidou and Galileo. The NEO-M8L01A is suited to providing 100 percent
dead-reckoning positioning coverage
even in areas of weak signal such as in
tunnels or multi-story car parks or those
experiencing poor signal quality such
as caused by multipath reflections. This
module is qualified to operate in the -40
to +85 degrees temperature range. The
NEO-M8Q-01 GNSS module is the first
GNSS module able to operate across the
extended automotive temperature range
from -40 to + 105 degrees Celsius.
u-blox, www.u-blox.com

2. CONNECTED CAR
REFERENCE PLATFORM
SIMPLIFIES INTEGRATION OF
ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY
TECHNOLOGIES INTO NEW VEHICLES

The Qualcomm Connected Car

Reference Platform is aimed at
accelerating the adoption of advanced
and complex connectivity into the
next-generation of connected cars. The
product is designed to maintain pace
with an ever-increasing set of automotive
use cases facilitated by the latest advances
in 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and vehicleto-everything (V2X) communications.
The platform is also designed to solve for
challenges such as wireless coexistence,
future-proofing and support for a large
number of in-car hardware architectures.

The Connected Car Reference Platform

is built upon Qualcomm Technologies
broad automotive product and
technology portfolio, including quadconstellation GNSS, Snapdragon X12
and X5 LTE modems, and 2D/3D deadreckoning location solutions, Qualcomm
VIVE Wi-Fi technology, Dedicated Short
Range Communications (DSRC) for
V2X, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy
and broadcast capabilities such as analog
and digital tuner support using softwaredefined radio via Qualcomm tuneX
chips. In addition, the platform features
in-vehicle networking technologies
such as Gigabit (OABR) Ethernet
with Automotive Audio Bus (A2B)
and Controller Area Network (CAN)
interfaces.
Qualcomm Technologies, www.
qualcomm.com

3 constellation simulator
Recreate real world conditions
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS
One touch record/replay of RF signals
Signal simulation software available
Free library of worldwide recordings and simulations

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 17

LAUNCHPAD | SURVEY & MAPPING

3
1

4
2

1. TOTAL STATION APP

CONNECTS ANDROID DEVICE TO
INFORMATION GATHERED

Total Station Survey helps land surveyors

and civil engineers view and inspect on any
Android device the information gathered
by the total station. It connects to the total
station using Bluetooth or a USB-serial
adapter/converter cable. It can measure
horizontal and vertical angle, slope and
horizontal distance, and set the horizontal
angle on the total station. The app is
available free on Google Play.
Systranova Software, play.google.com

2. LASER AND ANDROID APP

COLLECT SURVEY-GRADE ACCURACY
WITH AN ANDROID DEVICE

The TruPoint 300 is a lightweight,

compact point-and-shoot laser with
survey-grade accuracy. It measures the
distance between two remote points
and has onboard solutions for volume,
heights and 2D and 3D areas. Users can
collect 3D measurements from a single
location using a personal smart device and
capture a photo of every shot taken, using
LTIs MapSmart on Android software.
MapSmart combines sophisticated
technology typically required to collect
field data and puts it into a straightforward
app for smart devices. It simplifies the
mapping process by allowing users to
establish an origin quickly and begin

18 G P S W O R L D

mapping in just minutes. Users can

integrate location data using the GPS from
a smart device or improve accuracy with an
external antenna.
Laser Technology, www.lasertech.com

3. SMARTPHONE APP
QUICK LAND MEASUREMENTS

GPS Fields Area Measure Pro is easy,

intuitive, app to manage area, distance,
perimeter. It enables fast area/distance
marking, and ha a Smart Marker Mode for
accurate pin placement. Its GPS tracking
enables auto measurement while walking
or driving around a boundary. Users
can share an auto-generated link with
boundary/selected area/ direction/route.
GPS Field Area Measure useful as map
measurement tool for outdoor activities,
sports, range finder applications, bike tour
planning, or run tour planning, explore
golf area, land survey, golf distance meter,
field pasture area measure, garden and
farm work and planning, area records,
construction, agricultural fencing, solar
panel installation - roof area estimation,
trip planning.
Studio Noframe, play.google.com

4. DEDICATED 3D TABLET
CAPTURE AND REVIEW 3D IMAGES
IN THE FIELD

indoors and outdoors. It provides results

while working in the field with realtime measurements. The tablet has a
stereocamera, depth sensor scanner,
GPS and inertial measureent unit. It also
supports external cameras and other
topographic instruments. Applications
include crime scene investigation,
archaeology and architecture
documentation, as-built measurements
and inspections, industrial and civil
maintenance.
eCapture, ecapture.es

5. HANDHELD COLLECTOR
ENTRY-LEVEL GNSS DEVICE FOR GIS

The TDC100 handheld data collector

is an entry-level GNSS device for a
variety of geographic information
system (GIS) applications. It combines
both smartphone and ruggedized data
collection capabilities in a single, mobile
device. The Android-based TDC100
can run commercially available or
in-house developed applications on a
professional, IP-67 ruggedized platform
with a sunlight readable display and user
replaceable batteries. The built-in GNSS
receiver also provides real-time accuracy.
It supports GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou,
as well as satellite-based augmentation
system (SBAS) capabilities.
Trimble, www.trimble.com

The EyesMap tablet is a versatile

instrument for modeling 3D scenes

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

SMART GEODATA
SMART CITIES
GEOBIM
GEOSPATIAL 4.0

DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION

BIG DATA

!
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O
N
R
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T
REGIS ERGEO.DE
W W W.I N T

UK
PARTNER COUNTRY 2016

Host: DVW e.V.

Conference organiser: DVW GmbH
Trade fair organiser: HINTE GmbH

SPONSORS:

LAUNCHPAD | UAV
1

1. RECONNAISSANCE KIT
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
FOR DISASTER RELIEF

The Digital Mapping Reconnaissance

Toolkit (DMRT) provides real-time
reconnaissance for disaster relief and
other time-sensitive situations. . It is a
custom configuration of cameras, laser
rangefinder, GPS unit and software all
linked through the Red Hen VMS-333
multiplexing system. Users can create
up-to-date orthomosaic maps and 3D
models, as well as geotag reference points
in impacted areas without a time lag. Users
can create search patterns and map with
situational awareness. Both modular aerial
and land-based solutions are available.
Red Hen Systems,
www.redhensystems.com

The Intel RealSense R200 Camera and the

Atom processor work seamlessly with the
flight-control firmware to add intelligent
obstacle navigation. With a combination of
specialized cameras and sensors, this Intel
system maps and learns its environment
in 3D, recognizing each obstacle, planning
an alternative route, and safely navigating
around it an advancement over
ultrasonic collision prevention, which
automatically stops short of obstacles
but cannot model the environment or
intelligently reroute around obstacles. The
module also adds downward facing sensors
to improve stability, enabling flight indoors
or outdoors close to the ground, even with
poor GPS reception.
Yuneec International, www.yuneec.com

3. INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM
INSIGHT FOR COMPLEX MISSIONS

2. UAV BACKPACK
INTELLIGENT OBSTACLE NAVIGATION

The Typhoon H UAV with Intel RealSense

Technology comes with a factory installed
Intel RealSense R200 Camera and
quadcore Intel Atom processor, an ST16
controller with a Wizard controller for
dual operator mode, two batteries and
extra propellers, all packed in a custom
designed backpack. RealSense Technology
enables Typhoon H to fly autonomously,
intelligently navigating around objects.

20 G P S W O R L D

Mission Insight provides UAS operators

in deployed situations with a common
operating picture in a customized graphical
interface. The commercial off-the-shelf
application processes and analyzes large
streams of data from disparate sources
in real-time. It ensures real-time, indepth data access for mission-critical
events even in remote environments
or low-bandwidth situations. Complex
data filtering, advanced processing and
timing techniques enable Mission Insight

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

to prioritize data and allow transmission

as low as 2400 baud. The complete
information management solution
including archival and replay capabilities
in addition to the correlation, fusion and
analytical tools aid in training, postoperation analysis, incident investigation
and review of operational effectiveness.
Simulyze, www.simulyze.com

4. MULTI-SPECTRAL CAMERA
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
FOR DISASTER RELIEF

Sequoia is a small, light multispectral

UAS sensor that captures images of crops
across four highly defined, visible and
non-visible spectral bands, plus RGB
imagery. Sequoia is fully compatible with
the eBee Ag and other eBee platforms via
senseFlys proprietary Integration Kit.
It has four 1.2 megapixel sensors (nearinfrared, red-edge, red and green) plus
one 16 megapixel RGB sensor, providing
multispectral and RGB imagery from a
single flight. An upward-facing Sunshine
Sensor automatically calibrates Sequoias
multispectral sensors for accurate
imagery, whatever the light conditions.
The camera unit can be configured over
Wi-Fi and has 64-GB of built-in storage;
the Sunshine Sensor has GPS, an IMU, a
magnetometer and SD card slot
senseFly, www.sensefly.com

Experience

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REGISTER NOW CTIASuperMobility2016.com

TESTING

CANT DENY THE TRUTH:

Air Force Upgrades to a Better Field Reference System for Testing GPS Denial
INITIAL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY FOR THE ULTRA HIGH-ACCURACY REFERENCE SYSTEM
has been declared by the U.S. Air Force. Even when GPS is being completely jammed, UHARS provides extremely accurate positioning,
navigation and time more accurate than GPS over the large area of White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
BY Capt. James Kawecki, James Brewer, John Cao, 74 6TH TE ST S QUA DRO N , and Jason Baldwin, TM C DE SIG N CO R P O R ATI O N

22 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

TESTING

NON-GPS
POSITIONING SYSTEM,
WHITE SANDS
NORTH RANGE.
X = TRANSMITTER
SITE

DEFEATING THE
JAMMING THREAT

m i d a g row i ng
concern about
GPS jamming
in military areas
of operation,
testing GPS
receivers and antenna systems in
a GPS-denied environment has
become increasingly important

to Department of Defense (DoD)

agencies. However, since GPS is
often the gold standard position,
navigation and time information that
serves as a truth reference during field
and flight testing, conducting tests in
an area that has no GPS availability
because of intense jamming makes
it difficult to compare observed
position and navigation data to a
valid truth source. Moreover, to
evaluate system performance with
appropriate statistical significance,
the reference system against which
test results are measured needs to be
significantly more accurate than the
system under test. Therefore, when
the system under test is GPS itself,
this poses an interesting problem.
For more than a decade, the 746th
Test Squadron (746 TS), also known
as the Central Inertial and GPS
Test Facility (CIGTF), has met this
requirement by employing its CIGTF
Reference System (CRS). The CRS
(FIGURE 1) is a system of navigation
sensors that evaluates combinations
of its subsystem measurements in an
extended Kalman filter/smoother
algorithm to produce an optimal
reference trajectory. Delivering
sub-meter accuracy in non-GPSjammed environments and meterlevel accuracy in GPS-jammed
environments, the CRS is arguably
the most accurate reference system in
the DoD. However, many future DoD
weapons systems are projected to
require tighter navigation accuracies
in GPS-denied environments, and
as these requirements improve,
the reference system against which
they are evaluated must improve
accordingly. To meet these test and
evaluation reference requirements in
a GPS-denied environment, a new
reference system is needed.
The 746 TS embarked on the
development of the Ultra High

AUGUST 2016

Acc urac y Reference System

( U HA R S ) , a n e x t ge n e r at i on
reference system that meets test and
evaluation reference requirements
for future navigation and guidance
systems. UHARS consists of a rackmounted, tightly integrated system
of improved navigation sensors/
sub s y ste ms , d at a a c qu is it i on
system (DAS) and a new postm i s s i on re fe re n c e t r aj e c t or y
algorithm. The complete system
will provide a significantly more
accurate reference solution for future
airborne and land-based test vehicles
in navigation warfare environments
where modernized and legacy GPS
signals are jammed from friendly or
hostile systems.

FIGURE 1 CIGTF Reference System (CRS).

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 23

TESTING

/
KEY NGBPS
REQUIREMENTS
After successful completion of
the technical demonstration
in 2011, in which all of these
key technical requirements
were demonstrated, the USAF
awarded contracts to field the
NGBPS.
Carrier-phase truthreference solution of < 18
cm Three Dimensional Root
Mean Square (3dRMS), with a
Position Dilution of Precision
(PDOP) < 3.0.
Rover receivers acquiring and
tracking Locata signals at a
range greater than 30 miles
(48 km).
Accurate and reliable TimeLoc
synchronization over the
test area, the ability to
cascade TimeLoc from one
LocataLite to another, plus
the delivery of nanosecondlevel synchronized time on
the Range while GPS time is
unavailable because of GPS
jamming.
External signal amplification
to support the extended signal
range requirement while still
maintaining nanosecond-level
TimeLoc integrity.
Rover receiver tracking loops
perform adequately under
flight dynamics.
Tropospheric measurement
and modeling to ameliorate
the large tropospheric errors
(approximately 300 ppm
uncorrected) experienced by
terrestrial signals at these
ranges.
Transmit and receive antennas
that provide both adequate
gain and multipath mitigation
for an aircraft flight scenario.

Non-GPS Based. Achieving these

accurate reference solutions requires
a Non-GPS Based Positioning System
(NGBPS) subsystem capable of
operating and providing sub-meter
position accuracy in a GPS-denied
(jamming) environment. The NGBPS
portion of the UHARS program
employs a network of ground-based
LocataLite transceivers and test
vehicle receivers (also called rovers).
Although the NGBPS uses standard
commercial LocataLites and rovers,
meeting the demanding UHARS
accuracy and distance requirements
of better than 18 centimeters accuracy
over a 30-mile range in a flight
configuration necessitated some
additional testing and development
of transmit antennas, external signal
amplification, navigational software
for flight dynamics, as well as the
addition of a centralized command
and control (C2) capability so
the network could be remotely
controlled, across the range, from
the 746 TS building at Holloman Air
Force Base.

FIGURE 2 UHARS architecture.

24 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

BACKGROUND
The UHARS architecture (FIGURE 2) is
comprised of three major subsystems
w h i ch i nclu d e t he E n h anc e d
Embedded GPS/INS (EGI), Locata
NGBPS and GPS Antenna with
Antenna Electronics (AE). Other
key technologies include the DAS,
Differential GPS (DGPS) Base
Station and Reference Trajectory
Algorithm.
The NGBPS rover collects 10.23
MHz chipped code pseudorange
and carrier-phase measurements at
selectable rates of 1, 5 and 10 Hz.
The system uses a patented timing
process which tightly synchronizes
all LocataLites in the network. With
this done, data from the Locata
test bed receiver can be processed
exactly like sur vey-grade GPS
measurements, but without the need
for differential corrections.
Each LocataLite transmits on
two spatially diverse signals from
two separate antennas at two
frequencies within the 2.4-GHz
industrial, scientific and medical

TESTING

/
OVERVIEW

FIGURE 3 Locata solar aluminum transportable trailer (LSATT).

(ISM) frequency band, 2434.740 MHz and 2462.361

MHz, for a total of four spatially and frequency diverse
signals. That signal structure provides precise positioning
signals that are both resistant to GPS L1 and L2 jamming
and also provide highly accurate positioning.

The deployed system includes 16 Locata Solar Aluminum

Transportable Trailers (LSATT) with flexible power
options that integrate both shore power (110V AC) and
reusable solar power (FIGURE 3). The trailer configuration
enables easy transportation of major NGBPS components
on and off WSMR, allowing for easy reconfiguration
of the network or deployment to other test ranges if
required.
The NGBPS design currently includes 20 geographically
separated deployment sites, 16 of which are populated
with LocataLites, over a 20 x 20 mile area on WSMR
North Range (see OPENING FIGURE). This configuration can
be scaled to cover an even larger area when required.
Each site contains permanent monumentation for the
two spatially diverse transmit antennas (two monuments
per site; 40 total). FIGURE 4 shows a typical monument
site which is equipped with a quadrifilar helix S-band
transmit antenna, and one monument also supports
the 2.4-GHz receive dish antenna. The monuments
and antennas are integrated with an LSATT, UHF-band

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 25

TESTING

/
SITE ARCHITECTURE

FIGURE 4 NGBPS transmitter site.

FIGURE 5 NGBPS C2 repeater station.

(350-360 MHz) wireless architecture

for the command and control
element, and a meteorological
(MET) station made by Vaisala.
The MET station measures and
collects temperature, pressure
and relative humidity data, for
calculating tropospheric corrections
which are then transmitted as part
of the positioning signal generated
by a LocataLite for use across the
network.

26 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

The system is operated, controlled

and monitored using either the fixed
C2 center located at the 746 TS,
Holloman AFB, NM or the mobile
C2 Center. The mobile C2 is typically
located on the WSMR-North Range
to support test events. Two repeater
stations ( FIGURE 5 ) are installed at
WSMR-North Range to enable
long distance remote/wireless C2
communications with the NGBPS
network.

AUGUST 2016

The LSATT includes integrated

hardware and software to produce
the NGBPS network. The heart
of the NGBPS is the LocataLite
transceiver, which provides the
ranging signals used by the rover
to compute position and time
information. The same signals
are used by each LocataLite for
nanosecond-level synchronization
across the network. The MET station,
mounted on monumentation along
with a transmit antenna, collects
temperature, pressure and relative
humidity data and relays it to the
LocataLite for inclusion in the
transmitted navigation signal. The
LocataLite provides the exciter signal
to two Mini-Circuits amplifiers
which boost the RF power to around
10 watts for each transmit antenna,
providing signal coverage over the
large geographical area of WSMRNorth Range. The wireless modem
relays Locata and MET data to and
from the C2 centers using various
package compression techniques
to ensure data are not lost during
transmission. The modem provides
4 watts of power operating in the
UHF-Band with a directional high
gain antenna.
Situated in the New Mexico desert, the LSATT is also required to
operate during extreme weather
conditions, necessitating the employment of water-tight containers
and temperature reducing mechanisms to protect its commercial
subsystems. Accordingly, a filtered
fan configuration mitigates elevated
temperatures during operation.
Each LSATT also possesses an
intelligent low power controller that
supports the various communication
protocols within the equipment
enclosure. A comprehensive and

TESTING

/
expandable feature of the controller
design enables a centralized
methodology for data collection,
health and status information and C2
functions. The controller interfaces
with the LocataLite transceiver, MET
station, amplifiers, and power supply
sources. Information is collected and
packetized for efficient transmission
via the wireless modem. Commands
from the fixed or mobile C2 center
are received and implemented by the
controller. During non-operating
periods, the controller reduces power
consumption by shutting down nonessential equipment. Likewise, the
controller itself enters a stand-by mode
until reactivated by the C2 center via
the wireless modem. The controller
provides a redundant data archive
capability and autonomously manages
operations in the unlikely event of
a wireless communication outage
with the C2 Centers. The controller
is programmed to shut down after a
definable period if C2 communication
links cannot be re-established.
The NGBPS desig n prov ides
pre-, live- and post-mission support
through remote wireless C2
operations. This support includes
real-time status monitoring and a
net-centric architecture for C2 of

Locata Antenna
FIGURE 7 USAF C-12J aircraft fitted with Locata antenna.

remote locations. As C2 outages

are detected, the wireless network
autonomously attempts to selfrepair and return the network to
an operational state.

VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION

After all network and C2 software
activities had been completed, TMC
Design Corporation conducted a
Final System Verification (FSV)
on the fully fielded NGBPS system

ION GNSS 2016

Booth #208
In co-operation with

COMING SOON
The Amazing Next Generation of GNSS Simulation

FIGURE 6 A typical NGBPS clear air flight

profile.

www.ifen.com
AUGUST 2016

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G P S W O R L D 27

TESTING

/
on WSMR. The FSV ensured all
contractual requirements were
adequately met prior to release to the
746 TS for government operations.
It included verifying successful
communication through the UHF
network and ensured that the rover
could obtain and process information
from each LSATT site in view.
Additionally, a mission duration test
was performed to ensure the system
could operate for the period of a
standard mission window without
depleting the battery system.
Upon completion of the FSV
in September 2014, the 746 TS
conducted a series of flight tests to:
Measure the NGBPS PDOP over
the WSMR fielded area.
Compare the measured PDOP
values to the developed PDOP
model.
Evaluate carrier-phase solution
with an objective accuracy of
<18cm 3dRMS with a PDOP < 3.
Once the squadrons PD OP
model was verified, flight profiles
were carefully devised to stay within
the NGBPS PDOP < 3 envelope
(FIGURE6). However, since the 746 TS
also sought to evaluate other UHARS
components, both individually and
as a system, additional flight profiles
were flown. When these flight profiles
happened to meet NGBPS PDOP
criteria, performance was recorded
and analyzed. All flight profiles were
flown at varying altitudes, aircraft
speed and time of day in order to test
the NGBPS network performance
under a wide range of scenarios.
Although an operational UHARS
will ultimately provide an exceptional
reference solution in a GPS-denied
environment, GPS signals needed to
be available during NGBPS validation
in order to evaluate the Locata
navigation carrier-phase solution
against a Differential GPS carrier-

28 G P S W O R L D

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phase solution. Thus, all NGBPS

validation testing was conducted in
clear, unjammed environments. Now
that system performance is verified
in this NGBPS configuration, it can
be used as the primary source of
positioning when the GPS signals
are denied.
Flight trials were conducted using
the USAF C-12J aircraft ( FIGURE 7)
integrated with one quadrifilar helix
S-band receive antenna. The NGBPS
receiver was integrated in the UHARS
flight pallet, and a DAS was connected
to the receiver to log specific receiver
and health data required for post-test
data analysis.
FIGURE 8 illustrates the top-down
view of the predicted PDOP=3
boundaries across the NGBPS
network on WSMR. The PDOP
volume coverage is shown in 1000
ft. increments (red lines) from 5K
to 30K ft. MSL. The green lines are
at 10K, 20K and 30K ft. The flight
profiles were flown within the PDOP
volume footprint to obtain carrierphase solutions.

RESULTS
The 746 TS conducted extensive
flight tests where the NGBPS system
was tested under operationally
realistic conditions. Preliminary test
results have proven good enough to
declare Initial Operational Capability
(IOC) for use by the 746 TSs many
DoD and Government customers.
Not only does the network deliver
centimeter-level positioning and
navigation, but also nanosecond-level
synchronization, which may be useful
for military applications requiring
precise time transfer in GPS-denied
environments. Working in concert
with other UHARS components,
the LocataNet supports a reference
solution which outperforms the CRS
in GPS-denied environments.

AUGUST 2016

FIGURE 8 NGBPS PDOP plot.

Initial testing shows that UHARS

delivers accurate independent PNT as
good as, or better than, the USAFs
current CRS, so it is perfectly
able to support current customer
requirements, said Jim Brewer, chief
scientist of the 746 TS. However,
more data are required to tune
the UHARS filter and optimize its
accuracy to meet even tighter PNT
requirements, which is our objective.
When this is achieved, UHARS will
deliver truth accuracy for nextgeneration military capabilities,
and we will declare UHARS at Full
Operational Capability.
UHARS is a rack-mounted,
tightly integrated system of improved
navigation sensors, a data acquisition
system and a new post-mission
Kalman filter, all of which need to
work together, explained John Cao,
technical director of the 746 TS.
Its working very well, but once we
completely measure and characterize
the individual components and
then tune and validate the filter,
the complete system will provide a
significantly more accurate reference
solution for future airborne and landbased test vehicles in navigation
w ar f are e nv i ron m e nt s w h e re
modernized and legacy GPS signals
are jammed from friendly or hostile
systems.

TESTING

/
SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS
As designed, deployed, and validated, this tailored network
provides accurate 3D positioning, completely independent
of GPS and while traveling in a dynamic aircraft flight
profile. This enables the US government to test, evaluate,
and assess capabilities in GPS-denied environments.
Based on successful results of the original technical
demonstration at WSMR in a real-world end-to-end
environment, the USAF proceeded to the NGBPS
production and fielding phase in 2012.
The currently installed network infrastructure on
WSMR includes 20 permanent monument sites, 16
LSATT trailers installed in select initial site locations,
comprehensive C2 software and solar and battery power
for all sites. The system is self-contained, remotely
operated and possesses high quality, reliability and safe
operation attributes. Its NGBPS capability is now core to
the UHARS that is replacing the CRS.
Initial testing shows that UHARS delivers accurate
independent PNT as good as, or better than, the USAFs
current CRS truth system, and the 746 TS has therefore
declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for UHARS,
making it immediately available to support customers
requiring an accurate non-GPS-based solution. Further
verification testing will enable the squadron to fine tune
the UHARS filter and optimize its accuracy even further to
meet even tighter PNT requirements. At that time UHARS
Full Operational Capability (FOC) will be declared.
Customers interested in leveraging UHARS into their
test programs should contact the 746 TS at (575) 6792123 or 746ts.info@us.af.mil for scheduling information.

CAPT. JAMES KAWECKI is the analysis flight deputy for the 746 TS,
engaged in the planning, documentation and review of all guidance
and navigation test efforts for the 746 TS. He provides technical
inputs in the continuous improvement of the SPIDER filter for the
UHARS program. With 13 years in the Air Force, his experience
includes aircraft maintenance, electrical systems engineering, staff
positions and advanced sensor analytics for various programs.
JAMES BREWER received his doctorate in electrical engineering
from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He has evaluated
navigation systems for the past 30 years at the 746th Test
Squadron, where he currently holds the chief scientist position.
JOHN CAO is technical director of the 746 TS, providing technical
oversight on the planning, execution and reporting of all guidance
and navigation test efforts at the 746 TS. With more than 27 years
of Air Force acquisition experience, he supported development and
testing of many weapons development programs, including F-16,
F-22, Tactical Satellite 3 (TacSat-3), Patriot and other systems.
JASON BALDWIN is an information architecture and information
systems professional for TMC Design Corporation, providing
technical guidance on the planning, documenting and
implementing of cybersecurity efforts throughout various
Department of Defense (DoD) programs. With more than 18
years of DoD experience, he has supported the development and
integration of many systems that include NGBPS, mobile satellite
ground terminals, counter-IED devices and other systems.

MANUFACTURERS
LocataLites, Locata rovers and the software/firmware that
enables the TimeLoc synchronization technology which
creates the LocataNet are manufactured and supplied by
Locata Corporation. The S-band transmit antenna was
made by Cooper Antennas Ltd.
The 746 TS awarded two separate sole-source
contracts for NGBPS. The Locata Corporation
was contracted to provide production transceivers
and rovers, navigation algorithms required for data
analysis and subject matter expertise. The TMC Design
Corporation was contracted to develop the hardware
to house and field the Locata network, develop the
command and control hardware and software, and then
physically field the production hardware at WSMR.

AUGUST 2016

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G P S W O R L D 29

MARKET
WATCH

Segment Snapshot:
Applications, Trends & News

OEM

New System Takes Testing into the Field

pirent Communications
new GSS6450 RF record and
playback system captures the
real-world radio frequency
environment and brings it into the
lab, enabling receiver, system and
application technology developers to
optimize performance and robustness.
Until now, high-resolution record
and playback systems have been mains
powered and not designed for infield use. The GSS6450 changes that,
enabling a range of signal powers and
characteristics to be sampled, recorded,
brought into the lab and replayed.
The GSS6450 combines highresolution, 16-bit-wide band sampling
in a portable unit measuring 22 x
20 x 7.3 centimeters and weighing
2 kilograms. The high-resolution
capability means it can capture a more
detailed RF environment, including
RF interference, complex atmospheric
scintillation and space weather impacts
on the GNSS signal, so users can
improve receiver performance against
these signals.

With its compact size, the GSS6450 is designed for capturing data in the field such as
on foot or in vehicles, and easily portable when traveling.

It offers a choice of 4-, 8- or 16-bit

I/Q quantization, and a 10-, 30- or 50MHz recording bandwidth. Up to four
GNSS frequency bands can be recorded
simultaneously, making the GSS6450
suitable for applications ranging from
testing new devices, such as wearable
tech and unmanned vehicles, to
chipset development using new GNSS
frequencies, and high-end system test.
The 16-bit I/Q quantization option

ComNav Releases New Boards

o m N av s n e w K7 se r ie s o f
GNSS OEM boards have higher
observation data quality and lower
power consumption than its K5 series.
Data output rate increases with a new
Atmel processor.
The K700 is scalable for sub-meter to
centimeter-level positioning applications
such as GIS, precision agriculture, marine
and automotive systems. It tracks GPS
L1, BeiDou B1, GLONASS L1 and SBAS,
andsupports PPS, Event Marker and
short baseline RTK. Its size, weight
and power specs make it easy to be

30 G P S W O R L D

customized and integrated.

On the K708 OEM board (pictured),
the inside GNSS tracking engine with
388 channels can track all current and
future constellations. It is designed
with strong compatibility and built-in
functions, including high-accuracy PVT
output, long baseline RTK and reserved
webserver service. The 8-GB onboard
memory provides storage space for
raw data without external memory
card. Designed for CORS, deformation
monitoring and related high-accuracy
GNSS positioning applications.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

gives up to 96-dB of dynamic range, so

it can be used for interference analysis
and improving receiver resilience to
jamming.
It also can record non-RF sources
including inertial sensor outputs, dead
reckoning and up to four video streams.
Long recordings are achieved using up
to 4 terabytes of on-board storage. An
additional 8 terabytes of RAID storage
can be added externally.

MARKET WATCH

OEM

Hemisphere GNSS Reveals Improved Eclipse

emisphere GNSS
has announced
the Eclipse P326
and P327, first in
a line of new and refreshed
low-power, high-precision,
position and heading OEM
boards. The boards are
the latest addition to the
companys Eclipse series of
products.
The multi-frequency,
multi-GNSS Eclipse P326
and P327 are based on
an innovative platform
that integrates L-band
and receives Atlas GNSS
corrections on a single small

board, the company said.

Designed with this new
platform, the overall cost,
size, weight and power
consumption of the P326
and P327 are significantly
reduced.
The Hemisphere GNSS

P326 board, a drop-in upgrade for many Hemisphere

products.
The P326 and P327 support 394 channels and are
scalable board solutions
that offer centimeter-level
accuracy in either single-frequency or full performance
multi-frequency, multiGNSS, Atlas-capable mode.
Drop-In Upgrade. The
small form factor (41 x 71
millimeters) 34-pin P326
module is a drop-in upgrade
for many Hemisphere
products. The P327 module
(41 x 72 millimeters) is a

DOT Conducts More Adjacent Band Tests

he U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted

additional testing of GPS/GNSS
receivers in July as part of the DOT Adjacent Band Compatibility Study.
The goal is to evaluate the adjacent
radio frequency band power levels that
can be tolerated by GPS/GNSS receivers,
and advance the DOTs understanding
of the extent to which such power levels
impact devices used for transportation
safety purposes, among other GPS/
GNSS applications.
In April, radiated testing of GNSS

devices took place in an anechoic

chamber at the U.S. Army Research
Laboratory at the White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico.
The study provides for testing
categories of receivers that include
aviation (non-certified), cellular, general
location/navigation, high-precision
and networks, timing and space-based
receivers.
Twelve receivers were selected from
the receivers tested in April.
Visit www.gps.gov/spectrum/ABC/
for more information.

Averna Acquires U.S.-Based Nexjen

verna, a developer of test solutions
and services for electronics devicemakers, has acquired Nexjen Systems,
based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Averna is headquartered in Montreal,
Canada.
Nexjen Systems is a full-service
integrator with expertise in mechanical
test systems, RF automated test

equipment, industrial control,

measurement and monitoring systems,
and automation control panels.
Nexjen Systems leadership will
continue on as Averna employees.
Averna described the acquisition
as an opportunity to expand Avernas
presence in the Eastern United States
in each of its major market segments.
AUGUST 2016

drop-in upgrade for standard

20-pin modules from other
manufacturers.
The latest technology platform enables simultaneous
tracking of all satellite signals
including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS, which
the company said makes
it a robust and reliable solution, while the updated
power-management system efficiently governs the
processor, memory and
ASIC important for multiple integration applications
such as handheld and battery-powered devices.

ION GNSS+ 2016

PREVIEW
Companies in this sector
exhibiting on the show floor in
Portland:
ComNav. Just released its 700
and 708 OEM boards.
IfEN Gmbh. Latest version of
next-generation simulator.
NovAtel launched TerraStar-L
40-cm PPP correction service.
Spirent Federal invites you
to demo their latest GNSS
simulation at ION GNSS+.

Of interest in technical program:

A Multi-band GNSS Signal
Sampler Module with OpenSource Software Receiver,
Session A4.
Correlator Beamforming
for Multipath Mitigation at
Relatively Low Cost: Initial
Performance Results, Session
A4.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 31

MARKET WATCH

SURVEY

GeoBullseye for ArcPad v2 Has 3D RTK GNSS

eoBullseye for ArcPad, Version 2, is a

software extension
that turns Esris ArcPad mobile GIS software
into a high-accuracy GNSS
three-dimensional (collecting XY and Z) solution supporting Esri workflows.
Released by GeoMobile
Innovations, GeoBullseye is
a XY and Z centimeter accuracy RTK GNSS collection
solution that can be tightly
integrated in a fully disconnected workflow with
ArcGIS as well as connected,
real-time synchronization
with ArcGIS Online (AGOL) or
ArcGIS Server including SDE
environments.
GeoBullseye supports

accurate collection of
GNSS attributes, including
GEOID12 for accurate Mean
Sea Level (MSL) elevations.
It displays real-time
estimated accuracies on the
ArcPad main map screen
and supports automated
recording of GNSS and
GIS metadata, including
key horizontal and vertical
accuracy metrics and realtime differential correction
status results.
Version 2 collects up to 35
configurable auto attributes
to support confidence in
critical field data-collection
efforts.
Small and large utilities,
engineering, and land and
natural-resource impact

consultants are among

those seeking confident
collection of high-accuracy
RTK horizontal and vertical
positions and the ability to
efficiently cycle this data
to and from the field and
update their GIS, either when
they return to the office or in

real-time out in the field.

Version 2 implements
a 14-parameter datum
transformation to solve a
critical horizontal datum
shift problem for the specialized positioning needs of
North American GPS users
mapping in NAD83 (2011
epoch) datum while using
satellite-based augmentation services such as WAAS
or commercial services like
Atlas, OmniSTAR, Terrastar
and Starfire.
Those services produce
coordinates referenced to
the ITRF08 datum, which
is substantially different
(greater than 1 meter) from
NAD83/2011, the national
standard in the U.S.

Smartphone and GNSS in One Device

pectra Precisions new MobileMapper 50 GNSS handheld

device is designed for simple
GIS data collection or for use as a data
controller for Spectra Precision SP60
and SP80 GNSS receivers.
Available with an Android OS, the

32 G P S W O R L D

MobileMapper 50 combines smartphone

capabilities with a ruggedized design to
improve positioning accuracy.
Together with the MobileMapper
50, Spectra Precision also introduced
two new software applications: an
Android OS version of MobileMapper
Field software for GIS professionals
and Spectra Precision Survey Mobile
software to control SP60 and SP80
GNSS receivers.
The MobileMapper is designed for
GIS and survey professionals looking
for a smartphone-type device thats
professional, rugged and waterproof.
The MobileMapper 50 is available
in two versions: both with Android OS
and Wi-Fi, and with optional 4G LTE
cellular module. It is IP67 rated, thin
(14.6 mm) and lightweight (300 grams
or 10.6 ounces).

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

It also features a 1.2-GHz quad-core

processor, 5.3-inch sunlight readable
display, large memory (8 or 16 GB,
depending on the version) and a highresolution, built-in camera (8 or 15 MP,
depending on the version).
As a professional device, the
MobileMapper 50 provides accurate
GNSS p ositioning, supp or ting
SABS, GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou
constellations as well as post-processing
for improved accuracy.

MARKET WATCH

SURVEY 2
Construction Management Gets SMART
exagon AB has launched HxGN SMART Build,
enterprise construction management software
designed to alleviate cost overruns and delays.
SMART Build facilitates the convergence of
construction planning and execution through
real-time clarity, accountability and management of the
project lifecycle.
This empowers construction executives with top-down
visibility of progress and deviations and field crews with
automation and real-time access to the relevant and upto-date information they need every day on the job site,
Hexagon said.
Leveraging technologies from Hexagons Process, Power
& Marine and Geosystems businesses, SMART Build brings
all relevant project information together on a single platform
from design down to the smallest tasks in a secure,
cloud-based environment.
Participants at all levels can access data and information

from anywhere from 2D drawings and 3D models, to

work packages, detailed instructions, point clouds and asbuilt measurements, to project progress and deviations from
plan. This real-time visibility and transparency clarifies,
connects and simplifies the construction management
process, the company said.

Geneq Launches RTK App for iOS

eneq has introduced a new

NTRIP client app for iOS
that works with iSXBlue
receivers.
iSXBlue RTN is used alongside
other geospatial information systems
and surveying apps to obtain realtime centimeter accuracy on an
iPhone or iPad.
Key features include real-time
kinematic (RTK) alarm configurations
with NTRIP and DIP modes. The
easy-to-use app allows users to
update their receiver with the latest
firmware, the company said.
Other features include real-time
map location with accuracy and
satellite skyplot for GPS, GLONASS
and SBAS. The app supports all
current and future constellations
such as BeiDou and Galileo, the
company said.
iSXBlue and SXBlue GPS receiver
users include GIS and surveying
professionals in industries such

as agriculture, environmental,
government, mining, natural
resources, surveying and utilities.

ION GNSS+ 2016

PREVIEW
Companies in this sector
exhibiting on the show floor in
Portland:
Septentrio. Showcasing
the PolaRx5 reference and
scientific receiver family and
AsteRx-m UAS + GeoTagZ
solution for UAV aerial survey
without ground control
points.

Of interest in technical
program:
PPP Integrity for Advanced
Applications, Including Field
Trials with Galileo, Geodetic and
Low-Cost Receivers, Session
F2.
EDAS (EGNOS Data Access
Service): Differential
GNSS Corrections for Land
Applications, Session F4.

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 33

MARKET WATCH

MAPPING

SAP Debuts Geographical Framework

AP SE unveiled its SAP Geographical Enablement

Framework at the 2016 Esri User Conference, held
June 27 to July 1 in San Diego, California.
Powered by SAP HANA, SAP Geographical
Enablement Framework is designed to help organizations
enrich business applications with geographic data, such as
from Esri ArcGIS.
Asset-intensive industries such as energy, transportation
and the public sector will be able to use the framework to
visualize business objects on maps, improving efficiency and
decision making, according to SAP. It will help organizations
streamline the processing of both enterprise and spatial data
for greater location awareness across business processes.
Organizations can use the framework to:
Enable smooth integration and bidirectional navigation
between SAP applications and Esri ArcGIS. Developers can
use application programming interfaces published by GIS
to fetch geospatial data. Business data augmented with
geometric attributes can be published as a service, so
that GIS users can access SAP business data from within
their GIS tools.
Embed a responsive map user interface in a business
application to display both business and spatial data
simultaneously to provide greater insight.
Store the geometry of any SAP business object in the SAP
HANA platform and accelerate spatial data processing in

Insurance company Munich Re uses spatial dataprocessing capabilities in SAP HANA with predictive analytics to assess
risk and identify natural hazard profiles for millions of locations around
the globe, so that it can efficiently coordinate loss adjustors after a major
catastrophe or calculate hospitals, schools and roads impacted by an
impending hurricane or flood. (Image: SAP)
memory to deliver real-time insights, enriched with spatial
context, to improve decision making.
Visualize, filter and search for business objects
such as functional location, equipment, linear assets,
notifications or work orders on a map from within a
spatially enabled application. From a desktop or a tablet,
users can also drill down through multiple map layers to
gain better insight.

Sentinel Imagery Works Inside ArcGIS

sri has enhanced its

ArcGIS technolog y to
simplify the use of free
global imagery from the
Sentinel-2 satellite launched by the
European Space Agency. ArcGIS
supports visualization, interpretation
and analysis of Sentinel imagery,
valuable for forestry, agriculture,
land resources management and
environmental monitoring.
Sentinel imager y can also be
enhanced by Landsat imagery already
available in ArcGIS Online, providing
additional temporal depth.

34 G P S W O R L D

Color infrared image using free global imagery from the Sentinel-2 satellite of the
European Space Agency.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

MARKET WATCH

MAPPING

Helping the Blind

See

he ancient city-kingdom of
Kourion on the southwestern
coast of Cyprus can now be
seen by those with impaired vision.
Kourion, part of the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Paphos, was once an
important urban center. While most of
the archaeological remains including
several buildings with well conserved
floor mosaics date to the Roman
and Early Byzantine periods, the most
ancient finds connect to settlements and
tombs of the Ceramic Neolithic period
(circa 5500-4000 BCE).
British drone manufacturer

QuestUAV, in cooperation with the

Cyprus University of Technology,
acquired high-resolution aerial images
of Kourion Archaeological Park with a
surveying drone, and then created a
virtual 3D model from the images with
Pix4Dmapper Pro.
The QuestUAV team (a pilot and
laptop commander) flew over 100
hectare of the archaeological park
at 400 feet with a Q-200 Surveyor
drone equipped with a Sony A6000
camera and a 16mm wide-angle lens,
taking 330 aerial photographs during
a 20-minute, fully autonomous flight.

The automatic camera trigger and

the gimbaled camera system enabled
acquisition of pin-sharp pictures, even
at wind speeds of up to 40 kilometers
per hour.
T h e i m a g e s h ave a g ro u n d
sampling distance of 2.5 centimeters
with an overlap of 80 percent in flight
direction and 65 percent sidelap.
During the flight, the Q-200 Surveyor
recorded the GPS coordinates of each
camera position in a log file, allowing
for image geo-location.
The entire survey took no longer
than an afternoon.

A tactile map: In
summer 2015, sections of the
virtual 3D model, including
the amphitheater, were
printed in 3D and displayed in
the visitor center with Braille
explanations, providing an
interactive history to those
with visual impairments.

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 35

MARKET WATCH

TRANSPORTATION

Connected Car Considerations

Industry Viewpoints on Standardization, Safety and More

his article presents short

segments from each of
the four speakers on our
Co n n e c t e d C a r w e b i n a r,
which aired in June, sponsored by
u-blox . The 1-hour webinar with
presentation slides is downloadable
free at www.gpsworld.com/webinar.

Chaminda Basnayake, Principal

Engineer, V2X Systems, Renesas
Electronics
In the basic V2X concept of operation,
everybody will be talking to each other,
will be aware of each other. Any car will
be broadcasting BSMs, pedestrian or
personal devices will be broadcasting
an equivalent message, called personal
safety messages (PSM), and then
all the control devices like traffic
control will broadcast signal-based
timing information, SPAT messages,
intersection maps and GPS correction
data.
The expectation in the system design
is that all vehcicles will provide position
information and location accuracy, and
the vehicle should be able to get this
from itself and from others.
The idea is that every vehicle should

Connected Car Gateway for application such as emergency calling, telematics,

infotainment data distribution and usage-based insurance. (Image: u-blox)
be able to relatively position everyone
else, and then with the onboard device,
the vehicle should be able to position
itself with respect to the roadway.
A lot of applications are out there.
A good source of further information
on these is www.iteris.com/cvria/
html/applications/applications.html,
put together by the Connected Vehicle
Reference Implementation Architecture,
a U.S. Department of Transportation
initiative.

How to Put the Car on a Map? Positioning technology options. (Image: Renesas
Electronics)
36 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

John Kenney, Director and Principal

Re s e a r c h e r, N e t w o r k D i v i s i o n ,
Toyota InfoTechnology Center
A couple of issues are hot today with
regard to spectrum and how were going
to use it: what kinds of technology to
use to support V2X, in the United States
and around the world, and also whether
that spectrum can be shared by other
technologies for other purposes.
V2X is an inherently ad hoc network,
and that makes evolution across
generations a much more challenging
task than we are used to seeing in the
cellular environment.
Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technology is now mature,
and its entering the deployment
phase. The cellular V2X technology
thats in the initial standardization is
interesting; it offers benefits by complementing DSRC, but we dont want to
see it positioned as a competitor. The
auto industry wants to remove uncertainty (regarding spectrum sharing) but
only in a way that does not threaten
DSRCs safety-of-life mission.
See next page >>

MARKET WATCH

UAV 2
TRANSPORTATION
Nikolaos Papadopoulos, President,
u-blox America
The adjacent figure shows an invehicle module for emergency calling,
other positioning applications and
infotainment. The blue boxes show
the components that we supply: the
GNSS with three-dimensional dead
reckoning, and in the future with
lane-level accuracy, the TOBY 4000
with the customer application, as well
as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and near-field

communications.
I have shown examples in this
webinar where we can clearly identify
lane changes with a combination of
GNSS technologies.
We very much encourage both
Tier Ones and OEMs to keep the
cellular technology, the short-range
communication technology, and the
GNSS positioning technology separate.
The advances in GNSS and positioning
for autonomous vehicles are truly

u-blox Offers DeadReckoning Receiver

T
Rohde & Schwarz
Has ADAS Testing

ohde & Schwarzs FSW85

high-end signal and spectrum
analyzer, including analysis
option for FMCW chirp signals, is
well adapted for testing advanced
driver assistance systems (ADAS). It
analyzes automotive radar sensors
designed for designated frequency
bands around 24 GHz and 79 GHz. It
can cover the frequency range from
2 Hz to 85 GHz in a single sweep. Its
optional analysis bandwidth of up to 2
GHz makes it possible to demodulate
and thoroughly analyze even extremely
broadband signals.
R&S also offers an eCall test system
consisting of the R&S CMW500 and the
GNSS-capable R&S SMBV100A vector
signal generator, a hardware-in-theloop solution for standard-compliant
end-to-end tests for wireless
communications and GNSS-capable
components in in-vehicle systems.

he miniature Untethered Dead

Reckoning (UDR) EVA-M8E
receiver from u-blox measures
7 by 7 millimeters and is designed to
provide positioning for small-sized
vehicle trackers. It provides untethered
dead-reckoning performance without
any electrical connection to the vehicle,
using low-cost inertial sensors.
The EVA-M8E offers continuous
positioning even before GNSS signals
have been received, improves accuracy
when GNSS signals are weak, and
enables continuous low-latency
positioning at 20 hertz to track highly
dynamic events, the company said.
The EVA-M8E enables flexibility in
end-product design, requiring only
a direct connection with the MEMS
inertial sensor and SQI Flash memory.
It adapts automatically to installations
anywhere within a vehicle. It supports
very low stand-by current consumption.
UDR with adaptive signal strength
compensation helps reduce the effects
of small antenna and poor installations,
which means the EVA-M8E can
support extremely small after-market
road-vehicle applications such as
usage-based insurance and theft
alarms.
AUGUST 2016

extraordinary, and can only be done in

the separate GNSS technology.
Roger Berg, Vice President, Wireless
Technologies, DENSO North American
R&D Laboratories
The video example that I showed
here, of advance warning of a braking
car hidden from your line of sight ahead
of you, used a Toyota vehicle, a u-blox
positional element, and a Renesas V2V
component.
Weve learned through experience
that one company cant do it all. This is
an ecosystem that requires connectivity
and cooperation. No longer is a vehicle its
own entity; it does not operate separate
from infrastructure and other road users.
And finally, we cant necessarily predict
how connected and automated drivers
interact with so-called regular vehicles,
those controlled by human drivers.
Its going to take a lot of collaboration
between industry, academia and
government to be effective.

ION GNSS+ 2016

PREVIEW
Companies in this sector
exhibiting on the show floor:
Rohde & Schwarz: FSW85
high-end signal and spectrum
analyzer and GNSS-capable
SMBV100A signal generator.
Skydel Solutions: SDX
software-defined simulator
features differential GNSS and
multi-vehicle simulation.

Of interest in technical program:

Plug and Play Sensor Fusion
for Lane-Level Positioning
of Connected Cars in GNSSChallenged Environments,
Session B1.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 37

MARKET WATCH

UAV

Into the Cold Zone

UAV Platform Flies High in Antarctica

n February, mechatronics lead

Kevin Bass of Intuitive Machines
and contracted pilot Mike Laible
successfully flew multiple runs with
an unmanned aerial vehicle platform,
Tiburon Jr., on the coast of Antarctica.
From Wilkins Aerodrome in the
southeast, the team launched Tiburon
Jr. and collected valuable testing and
environmental data. Battling harsh
weather and constantly changing
conditions, the team flew the UAV
several times, allowing tests of all aspects
of its platform.
These flights provided us with
valuable insights into cold-weather
flight characteristics, Bass said. We

successfully demonstrated that our

onboard flight system is hardened
the proper amount for the harsh
environment.
The onboard software also proved to
be robust as it dealt with sensors whose
response to the extreme conditions was
not previously known.
With an 80-knot cruise speed and
a 15-minute assembly, deploying a
Tiburon Jr. UAV saved time and is
significantly safer than manned flights
in hazardous environments such as
Antarctica, Bass explained.
The carbon-fiber Tiburon Jr. has
a swappable nose cone, enabling a
modular ISR sensor pod including
Tiburon Jr. can be assembled in 15
minutes, an important feature in
extreme environments.

3DR Integrates with Esri Drone2Map

rone-maker 3DR is teaming
up with Esri to integrate 3DRs
Site Scan software with Esri
Drone2Map.
Designed for the field professional,
Site Scan is an intuitive, powerful and
open aerial data capture and analytics
platform that delivers an end-to-end
solution for existing mapping and
survey workflows, 3DR said.
With Site Scan and Drone2Map, Esri
customers can safely, quickly and easily

38 G P S W O R L D

conduct surveys with the Solo smart

drone and effortlessly deliver that data
to ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online.
Site Scan automatically calculates
a flight plan and Solo autonomously
executes both flight and image capture.
Images are processed and integrated
with Esri Drone2Map to create highresolution georeferenced maps and
digital elevation models to share as
tile or feature services in ArcGIS and
ArcGIS Online.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

The long-range Tiburon Jr. takes

Antarctic ice sheet studies to new heights.

visible, infrared and multispectral

options. A remote ground station can
accompany the ground transportation
trailer for a portable stand-alone
solution. Aircraft operations can be
fully autonomous or man-in-the-loop.
The f light was conducted in
cooperation with the University of
Texas Institute for Geophysics and
ICECAP (Investigating the Cryospheric
Evolution of the Central Antarctic
Plate).
For its climate change studies,
ICECAP currently uses an upgraded
World War II era DC-3 with a suite of
geophysical instruments to map the
thickness of the ice sheet and measure
the texture, composition, density and
topography of rocks below the ice.
Beginning in summer 201718,
Tiburon Juniors big brother, Tiburon,
will join the survey team.

ION GNSS+ 2016

PREVIEW
Companies in this sector exhibiting:
RaceLogic: LabSat3 recordand-replay enables developers
to create products in many
markets including UAVs, with a
GNSS receiver.

Of interest in technical program:

Centimeter-level GNSS Positioning
for UAVs and Other Mass-Market
Applications, Session C2.

ION GNSS+ 2016

The 29th Annual International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation

September 1216, 2016

Tutorials: September 1213
Show Dates: September 1415

Oregon Convention Center

Portland, Oregon

The Worlds Largest Technical Meeting and Showcase

of GNSS Technology, Products and Services
APPLICATIONS & ADVANCES TRACKS
Mass Market and Commercial Applications
High Performance and Safety Critical Applications
System Updates, Plans and Policies

RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS TRACKS

Multisensor Navigation
Algorithms and Methods
Advanced GNSS Technologies

NEW THIS YEAR: Autonomous navigation sessions and panels, addressing technology, applications, security and safety.

register now
Exhibitors, reserve your booth today; space is limited.
www.ion.org/gnss

MOBILEUPDATE

Wheres Waldo? In the Food Court

TomTom, sensewhere team on indoor location-based services
BY Joelle Harms

o mTo m h a s e n t e r e d a
technology collaboration
with sensewhere, a provider
of indoor positioning
technology.
According to the companies, the
collaboration will enable the two companies to conquer GPS black spots and
bring location-based services indoors.
TomTom Indoor delivers accurate
customized indoor maps of public and
private venues for site operators and
other partners that enable increased
efficiency, cost savings and an improved
customer experience.
s ens e w here has de velop ed a
proprietary and patented positioning
solution for mobile devices (see
SIDEBAR).
The combination of TomToms

maps both indoor and traditional

navigation maps and sensewheres
accurate indoor positioning will enable
a seamless navigation experience indoors
and outdoors.
The combination will mean guidance
can be integrated into the day-to-day

ION GNSS+ 2016

PREVIEW
Companies in this sector
exhibiting on the show floor:
Microsemi Frequency
and Time Corporation:
Integrated Grand Master
portfolio.
Telit Wireless Solutions:
SL869-V2 GNSS IoT
(Internet of Things)
module.

Of interest in technical
program:
Context Determination
for Adaptive Navigation
using Multiple Sensors on a
Smartphone, Session B1.

40 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

operations of a wide variety of venues,

including enterprise facilities, shopping
malls, airports, hospitals and more.
The integration is designed for
enterprises that need to combine
location intelligence, resource planning
and efficient execution.

ABOUT SENSEWHERE TECHNOLOGY

sensewheres proprietary and patented positioning system uses indoor
RF signals including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to perform positioning in mobile
devices.
GNSS and the motion sensors on the phone are used to track devices as
they enter a building. During this time, the indoor signals are monitored
and information is sent to the sensewhere servers. The server captures
this information and combines it with data learned from many other users
to determine the best estimate of each indoor transmitter.
This automatic crowdsourcing method results in a comprehensive
database of transmitters. The database is continually learning and
improving as new transmitters are installed or moved.
The sensewhere system uses a patented hybrid approach to deliver
a location fix using measurements from the mobile device and the
transmitter database which significantly improves the coverage and
accuracy of location services in indoor areas and other urban areas where
GNSS signals are blocked.
As venues change, new stores open or indoor transmitters are moved
or installed, sensewheres system automatically updates its database
to build virtual 3D models of pathways used in real-time, and with
precision accuracy.
The sensewhere system delivers an accuracy of 510 meters in most
indoor locations after sufficient crowdsourcing has occurred.

AUGUST 2016

MOBILEUPDATE

NEWTECH
NAUTIZ X2 ANDROID HANDHELD READY FOR TOUGH JOB SITES
Handheld Group has launched the Nautiz X2 enterprise
handheld, which integrates a high-quality scanner, GNSS,
camera and mobile phone.
The rugged Nautiz X2 can be used in challenging
outdoor environments with moisture, dust, extreme
temperatures and potential drops, the company said.
Features include:
Computing power from a quad-core processor and
Android 5.1 Lollipop OS.
High-quality, high-speed scanners with 1D or 2D
capability.
An integrated camera with 8-megapixel clarity,
autofocus and flash.
4G/LTE Android phone functionality.
Google GMS, which gives users access to Google Maps
and Play Store apps.
A sunlight-readable, 4.7-inch capacitive display with
multi-touch sensitivity.
The Nautiz X2 measures 150 millimeters by 73.5
millimeters, is 16 millimeters deep at the keyboard and
weighs 230 grams.
It hs an IP65 ingress protection rating against dust, sand

and water immersion, the company said.

The handleld also meets stringent MIL-STD-810G
military test standards for overall durability and resistance
to humidity, shock, vibrations, drop, salt and extreme
temperatures, and the touchscreen is made of Gorilla
Glass for durability.

Kids Smartwatch Has u-blox GNSS, Cellular Inside

IWI PLUS, a Korean softwaredevelopment company, has

launched a new childrens
smartwatch developed in collaboration
with u-blox.
LINE Kids Watch is a tiny and
colorful wearable with LINE emojis
functioning as an Android-based
smartwatch. It enables precise tracking
of the whereabouts of children,
while also offering educational and
interactive content.
It uses KIWI PLUS own Internet of
Things (IoT) platform for wearables,
KIWI Edge. Designed with a simple
LCD screen for one-touch calling,
it also provides real-time accurate
location tracking and convenient safety
zone setting.

An emergency notification can

easily be initiated by the child and text
messages are sent by speaking into a

AUGUST 2016

microphone. Other features include

an education quiz and a Cashbee NFC
money pocket function.
T he u - bl ox c el lu l ar mo du l e
SARA-U270 and u-blox 7 GNSS
chip UBX-G7020-KT are embedded
in the smartwatch.
The SARA-U270 UMTS/HSPA
module provides efficient high-speed
mobile connectivity in an ultra-small
LGA form factor.
The UBX-G7020 multi-GNSS chip
supports GPS, GLONASS, QZSS and
SBAS and delivers high sensitivity
and quick acquisition times. It
has ultra low-power consumption
and a small footprint of 30 square
millimeters.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 41

DEFENSEUPDATE
ION GNSS+ 2016
PREVIEW
Companies in this sector
exhibiting on the show floor:
CAST Navigation invites you
to demo their latest GNSS
simulation at ION GNSS+.
Spectracom. SecureSync
precision time and frequency
reference system.

Of interest in technical
program:
Dual Mode Galileo PRS and
GPS PPS P(Y): Future of Secure
Navigation, Session E3b.
GNSS-Based Dual-Antenna
Heading Augmentation for
Attitude and Heading Reference
Systems, Session F5.

Spectracom Adds Resiliency

for Military Communications System
Secondary receiver uses eLoran to back up GPS time

pectracom has been selected to

provide Interference, Detection
and Mitigation (IDM) capability
to its SecureSync precision time
and frequency reference system to
support Rohde & Schwarz Benelux
B.V. and the Netherlands Ministry of
Defence for secure long-range military
communications systems.
The upgrade, which is based on
a secondary receiver that extracts
precision timing signals from the
eLoran system when GPS signals are
not available, will increase the reliability
of the overall communication system by
further enhancing the resiliency of the
precision timing core.
As part of its expanding set of resilient

PNT solutions, Spectracom systems

synchronize to a variety of precision
references whenever and wherever
available.
In this deployment, signals from the
eLoran system are constantly monitored
and act as the primary reference when
GNSS signals are not available due
to interference or jamming. This
new capability supports the goal of a
sustainable and reliable network for
ongoing global operations.
The modularity of the SecureSync
precision time and frequency platform
allows customers and integrators to
easily and incrementally increase system
capabilities, such as multiple reference
signals, as they become available.

G P S W O R L D B U Y E R S G U I D E .C O M
The Industrys First

Online Buyers Guide

Access hundreds of: Manufacturers Products Services
Product categories:
-

Accessories
Antennas
Connected Car
Diferential GPS
Digital compasses
Electronic charts/maps
Geophysical
GLONASS hardware/software
Integrated instrumentation
with GPS
- Integrated navigation
equipment

Visit &
Bookmark
today!

Have a question about the online directory?

Contact: Chloe Scoular,
Buyers Guide Marketing & Sales Manager
216-706-7929 cscoular@northcoastmedia.net

42 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

- Mapping
- Photogrammetry/GPS
integrated systems
- Precise ephemeris information
- Publications, guide, videos,
training software, etc.
- Receiver performance analysis
- Receivers
- Satellite signal simulators/
pseudolites
- Security code decryption
devices

Seminars/training
Software
Surveying-related equipment
System design/integration
Timing
Tracking services
Unmanned autonomous
vehicles (UAVs)
- Vehicle location/tracking
workstations and systems
(computer-aided dispatch)

MACHINECONTROLUPDATE

Driverless Dozing Pushes Forward

omatsu America Corp., a

global heavy equipment
manufacturer, is offering its
first fully radio controlled
machine with Komatsus intelligent
Machine Control (iMC) technology
(see SIDEBAR). The 155AXi-8 Radio
Control dozer is part of a line of nextgeneration machines operating semi
autonomously with intelligent machine
control.
The D155AXi-8 is designed for
applications where customers may
want to remove the operator from
the machine and still maintain high
levels of efficiency and productivity.
The dozer uses Komatsus automated
rough-cut-to-finish-grade technology.
For many operators, the ability to
feel machine response to blade load
is important to effective dozing. To
compensate, the D155AXi-8 RC dozer
uses iMC, which automates operation
whether dozing heavy material or
during fine grading. iMC can sense
and control the load the blade carries by
using stroke-sensing hydraulic cylinders
and an inertial measuring unit.
It can optimize the start of the cut,

ION GNSS+ 2016

PREVIEW
Of interest in technical program:
Interference Mitigation Using
a Dual-Polarized Antenna in a
Real Environment, Session A3.
Performance Differentiation
in a Tightly Coupled GNSS/INS
Solution, Session E3a.
Technologies for Optimized
Pass-to-Pass Positioning
Performance, Session F4.
StarFire SF3: Worldwide
Centimeter-Accurate Real Time
GNSS Positioning, Session F2.

lowering the blade to the correct grade,

then raising the blade when the system
senses that a maximum load.
Equipping the machine with remote
control was done to accommodate

quarry, pit and other applications where

concerns over high water or extremely
rocky conditions may put the operator
in harms way or give the operator an
uncomfortably rough ride.

INTELLIGENT MACHINE CONTROL

Base station corrections fix satellite errors and use machine settings to
generate an accurate current position of the blade, which is compared to the
3D model of the project.
An automatic hydraulic interface moves the blade to the exact design grade.
The cab displays a simple interface to provide grading information, including
cut or fill values.
Benefits include faster grading operations, fewer passes, less rework and
lower machine operating costs.

GPS1000 ANTENNA RECEIVES GPS+

Harxons new GPS1000 antenna receives GPS L1/L2/L5, BeiDou B1/B2/
B3, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1/E2/
E5a/E5b and L-band frequencies, which
can be used in agriculture; land, bridge,
marine and channel surveys; seismic
monitoring and container operation.
Customers can use the same antenna for GPS only or dual-constellation applications. It has high gain and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance of satellite at low-elevation angle. The phase center remains
constant as the azimuth and elevation angle of the satellites change. Signal reception is unaffected by rotation or satellite elevation, so placement and installation can be completed with ease. The GPS1000 is housed a IP67 water-proof
enclosure for permanent installation.

AUGUST 2016

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 43

ALMANAC

ORBIT DATA AND RESOURCES ON ACTIVE GNSS SATELLITES

GPS CONSTELLATION
SVN

PRN

CLOCK

23
34

32
04

43
46
51
44
41
54
56
45
47
59
60
61

13
11
20
28
14
18
16
21
22
19
23
02

Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb

53
52
58
55
57
48
50

17
31
12
15
29
07
05

Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb

62
63
65
66
64
67
68
69
71
72
73
70

25
01
24
27
30
06
09
03
26
08
10
32

Rb
Rb
Cs
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Rb
Cs
Rb
Rb

LAUNCHED
USABLE
TYPE: Block IIA
11-26-90
10-26-93
TYPE: Block IIR
7-23-97
1-31-98
10-7-99
1-3-00
5-11-00
6-1-00
7-16-00
8-17-00
11-10-00
12-10-00
1-30-01
2-15-01
1-29-03
2-18-03
3-31-03
4-12-03
12-21-03
1-12-04
3-20-04
4-5-04
6-23-04
7-9-04
11-6-04
11-22-04
TYPE: Block IIR-M
9-26-05
12-16-05
9-25-06
10-12-06
11-17-06
12-13-06
10-17-07
10-31-07
12-20-07
1-2-08
3-15-08
3-24-08
8-17-09
8-27-09
TYPE: Block IIF
5-28-10
8-27-10
7-16-11
10-14-11
10-4-12
11-14-12
5-15-13
6-21-13
2-21-14
5-30-14
5-17-14
6-10-14
8-2-14
9-17-14
10-29-14
12-12-14
3-25-15
4-20-15
7-15-15
8-12-15
10-31-15
12-9-15
2-5-16
3-9-16

PLANE/SLOT

NOTES
A
B

F2-F
D2-F
E7
B3
F1
E4
B1-A
D3
E6
C5
F4
D1

D
D

C4
A2
B4
F2-A
C1
A4
E3
B2
D2-A
A1
C2
A3
D4
F3
E1
B1-F
C3
E2
F5

TEXT More text goes here.

GPS IIF-12 is prepped

for launch.

GENERAL NOTES
1. SV Number refers to space vehicle
number. PRN Number refers to the
satellites unique pseudorandom noise
code.
2. Clock: Rb = rubidium; Cs = cesium.
3. Launched and Usable dates are
based on Universal Time.
4. The current active GPS constellation
consists of 12 Block IIRs, 7 Block IIR-Ms
and 12 Block IIFs for a total of 31 satellites
and is under FOC (Full Operational
Capability). The constellation is in the
24+3 (or Expandable 24) configuration
with satellites occupying the fore and aft
bifuracted slots in the B, D and F planes.

There are currently 6 reserve satellites,

SVNs 23, 27, 32, 34, 36 and 38, and one
test satellite, 49, near slots E6, A1, F2-F,
D2-F, C2, A2 and B1-F, respectively.
SVN49 was again reactivated and began
transmitting signals as PRN04 on Feb.
3, 2016. It is not set healthy and not
included in broadcast almanacs.
5. The Block IIF-1 through IIF-12 satellites
have nicknames Polaris, Sirius, Arcturus,
Vega, Canopus, Rigel, Capella, Spica,
Deneb, Antares, Altair and Betelgeuse
respectively.
6. SVN35 and 36 carry onboard corner-cube
reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR).

PERFORMANCE NOTES
slot D2-F.
A. SVN23/PRN32 was set unusable on Jan.
25, 2016, beginning at 15:36 UTC and
C. Due to limitations in official GPS orbit
removed from the active constellation
nomenclature, slot E7 is currently also
on Jan. 25, 2016. It remains a reserve
referred to as slot B6.
satellite located near slot E6.
D. The slot numbers of SVN47/PRN22 and
B. SVN34/PRN04 was set unusable on Nov.
SVN59/PRN19 have been redesignated as
2, 2015, at 22:22 UTC and removed from
E6 and C5, respectively.
the active constellation on Nov. 3, 2015. It E. SVN72/PRN08 was set healthy on Aug. 12,
remains a reserve satellite located near
2015, at 16:53 UTC.

44 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

SLR tracking of the satellites permitted

analysts to differentiate between
onboard clock errors and satellite
ephemeris errors in GPS tracking.
7. Selective availability (SA) was set to zero
on all satellites by presidential order on
May 2, 2000 at approximately 4:00 UT.
Previous Almanacs provide a history of
SA status.
8. Antispoofing (AS) was activated on
Jan. 31, 1994, on all Block IIs. AS is
occasionally off for testing and other
purposes. Previous Almanacs provide a
history of AS status.
9. The design life and mean-mission

duration goals of the Block IIA, IIR,

and IIF satellites are 7.5 and 6 years,
10 and 7.5 years, and 12 and 9.9 years,
respectively.
10. GPS World believes this information to
be correct as of press time. However,
because of the satellite constellations
evolving nature, readers should contact
GPS information services listed on these
pages for more current data.
11. Dr. Richard Langley of the University of
New Brunswick provided the GPS satellite
status information and compiled the
notes.

GPS SATELLITE & SYSTEM INFORMATION

GPS.gov
National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning,
Navigation & Timing: www.gps.gov/governance/excom/
DoD GPS Operations Center and 2SOPS Constellation Status:
https://gps.afspc.af.mil/gpsoc/; https://gps.afspc.af.mil/gps/
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Navigation Information
Service (NIS): www.navcen.uscg.gov

GLONASS CONSTELLATION
GLONASS
NUMBER
100 (714)
101 (715)
102 (716)
103 (717)
105 (719)
106 (720)
107 (721)
109 (723)
111 (725)
116 (730)
117 (733)
118 (734)
119 (731)
120 (732)
121 (735)
122 (736)
123 (737)
124 (738)
125 (701)
126 (742)
127 (743)
128 (744)
129 (745)
130 (746)
131 (747)
132 (754)
133 (755)
134 (702)
135 (751)
136 (753)

KOSMOS
NUMBER
2419
2424
2425
2426
2432
2433
2434
2436
2443
2456
2457
2458
2459
2460
2461
2464
2465
2466
2471
2474
2475
2476
2477
2478
2485
2491
2500
2501
2514
2516

LAUNCHED
12-25-05
12-25-06
12-25-06
12-25-06
10-26-07
10-26-07
12-25-07
12-25-07
9-25-08
12-14-09
12-14-09
12-14-09
3-1-10
3-1-10
3-1-10
9-2-10
9-2-10
9-2-10
2-26-11
10-2-11
11-4-11
11-4-11
11-4-11
11-28-11
4-26-13
3-24-14
6-14-14
11-30-14
2-7-16
5-19-16

USABLE
4-15-15
4-3-07
10-12-07
4-3-07
11-27-07
11-25-07
2-8-08
1-22-08
11-5-08
1-30-10
1-24-10
1-10-10
3-28-10
3-28-10
3-28-10
10-4-10
10-12-10
10-11-10
10-25-11
3-5-13
12-8-11
12-23-11
12-23-11
7-4-13
4-13-14
8-3-14
2-15-16
2-28-16
6-27-16

ALMANAC/
ORBIT
SLOT
CHANNEL PLANE NOTES
(17)
3
A
14
-7
2
15
0
2
10
-7
2
20
2
3
19
3
3
13
-2
2
(11)
2
B
C
1
1
1
6
-4
1
5
1
1
22
-3
3
23
3
3
24
2
3
16
-1
2
D
12
-1
2
E
F
(20)
-5
3
G
4
6
1
8
6
1
3
5
1
7
5
1
H
2
-4
1
18
-3
3
21
4
3
9
-6
2
I
17
4
3
J
11
0
2
K

PERFORMANCE NOTES
A. GLONASS 100 was under check by the
satellite prime contractor between
about Feb. 17 and 24, 2016, and was
subsequently transitioned to reserve
status.
B. GLONASS 109 was transferred to reserve
status on June 24, 2016.
C. GLONASS 111 was under check by the
satellite prime contractor until July 8,
2016, when it was removed from the
orbital constellation.
D. GLONASS 122 was moved from orbital slot
9 to slot 16 between about Feb. 16 and
March 9, 2016. Its frequency channel was
changed from -2 to -1.
E. GLONASS 123 appears to have problems
with its L2 transmission. According to IGS
monitoring, receivers tracking the satellite
have not yielded L2 data since July 7, 2016.
Also, the L1 signal appeared to be weaker
than normal. In maintenance mode since
July 21, 2016.
F. GLONASS 124 was under check by the
satellite prime contractor between Feb. 14
and June 6, 2016, when it was removed
from the orbital constellation.
G. GLONASS 125, the first GLONASS-K1
satellite, is currently in flight test mode
near physical orbital slot 20. When not
in the active constellation, the satellite
typically identifies itself as satellite 26 in

its broadcast ephemeris.

H. GLONASS 130 was set unusable on April
12, 2015, and placed under check by
the satellite prime contractor. It was
subsequently disposed of in the fall of
2015 without a formal announcement.
I. GLONASS 702, the second GLONASS-K1
satellite, was launched on Nov. 14, 2015,
and, while being tested, transmitted
signals using frequency channel -6 and
almanac slot 17 (although physically in
slot 9). On Feb. 15, 2016, the satellite
was set healthy and introduced into the
operational constellation using almanac
slot 9 and still on frequency channel -6.
J. GLONASS 135 was launched on Feb. 7, 2016,
and was set usable on Feb. 28, 2016.
K. GLONASS 136 was launched on May 29,
2016, and was set usable on June 27, 2016.

GENERAL NOTES
1. The first GLONASS satellite was launched Oct.
12, 1982.
2. The GLONASS numbering scheme used in this
table includes the eight dummy satellites
orbited as ballast along with real satellites
on the first seven GLONASS launches. The
second number (in parentheses) in the
GLONASS Number column is that assigned
by the Russian Space Forces.
3. The Russian Federation designated the
Kosmos Number.

4. GLONASS numbers 199 have been

withdrawn from service.
5. All operational satellites are GLONASS-M
satellites, except GLONASS 125 and 134, which
are GLONASS-K1 satellites. GLONASS 133
includes an L3 transmitter.
6. All launch and usable dates are based on
Moscow Time (Universal Time + 3 hours).
7. Almanac/slot numbers in parentheses
indicate the physical orbital slot of reserve/
test satellites or those in maintenance and

not in the almanac.

8. Channel number k indicates L1 and L2
carrier frequencies: L1 = 1,602 + 0.5625 k
(MHz); L2 = 1,246 + 0.4375 k (MHz).
9. All GLONASS satellites use cesium atomic
clocks.
10. Twenty-three GLONASS satellites are currently
set healthy.
11. The latest GLONASS launch was for GLONASS
136, which was launched from the Plesetsk
Cosmodrome on May 29, 2016.

GNSS INTERNET RESOURCES

UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Canadian Space Geodesy Forum
www2.unb.ca/gge/Resources/CANSPACE.html
This University of New Brunswick service presents daily GPS
constellation status reports, ionospheric disturbance warnings, and
news and discussion about GPS and other space-based positioning
systems by way of electronic mail. Downloadable files are also
available. To subscribe, email the one-line message [sub CANSPACE
your_name] to listserv@UNB.CA.
For more information: Terry Arsenault or Richard Langley, phone
(506) 453-4698, fax (506) 453-4943, email se@unb.ca.
GPS.gov
The U.S. government provides the GPS.gov website to educate
the public about the Global Positioning System and related topics.
Information includes sections for the general public, Congress,
international citizens, professionals and students. The site is
maintained by the National Coordination Office for Space-Based
Positioning, Navigation, and Timing in coordination with multiple
federal agencies.

12. New GLONASS channel allocations were

introduced September 1993 to reduce
interference to radio astronomy. Note the use
of the same channel on pairs of antipodal
satellites.
13. GPS World believes this information to be
correct as of press time. However, because of
the satellite constellations evolving nature,
we encourage readers to contact the GLONASS
sources listed on these pages for more current
information.

See more at gpsworld.com/the-almanac/

DoD GPS Operations Center

https://gps.afspc.af.mil/gpsoc/
2SOPS Constellation Status
https://gps.afspc.af.mil/gps/
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
GPS Operations Center and the 2nd Space
Operations Squadron (2SOPS), U.S. Air
Force, maintain Internet sites for military
and DoD users. The GPS Operations Center provides DOP predictions,
GPS performance assessments, anomaly impact analysis, GPS FAQs,
and other services to meet the needs of GPS users in the field. 2SOPS
operates a GPS Constellation Status site with scheduled outages,
user advisories, almanac data, electronic mail,and downloadable
files. Military: Contact GPS Operations Center at DSN 560-2541 or
Commercial (719) 567-2541, https://gps.afspc.af.mil/gpsoc.

with federal agencies about policy matters concerning GPS. The

deputy secretaries of Defense and Transportation jointly chair the
EXCOM. Membership includes officials from NASA, the departments
of State, Commerce, Homeland Security, Agriculture, Interior, and the
Joint Chiefs of Staff. The National Space-Based PNT Advisory Board
operates in an independent advisory capacity for the EXCOM. email
pnt.office@gps.gov.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
Precise GPS Orbit Information and Earth Orientation Parameter
Predictions (EOPP): http://earth-info.nga.mil/GandG/sathtml/
The NGA Global Positioning System
Division/Ephemeris Support and
Analysis Team maintains a website for
Department of Defense and civilian
users with precise GPS orbit and clock
information based on tracking data
collected from NGA, U.S. Air Force

National Executive Committee (EXCOM) for Space-Based

Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT)
www.gps.gov/governance/excom/
The EXCOM advises U.S. government leadership and coordinates

AUGUST 2016

Continued on page 46

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

>>

G P S W O R L D 45

ALMANAC
BEIDOU CONSTELLATION
SATELLITE
BeiDou M1
BeiDou G2
BeiDou G1
BeiDou G3
BeiDou IGSO1
BeiDou G4
BeiDou IGSO2
BeiDou IGSO3
BeiDou IGSO4
BeiDou IGSO5
BeiDou G5
BeiDou M3
BeiDou M4
BeiDou M5
BeiDou M6
BeiDou G6
BeiDou I1-S
BeiDou M1-S
BeiDou M2-S
BeiDou I2-S
BeiDou M3-S
BeiDou IGS06
BeiDou G7

NORAD ID
31115
34779
36287
36590
36828
37210
37256
37384
37763
37948
38091
38250
38251
38774
38775
38953
40549
40748
40749
40938
41315
41434
41586

PRN
C30
N/A
C01
C03
C06
C04
C07
C08
C09
C10
C05
C11
C12
C13
C14
C02
C31
C33
C34
C32
?
C15
?

LAUNCHED
4-13-07
4-14-09
1-16-10
6-2-10
7-31-10
10-31-10
12-17-10
4-9-11
7-26-11
12-1-11
2-24-12
4-29-12
4-29-12
9-18-12
9-18-12
10-25-12
3-30-15
7-25-15
7-25-15
9-29-15
2-1-16
3-29-16
6-12-16

ORBIT
MEO period 12.89 hours
GEO drifting
GEO 140 E
GEO 110.5 E
IGSO 118 E, 55 incl.
GEO 160 E
IGSO 118 E, 55 incl.
IGSO 118 E, 55 incl.
IGSO 95 E, 55 incl.
IGSO 95 E, 55 incl.
GEO 58.75 E
MEO slot 1-7
MEO slot 1-8
MEO slot 2-3
MEO slot 2-4
GEO 80 E
IGSO 95 E, 55 incl.
MEO slot 1-6
MEO slot 1-1
IGSO 95 E, 55 incl.
MEO slot 2-1
IGSO 95 E, 55 incl.
GEO 144.5 E

NOTES
A
B
C
D

E
E
E, F
E
G
E, G
E, G
G
E, G

NOTES
IGSO node longitudes are nominal values. Nodes are allowed to drift 3 degrees or so.
A. Inactive.
B. Initially achieved geostationary orbit at a longitude of about 84.5 E, but appears to have become
uncontrollable shortly thereafter. Librating about the 75 E libration point.
C. GEO, formerly at 144.5 E, shifted to 140 E between about June 30 and July 9, 2011.
D. GEO, formerly at 84 E, shifted to 110.5 E between about Nov. 7 and Nov. 23, 2012.
E. The MEO satellites are in a 24-satellite three-orbit-plane Walker constellation with orbit planes
spaced by 120 with 55 inclination and orbital period of 12.89 hours.
F. Satellite is not currently transmitting standard signals.
G. BeiDou-3 satellite.

BEIDOU SATELLITE & SYSTEM INFORMATION

http://en.beidou.gov.cn/

China fielded a demonstration regional satellite-based navigation

system known as BeiDou (Chinese for the Big Dipper asterism
and pronounced bay- dough) following a program of research and
development that began in 1980.
The initial constellation of three geostationary Earth orbit (GEO)
satellites was completed in 2003. A fourth GEO satellite was
launched in 2007.
The initial regional BeiDou system (BeiDou-1) has been replaced by
a global system known as BeiDou-2 (or simply BeiDou and, formerly,
Compass). It will eventually include five GEO satellites, 27 medium
Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and five inclined geosynchronous orbit
(IGSO) satellites.
BeiDou-2 was declared operational for use in China and surrounding
areas on Dec. 27, 2011. FOC for this area was declared on Dec. 27,
2012. The system will provide global coverage by 2020.
In 2015, China began launching a new generation of satellites
termed BeiDou-3.

China launched its 25th BeiDou

satellite Feb. 1 from Xichang Satellite Launch
Center, southwest Chinas Sichuan Province.

GNSS INTERNET RESOURCES

and IGS stations. Daily and weekly precise ephemeris and clock
estimate data, both center-of-mass (pedata) and antenna phase
center (apcpe) are calculated on a 15-minute interval. email: gps@
nga.mil.
Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Spatial Reference System
www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geomatics/geodetic-referencesystems/9052
Canadian Geodetic Survey operates the Canadian Active Control
System (CACS), a national network of continuously operating
GNSS tracking stations. Products derived from CACS include GNSS
observation data, precise GNSS orbits and precise GNSS clock
corrections. email information@geod.nrcan.gc.ca.
Scripps Orbit and Permanent Array Center (SOPAC)
GPS Orbits, Real-Time GNSS Data,
Coordinate Information, and Data
Archive
California Spatial Reference Center
(CRSC): http://csrc.ucsd.edu/
California Real Time Network (CRTN):
http://sopac.ucsd.edu/crtn.shtml
The Scripps Institution of

46 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

Oceanography maintains SOPAC, which provides precise orbits for

the International GNSS Service (IGS) and NOAAs Global Systems
Division. GPS-related services tools include SCOUT (a global ITRF
coordinates generator), SECTOR (provides epoch-date ITRF and
NAD83 coordinates), Site Information Manager (SIM), Online Map
Interface (SOMI) and GPS Explorer. SOPAC archives 24-hour RINEX
data from about 3,000 continuous GPS sites from more than 20
scientific networks around the world, with a concentration in western
North America. SOPAC also maintains the operational center for the
CSRC, which provides Californias geodetic framework for scientific,
engineering, and geographical information systems in partnership
with the National Geodetic Survey. email archive@gpsmail.ucsd.edu.
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center:
www.navcen.uscg.gov
This site offers GPS constellation
status, scheduled outage updates,
user advisories, and almanac data
as well as Differential GPS and Coast
Guard Local Notice to Mariners
information. Voice recording for GPS
constellation status: (703) 313-5907. Contact the NIS Watchstander, 24
hours a day, at phone (703) 313-5900, email tis-pf-nisws@uscg.mil.

AUGUST 2016

See more at gpsworld.com/the-almanac/

U.S. National Geodetic Survey (NGS) GPS
Orbit Information
www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/
NOAAs National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
manages a network of Continuously
Operating Reference Stations (CORS)
that provide GPS data to support
three-dimensional positioning, meteorology, space weather and
geophysical applications throughout the United States, its territories
and a few foreign countries. email ngs.cors@noaa.gov.
U.S. Naval Observatory
www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/time/gps

Continued on page 47

>>

ORBIT DATA AND RESOURCES ON ACTIVE GNSS SATELLITES

GALILEO CONSTELLATION
SATELLITE
NORAD ID LAUNCHED L-BAND ACTIVE OPERATIONAL SLOT
GIOVE-A
28922
12-28-05
GIOVE-B
32781
4-26-08
PFM (GSAT0101)
37846
10-21-11
12-10-11
12-10-11
B5
FM2 (GSAT0102)
37847
10-21-11
1-9-12
1-16-12
B6
FM3 (GSAT0103)
38857
10-12-12
12-1-12
12-1-12
C4
FM4 (GSAT0104)
38858
10-12-12
12-12-12
12-12-12
C5
11-29-14
FOC-FM1 (0201)
40128
8-22-14
FOC-FM2 (0202)
40129
8-22-14
3-17-15
FOC-FM3 (0203)
40544
3-27-15
5-24-15
12-3-15
B8
5-21-15
FOC-FM4 (0204)
40545
3-27-15
12-4-15
B3
FOC-FM5 (0205) 40889
9-11-15
11-9-15
1-28-16
A8
FOC-FM6 (0206) 40890
9-11-15
11-9-15
1-28-16
A5
FOC-FM8 (0208)
41174
12-17-15
2-16-16
4-22-16
C7
FOC-FM9 (0209)
41175
12-17-15
2-18-16
4-22-16
C2
FOC-FM10 (0210) 41550
5-24-16 In commissioning
A2
FOC-FM11 (0211)
41549
5-24-16 In commissioning
A6

PRN CLOCK
E11
E12
E19
E20
E18
E14
E26
E22
E24
E30
E08
E09
E01
E02

Rb
Rb
H
Rb
Rb
Rb
H
H
H
H
H
H

NICKNAME
Thijs
Natalia
David
Sif
Doresa
Milena

Adam
Anastasia
Alba
Oriana
Andriana
Liene
Daniel
Alize

NOTES
A
B
F
F
F
C, F
D, G
E,G
F
F
F
F
F
F

NOTES
A. Navigation signals from GIOVE-A were switched off on June 30,
2012, and the satellite decommissioned for ESA use.
B. Navigation signals from GIOVE-B were switched off on July 23,
2012, and the satellite decommissioned for ESA use.
C. Payload power problem beginning May 27, 2014. Now only
transmits an E1 signal.
D. Orbit perigree raised by about 3500 kilometers in November
2014.
E. Orbit perigree raised by about 3500 kilometers in January
February 2015.
F. System is undergoing in-orbit validation campaign. Occasional
planned outages of satellite signals. Satellites are currently
transmitting valid navigation messages.
G. Satellites launched into wrong orbits.

GALILEO INFORMATION
Galileo is a joint initiative of the European
Commission (EC, ec.europa.eu) and the
European Space Agency
(ESA, www.esa.int).
The first two full-operational-capability
(FOC) satellites, manufactured by OHB
Systems GmbH (Bremen, Germany,
www.ohb-system.de) and Surrey Satellite
Technology Ltd. (Guildford, United
Kingdom, www.sstl.co.uk), were launched
on Aug. 22, 2014, into wrong orbits due to
an upper rocket stage anomaly.
Ten FOC satellites have been launched to
date.

Galileo 5 and 6 are prepped for the

Sept. 11 launch as the Soyuz rocket is moved
to the launch pad and lifted into a vertical
position.

GNSS INTERNET RESOURCES

The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) provides GPS timing data and
status information. email stephen.mitchell@usno.navy.mil.

INTERNATIONAL
International GNSS Service (IGS): www.igs.org
The foundation of IGS is a global network of more than 400
permanent, continuously operating, geodetic-quality GPS and GPS/
GLONASS sites. Ten analysis centers process the data and contribute
products to the analysis center coordinator, who produces the official
IGS combined orbit and clock products. Timescale, ionospheric,
and tropospheric products are analogously formed by specialized
coordinators for each. email cb@igs.org.
Australia: www.ga.gov.au
Geoscience Australia provides geoscience information, services and
capability to the Australian government, industry and stakeholders.
It is the national focal point for coordination of geodetic information
and data, and maintains a national network of observatories which
forms part of a global observatory network. Users can download
RINEX data from continuously operating GNSS observatories via
a public FTP server (ftp://ftp.ga.gov.au) or connect to GNSS data
streams in real-time via the AUSCORS Ntrip Broadcaster (http://
auscors.ga.gov.au). email geodesy@ga.gov.au.

See more at gpsworld.com/the-almanac/

Czech Republic
http://radio.feld.cvut.cz/RSRDC/doku.php?id=almanacs
The Czech Technical University offers historical constellation status
and almanac data for both GPS and GLONASS systems. email pavel.
puricer@fel.cvut.cz, vejrazka@fel.cvut.cz.
Denmark: http://gst.dk/
The Danish Geodata Agency provides GNSS raw carrier-phase data
by request. The service is based on the permanent reference station
network, operated by the Danish Geodata Agency (GST). email gst@
gst.dk.

India: www.isro.gov.in/irnss-programme
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) manages the Indian
Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC.
IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system
designed to provide accurate position information service to users in
India as well as the region extending up to 1500 kilometers from its

AUGUST 2016

boundary. An interface control document is available.

Japan: http://qzss.go.jp/en/
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) website provides technical
information on QZSS and other global satellite positioning systems
as well as Japanese space policy and related events. View numerous
videos and download informational pamphlets.
Russia: www.glonass-iac.ru/en/
The Information and Analysis Center for Positioning, Navigation
and Timing (IAC PNT) of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos
publishes official information about GLONASS status and plans as well
as consultation, information and scientific-method services to increase
GLONASS applications efficiency. It provides current constellations, Earth
maps of the current and daily navigation availabilities, results of GNSS
navigation field monitoring in the Moscow area in a real-time mode,
and other data. email ianc@glonass-iac.ru.

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

G P S W O R L D 47

ALMANAC
IRNSS CONSTELLATION
SATELLITE
IRNSS-1A
IRNSS-1B
IRNSS-1C
IRNSS-1D
IRNSS-1E
IRNSS-1F
IRNSS-1G

NORAD ID
39199
39635
40269
40547
41241
41384
41469

LAUNCHED
7-1-13
4-4-14
10-15-14
3-28-15
1-20-16
3-10-16
4-28-16

ORBIT
IGSO 55 E
IGSO 55 E
GEO 83 E
IGSO 111.75 E
IGSO 111.75 E
GEO 32.5 E
GEO 129.5 E

IRNSS SATELLITE & SYSTEM INFORMATION

www.isro.gov.in/irnss-programme

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), also known as the Indian
Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consists of three
GEO satellites located at 32.5E, 83E, and 129.5E as well as two
pairs of IGSO satellites with their nodes at longitudes of 55E and
111.75E with an orbital inclination of 29. The satellites transmit
signals at 1176.45 and 2492.028 MHz.

SATELLITE-BASED
AUGMENTATION SYSTEMS
SBAS
EGNOS

SATELLITE
Inmarsat-3-F2/AOR-E
Astra 5B
Artemis
Inmarsat-4-F2
SES-5
GAGAN
GSAT-8
GSAT-10
GSAT-15
MSAS
MTSAT-1R
MTSAT-2
QZSS
QZS-1
SDCM
Luch-5A
Luch-5B
Luch-5V
WAAS Intelsat Galaxy 15 (CRW)
TeleSat Anik F1R (CRE)
Inmarsat-4-F3 (AMR)

ORBIT LONGITUDE
15.5 W
31.5 E

PRN
120
123

SIGNALS
L1
L1/L5

5 E
55 E
83 E
93.5 E

136
127
128
132

L1/L5
L1/L5
L1/L5
L1/L5

145 E
135 E
167 E
16 W
95 E
133 W
107.3 W
98 W

129/137
183
140
125
141
135
138
133

L1
L1
L1
L1
L1
L1/L5
L1/L5
L1/L5

NOTES
A
B
C
D
E
F, I
G, I
H, I
J
J
K
L
M
N
O, Q
P, Q
R

NOTES

IRNSS-1G was
launched April 28.

QZSS
http://qzss.go.jp/en/

The Quasi-Zentih Satellite System is operated by the Japan

Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It is a proposed foursatellite regional time-transfer system and satellite-based
augmentation system that will be receivable within Japan. The
first satellite, QZS-1 (named Michibiki), was launched Sept. 11,
2010. The constellation is expected to be completed by 2018.

Ground track of QZSS.

A. Inmarsat 3-F2 began Safety-of-Life Service on

March 2, 2011, and is transmitting message type 2.
B. Astra 5B was launched on March 22, 2014, and
started transmitting L1 test signals on Dec. 11, 2014.
C. Decomissioned for EGNOS use. Satellite sold to
Britains Avanti Communications.
D. Inmarsat-4-F2 began Safety-of-Life Service on
March 22, 2012. It has reportedly been retired.
E. SES-5 (also known as Sirius 5 and Astra 4B) was
launched on July 9,2012 and is transmitting
message type 2.
F. GSAT-8 was launched on May 20, 2011.
G. GSAT-10 was launched on Sept. 28, 2012.
H. GSAT-15 was launched on Nov. 10, 2015. Its SBAS
transponder is in reserve.
I. GAGAN was certified for enroute navigation and
non-precision approaches on Dec. 30, 2013.
J. MSAS commissioned for aviation use on Sept.
27, 2007. MTSAT-1R has been decommissioned.
MTSAT-2 began transmitting both PRN signals on
Dec. 10, 2015.
K. QZS-1 (nicknamed Michibiki) transmits an L1
augmentation signal using PRN code 183. That

GNSS CONFERENCES AND ORGANIZATIONS

GPS Innovation Alliance
www.gpsalliance.org
The alliance recognizes
the ever increasing
importance of GPS and
other GNSS technologies to the global economy and infrastructure
and is firmly committed to furthering GPS innovation, creativity and
entrepreneurship. The alliance also seeks to protect, promote and
enhance the use of GPS.
Institute of Navigation
www.ion.org
ION is a non-profit professional society
dedicated to the advancement of the art
and science of positioning, navigation
and timing. ION hosts numerous
conferences throughout the year,
including the annual ION GNSS+ Meeting
in September, sponsored by the Satellite
Division.

48 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

Royal Institue of Navigation

www.rin.org.uk
RIN increases public awareness of
the art and science of navigation. It
aims to advance the art, science and
practice of navigation and promote
knowledge in navigation and its
associated sciences, including positioning, timing, tracking and
conduct of a journey, whether on, in, over or under land, sea,
air or space.

L.

M.
N.
O.

P.
Q.

R.

signal is in test mode. Central longitude can vary

by 5 or more from nomimal value.
Luch-5A was launched on Dec. 11, 2011. Initially
positioned at 58.5 E, it was shifted to 95 E
between about May 30 and June 28, 2012, then
shifted to 167 E between about Nov. 30 and Dec.
22, 2012. Transmissions as PRN 140 began on July
12, 2012. Transmitted occasional, non-coherent
code/carrier test signals.
Luch-5B was launched on Nov. 2, 2012, and
started transmitting test signals on Jan. 17, 2013.
Luch-5V was launched on April 28, 2014. Testing
may have started using PRN 140, not 141.
Galaxy 15 ranging supports enroute through
precision approach modes. Switched to backup
satellite oscillator on Jan. 6, 2012.
Anik F1R ranging supports enroute through
precision approach modes.
The Galaxy 15 and and Anik F1R payloads,
operated by Lockheed Martin for the FAA, are
known as LMPRS-1 and LMPRS-2, respectively.
Inmarsat-4-F3 supports non-precision approach
ranging service.

See more at gpsworld.com/the-almanac/

European Navigation Conference
www.confedentevents.fi/enc2016/
Organized annually by the European Group of Institutes of
Navigation, the conference focus is on innovations in positioning,
navigation and timing technologies and applications at land, sea
and air.
Galileo Services
www.galileo-services.org
Galileo Services is a non-profit organization designed to be a major
partner for the Galileo downstream technology and business
development.

Munich Satellite Navigation Summit

www.munich-satellite-navigation-summit.org
European GNSS
This summit of high-ranking worldwide speakers from
Agency (GSA)
industry, science and governments provides the participants
www.gsa.europa.eu
with a broad overview and different perspectives on the latest
The GSAs mission is
developments in GNSS. The summit is part of the efforts of
to support European Union objectives and achieve the highest return
the Bavarian government and the cluster on aerospace and
satellite navigation to stimulate applications and services in this on European GNSS investment, in terms of benefits to users and
economic growth and competitiveness.
high-tech field.

AUGUST 2016

GNSS INTERFERENCE DETECTION, CLASSIFICATION AND

LOCALIZATION USING SOFTWARE-DEFINED RADIO

interference monitoring station, basic setup.

his paper presents details about the theoretical

background as well as the implementation of a
GNSS interference monitoring system that can be
used to continually monitor the GNSS frequency

MITIGATING JAMMING AND MEACONING ATTACKS

USING DIRECT GPS POSITIONING
Direct GPS Positioning (DP) is
a robust method that estimates
the GPS navigation solution
directly from the received GPS
signal. Our novel DP receiver
architecture initializes the
navigation solution guesses
as two groups: guesses varying

in position and clock bias,

guesses varying in velocity and
clock drift. We then perform
vectorized calculations to
get the expected delay and
doppler between the receiver
and each satellite in view.
Following that, we perform

bands, and thus secure users depending on the reliability

of GNSS measurements. As shown in the results section,
incidents of intentional interference are successfully detected.
The system can also be used to classify different types of
interference as well as localize the source of the disturbing
signal.
Each interference monitoring station consists of an
software-defined radio (connected to RF front-end and
antenna) and the integrated GNSS interference monitoring
tool as well as a network interface to the data center to be
able to transmit the received power measurements to the
localization algorithm in real time. The front end in this system
is the TeleOrbit GTEC (www.teleorbit.eu/en/satnav/gtec/), developed
by Fraunhofer IIS, which offers three simultaneously sampled
RF receiving chains and flexible, modular design.
By Sascha M. Bartl, Philipp Berglez and Bernhard HofmannWellenhof, TeleConsult Austria.

batch calculations to obtain the

vector correlation and vector
spectrum. The navigation
solution residual derived from
the vector correlation and
vector spectrum is then used
as input into the navigation
filter. We implemented our
receiver architecture using our
research platform, PyGNSS.
We subjected it to simulated

jamming and meaconing

attacks. We demonstrate
through our experiments the
robustness of our DP receiver
architecture.
By Yuting Ng and Grace
Xingxin Gao, Aerospace
Engineering,University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Presented at IEEE/ION PLANS
2016.

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G P S W O R L D 49

SEEN HEARD
SHIP-TO-SHORE DRONE DELIVERY
Drone delivery service Flirtey and
Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine and the Field Innovation
Team (FIT) successfully conducted
the first ship-to-shore drone
delivery in the U.S. on the New
Jersey coastline. The joint mission
from Cape May to an offshore vessel
demonstrated how UAVs can provide
life-saving aid to victims of a disaster.

GOING UP A HILL,
COMING DOWN A CORBETT
A Scottish mountain has been
formally promoted. For 60
years, Cnoc Coinnich in Argyll
has been recorded as 761
meters. But a GNSS survey
in July showed it measures
763.5 meters. Any mountain
between 762 and 914 meters
is officially a Corbett, making
the Cnoc Coinnich the latest
of 222 Scottish Corbetts that
hillwalking fanatics scale
determined to climb them all.

CRASH INVESTIGATION
A Tesla Model S with the
Autopilot system activated was
involved in a fatal crash May 7 in
Florida, the first known fatality
where the Autopilot was active.
This is the first known fatality in
just over 130 million miles where
Autopilot was activated. The
National Highway Transportation
Safety Administration is now
investigating.

SPACEY
RUSSIAN
STAMP
A new Russian
Federation
postage stamp
features the GLONASS-K satellite
and graphic icons representing
the main application areas of
the satellite navigation systems
services. The stamp and first-day
cover were officially issued on July 5.

HIGH-FLYING SNEAKERS
European airline easyJets
prototype smart shoes could
help customers explore new
cities without getting lost.
The Sneakairs smart shoe
connects via Bluetooth to a
smartphone app that uses
a smartphones GPS and
directs the wearer which way
to walk by triggering small
vibrating sensors in the shoe.

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50 G P S W O R L D

WWW.GPSWORLD.COM

AUGUST 2016

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