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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 November 2009
This paper and the following 5 papers were presented at the Institute's RIN-96 Conference, held at the University of Southampton, in September 1996. Copies of the complete Proceedings may be obtained from the Director. Price £6 members, £8.50 non-members.
This is a time of unprecedented change in radio-navigation systems and practices. The rapid development of satellite technology is challenging navigation authorities in every country to question the future of terrestrial navigation systems. The technical adequacy of the new techniques is being demonstrated in many applications but there remain serious questions concerning the reliability, integrity and political control of the current satellite systems and their long-term future.
The paper describes the operational principles of the present satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) and GLONASS. It compares them with terrestrial aids, identifying their advantages and drawbacks. Accuracy, availability and integrity are considered. The reasons for the development of differential operation are examined.
Finally, the paper looks at the future of satellite systems and addresses some of the difficult institutional issues concerning satellite navigation with which navigation authorities worldwide are having to grapple. It reviews the development of the future Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and identifies the economic benefits it could bring.